Malia Masalu is an inspiring young Tongan woman who has overcome many difficulties in life, including living with visual impairment and chronic kidney disease. After her mother sadly passed away several years ago, Malia has lived independently in South Auckland, with carer support from her Aunt.

Robert Sopoaga is a young Samoan man with Down syndrome, living in Christchurch with his parents. An active member of his local community, Robert is also part of the Jolt contemporary dance group. Advice from Vaka Tautua Canterbury helped him gain better access to the activities he loves.

Vaka Tautua’s Disability Information Advisory Services team in Porirua has been actively engaging with other providers to open up more opportunities for the local Pacific disabled community and explore new pathways for Vaka Tautua’s service users.

The lives of a Tongan couple in the Canterbury region have been transformed after receiving support from Vaka Tautua’s services for Pacific people. Tony Wolfgramm has a newfound independence and his wife, Anaseini, is finding her role as caregiver has greatly eased.

Advice from Vaka Tautua’s Disability Information Advisory Services team has helped a Tongan family reconnect to their community through access to better transport. A successful application for financial assistance enabled them to purchase a vehicle, transforming their lives for the better.

Vaka Tautua’s Disability Information Advisory Services team promotes wellbeing for carers, to help them look after their loved ones living with a disability. So, when Paki Vaipapalangi reached out for advice, the team provided information in his Tongan language to help the family thrive.

Porirua resident John Mu isn’t letting his disability slow him down. Armed with information and advice from Vaka Tautua’s Disability Information Advisory Services team in Wellington, he is racing along his journey towards increased mobility and wellbeing.

Vaka Tautua’s Community Connector Service in Wellington has helped 243 Pacific people during the pandemic. The team recently supported Samoeleoi Moetu to regain his mobility and independence, giving him a new lease on life.

Vaka Tautua responded to 4,947 disability-related enquiries across Aotearoa in 2021. The organisation also distributed 973 PPE packs and more than 150 wellbeing packages to 623 Pacific disabled people and their families as part of its national COVID-19 outreach service.

Misi Maea Kaifa had struggled for a long time with accessing transport for his disabled son Samuela. With support from Vaka Tautua’s Disability Services team, Samuela is now more connected and engaged with his community.