Over the easter weekend, the Tokelau Easter Festival unfolded in Lower Hutt, Wellington, hosted by the Tokelau Hutt Valley community. The event, held bi-annually, celebrated its 49th year, drawing participants from six regional groups across New Zealand - Auckland, Rotorua, Taupo, Manawatu, Porirua, and Hutt Valley.

In 2023, a group of 11-12-year-old young women, primarily of Polynesian descent, who play basketball in Manurewa, Auckland, participated in both a U13 Auckland-wide club competition and competitions within their local Intermediate School. Through collaborations with their school and club, Pasifika Futures (PFL) sponsored the team to a tournament recognised as one of the top events for U13 basketball in New Zealand. This event not only offers competitive exposure but also connects players with high schools and colleges, offering academic and sporting scholarships that many South Auckland players may otherwise miss out on.

Every Friday after school, the sound of the school bell signals for a group of Pacific youth that it is time to head to the East Tamaki Domain Tennis Club. As part of a weekly programme, the club hosts junior sessions for youth aged 7-18, providing an opportunity to learn key skills in tennis whilst encouraging them to continue growing their love for the sport. Through a partnership with the club, Pasifika Futures (PFL) recently donated new tennis rackets and tennis balls to help support the club with their sessions.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group, through the PMA Knowledge Hub, hosted the inaugural cohort of its 12 week micro-credential course, developed in partnership with the University of Auckland. The commencement of the course will see students navigate various material, equipping them with the knowledge and skillset to contribute to improving the wellbeing outcomes for Pacific families.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) expresses heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Pacific leader and Member of Parliament, Fa'anānā Efeso Collins.

He Whānau Manaaki Kindergarten Association operates kindergarten centres across various regions, including Whanganui, Central Plateau, Horowhenua, Kapiti, Porirua, Greater Wellington, Upper Hutt, and Wairarapa. Their goal is to create an enjoyable and secure learning environment filled with connections and aroha (love). They also provide a home-based service, Etu Ao, in Porirua and Levin.

Last week, the Due Drop centre in South Auckland hosted the annual Sunpix Pacific Peoples Awards 2023, where 12 winners from six categories took the spotlight. In the Pacific Health and Wellbeing Award category, sponsored by Pasifika Futures (PFL), two individuals were honoured: Frank Hicks and Pale Sauni.

Pasifika Futures (PFL), held its annual Ngalu Fānifo Mental Health graduation, recognising recipients who successfully completed a Health Coach Certificate and Advanced Mental Health Certificate. In partnership with PreKure, a mental health training organisation, the Ngalu Fānifo mental health programme is purposed with contributing towards building and developing the Pacific mental health workforce, which saw 34 Pacific graduates receive a qualification this year.

Fonua Ola, a wellbeing centre for Pacific families, stands as a pillar of strength with its mission to empower families.

In celebration of Tokelau Language Week, we highlight the work carried out by Pasifika Futures (PFL) partner, Atafu Tokelau Community Group (ATCG), whose goal is to work towards and maintain prosperity for Tokelauans in the region.

Nora Swann, creative entrepreneur and fashion enthusiast, founded community-based wellness programme Dressed in Confidence, in 2016. Her vision was to advocate for Pacific representation across all sectors, and help facilitate the connection between confidence and mental wellbeing.

The Tuvalu Auckland Community Trust (TACT) operates in the community under the vision of Tuvaluans living productively, progressively and prosperously. Through their partnership with Pasifika Futures (PFL), TACT is able to carry out key pieces of their work.