Growing financial capability for Pacific peoples
Vaka Tautua, Aotearoa’s ‘by Pacific, for Pacific’ health, disability, and social services provider, was announced this month as one of the primary organisations to receive funding from the Government’s Pacific Financial Capability Grants.
Graduates of the Tupe Wise 1 programme – 9 December 2021.
The Ministry for Pacific Peoples launched the Pacific Financial Capability Fund as one of the first steps in implementing its Pacific Housing Initiative, in response to the growing housing needs of Pacific people in Aotearoa.
Hon Aupito William Sio, the Minister for Pacific Peoples, announced the chosen providers on 2 December via Zoom, after a delay due to the COVID-19 lockdown.
One of 15 organisations selected to deliver financial capability programmes to Pacific communities over the next three years, Vaka Tautua was the only organisation to be awarded multiple contracts to deliver in the Auckland, Wellington, Canterbury, and Otago regions.
Vaka Tautua’s award-winning Pacific financial literacy and capability programme, called Tupe Wise, builds Pacific peoples’ financial knowledge, literacy, and ability, and supports them on a pathway towards home ownership.
Dr Amanda-Lanuola Dunlop, Chief Executive Officer for Vaka Tautua, said, “Now, more than ever, our Pacific peoples need the knowledge and skills of how to use their money wisely, to make their finances work for them and their families, and save towards the goal of home ownership.
“At Vaka Tautua we have seen the power of financial capability knowledge, and the positive difference it makes in the lives of our people. We are thrilled to continue delivering our programmes even further across Aotearoa, so more of our Pacific peoples can thrive and prosper.”
The Tupe Wise programme has been refreshed and extended, based on the latest evidence, participant feedback, and COVID-19 experience. It now involves two components – Tupe Wise 1, an introductory 8-module programme; and Tupe Wise 2, a more in-depth 3-module programme; both with one-on-one coaching.
The refreshed Tupe Wise 1 programme was successfully run in Auckland in October and November this year. From February 2022, Vaka Tautua is ready to deliver both Tupe Wise programmes in the Auckland, Wellington, Canterbury, and Otago regions to support Pacific people, their families, and communities to develop financial independence and make their aspirations a reality.
Learn more about Vaka Tautua’s financial capability services: Tupe Wise