Community Connections Service Expands to Wellington and Canterbury

Newly-appointed Wellington senior community connector, Faye Seumanutafa, with Prime Minister Jacinda Arden, during her visit to Vaka Tautua Wellington last year.

Vaka Tautua is expanding its Community Connections service to help Pacific peoples access the government support and services they need to recover from the impacts of COVID-19 in Wellington and Canterbury. The service has been running in South Auckland since September 2020. 

“We are thrilled to be able to offer this very-much needed service to our Pacific peoples in Wellington and Canterbury,” says Vaka Tautua Chief Executive Officer, Dr Amanda-Lanuola Dunlop.

“Many of our Pacific peoples do not know what support services are available, how to access them or have the means to do so. This service is about being that connector, the glue, to ensure they get the support they require to thrive and prosper.”

The service and community connector positions are funded by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD). MSD created these positions across New Zealand in July 2020 to ensure individuals and families are able to access the support and services they need to recover from the impacts of COVID-19. The positions complement providers’ existing services, ensuring that connections and support is more accessible and available to individuals and families.

Vaka Tautua Wellington stalwart, Faye Seumanutafa, has been appointed senior community connector for the region. A former disability services team leader, she has considerable experience engaging with government agencies and service providers on behalf of our service users.

“I have always been passionate about helping our Pacific peoples, and I feel this role will allow me to  contribute more to improving Pacific peoples’ health and wellbeing,” says Ms Seumanutafa.

“I am excited to start this role, where my strengths can be utilised to ensure our communities are well-informed… and get the assistance and support they need.”

Ms Seumanutafa started her new role on 8 March, and joins Pelenatete Lam Sam who is performing this role in South Auckland. A Canterbury appointment will be made in April.

Vaka Tautua is a national Pacific health and social services provider with a strong regional presence in the greater Auckland, Wellington, and Canterbury regions. It delivers disability, mental health, older peoples, social services and financial capability services.

For all enquiries, please email: comms@vakatautua.co.nz