When Fuamoa Allen fell into a coma after brain surgery twelve years ago, her doctors advised she would not have long to live. Fuamoa’s daughter Trudy Savea refused to accept this prognosis, fighting to keep her mother alive and well cared for within the family home in Takanini.

For eight weeks over summer, Vaka Tautua has played host to several University of Otago students as part of the POPO internship programme. POPO, which stands for the Pacific Opportunities Programme at Otago, aims to increase the number of Pacific students in health related fields in Aotearoa.

Samoan mother Peiu Muavaa Seve reached out to Vaka Tautua seeking support for her daughter, Pepe Muavaa. Pepe, who is nineteen years old and lives in Favona, was born with Dandy-Walker Syndrome, a congenital condition that affects the development of the brain.

Born in the village of Kolofo’ou in Tonga, Samiu Koniseti migrated to live in Aotearoa as a young man in the 1980s. Having worked hard and raised his family, in recent times Samiu has faced some challenges, being diagnosed with cancer while living in transitional housing.

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.

Gloria and James Viliamu are a young Samoan couple starting out on their financial journey together, wanting to provide the best future for their baby boy, Nathaniel. Since completing Vaka Tautua’s Tupe Wise programme earlier this year, they have already reached several milestones on the road to financial freedom.

Vaka Tautua’s Community Support Services team in West Auckland has developed a new programme supporting the mental and physical health of Pacific peoples through active breath and movement. Group sessions are creating a sense of community and helping build confidence for those living with mental illness.

Elder abuse is an issue that affects roughly one in ten seniors in Aotearoa, including many Pacific older people. To mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day this June 15, Vaka Tautua’s Aiga Fiafia Social Services team raised awareness in the community about what signs to look out for and how to seek help.

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, in collaboration with Pacific Homecare, yesterday held its first Matua Ola Manuia Market Day since December 2020. After a long wait due to the pandemic, four Pacific groups for older people came together to showcase their vibrant cultures and handicrafts in the highly successful event.

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.

Alofa Leilua was able to overcome ongoing mental health challenges to become a thriving tertiary student, with help from Vaka Tautua’s Community Support Services in West Auckland.

In 2021, Miriam Terei-Roriki left Rarotonga for urgent medical treatment in Aotearoa. Vaka Tautua supported Miriam and her family to adjust to their new life, and learn to thrive with help from our Parenting and Tupe Wise Programmes. 

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.

Vaka Tautua has shifted two social wellbeing programmes online to ensure our Pacific families in Auckland still have access to much needed services and support.

Vaka Tautua’s hard-working Community Connectors are making a real difference to the lives of those who need it the most.

Two years after launching, The Generator is continuing to help enterprising Kiwis experiencing financial hardship to pave their way to a stronger financial future and improve their wellbeing.

After six years in Henderson, Vaka Tautua West Auckland has relocated to a new premises in Mount Albert which includes a Pacific community wellbeing hub.