In attendance are representatives from the Pacific Behavioral Health Collaborating Council (PBHCC), which is a partnership between six US affiliated Pacific Island jurisdictions – the Republic of Palau, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, American Samoa and the Federated States of Micronesia.
PBHCC’s vision is: ‘Pacific Island communities, families and individuals who are substance abuse free and have access to optimal mental health care.’
Their visit to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is co-hosted by Le Va, the Global Leadership Exchange (GLE) and Te Pou to connect Pasifika leaders in the fields of mental health, addiction and disability.
Denise Kingi-‘Ulu’ave, Chief Executive of Le Va, said of the event, “Last year Le Va and GLE signed a memorandum of understanding with the intention of growing an international network of strong leadership to support the wellbeing of our communities in Aotearoa.
“This international exchange is the first tangible outcome arising from our partnership, which we hope will lead to improved wellbeing outcomes for all of our Pacific peoples.”
The week-long event began with a traditional Tongan kava ceremony to welcome the international guests from PBHCC, who included Reyna Saures (Vice President), Dr Theresa Arriola (Director), and James Arriola (Executive Director).
Acting US Consulate General Alexia Branch and Mara Hosoda Su’a (US Pacific Regional Engagement Specialist, US Consulate General Auckland) joined the welcome, alongside representatives from Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora, Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People, the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, and Manatū Hauora – Ministry of Health.
Discussions and presentations followed on international collaboration and implementation strategies to enhance mental health and addiction services globally.
Future collaboration between the organisations present will connect leaders in these sectors to help find solutions for our communities in Aotearoa, the Pacific and around the world.
“I met Fa’anānā after the Canterbury earthquakes. I think I must’ve been about 17 or 18. He was doing some work to help our Pacific communities recover, so I think of him in the context of 13 years since February 22 2011 too. Since then I have been one of lots and lots of people he made time for. I know everyone he was with felt we were the only focus in those conversations – he just wanted to support.
I organised for him to Zoom into a University of Canterbury Politics Masters class in 2021. This was during the essential vaccine roll out in Auckland, which he was so critical in helping lead. After our opening he said, “I came because all Samoans are related and, if I didn’t, I knew I’d get in trouble with Josiah’s parents.” Haha, we aren’t literally related as far I know, he nurtured all of our community like that, especially younger leaders, and always put others at ease with his humour.
We had been messaging recently about protecting all the efforts made to honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi. As one of our Matai living here, and as an educator, he took personal responsibility as he wanted all tauiwi to protect Te Tiriti and he was absolutely focused on doing this in his three years in Parliament.
Every good word spoken about him over these days is true – he was a genuine servant leader. I’m very sad our community no longer has him to laugh with us (and at us at times haha), for the generational and community bridging he enabled, especially for our Rainbow Pacific peoples which was different than what he had been brought up with in church youth movements, his living Christian faith shone through as an adult.
Fa’anānā’s maiden speech is a precious wero I would please ask you to listen to and reflect on. I believe we should all be seeking what Fa’anānā is.
Fa’afetai tele lava lau afioga rangatira Fa’anānā. Moe mai ra. Ia manuia lou malaga.”
Le Va will be extending alofa on behalf of the whole Wise Group when members of our team attend the celebration of Fa’anānā’s life on Thursday 29 February from 12pm at the Due Drop Events Centre, responding to the precious open invitation to everyone from his family. Our hearts and prayers are with Fa’anānā’s beloved wife, daughters and aiga.
“O le tele o sulu, e maua ai figota” is a Samoan proverb meaning, “Through collaboration, the most difficult challenges can be overcome.”
Partnership and collaboration are integral to the success of Le Va, Aotearoa’s leading Pacific primary prevention organisation, which is why Le Va’s Board and senior executives were pleased to sign a memorandum of understanding with the International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership (IIMHL) and the International Initiative for Disability Leadership (IIDL) this week.
Chief Executive of Le Va, Denise Kingi-‘Ulu’ave said, “Given the prevailing uncertainty in the world, many have voiced their concerns regarding its potential impact on people’s mental wellbeing. To best address these issues, we believe that strong leadership is crucial, which is why we are eagerly anticipating our collaboration with IIMHL and IIDL.”
Signing the MoU signals Le Va’s expansion into a global arena of leadership, representing Pasifika interests to achieve the best outcomes for Pacific people with disabilities and lived experience of addiction and mental health challenges.
Steve Appleton, the President and Chief Executive of IIMHL/IIDL said of his trip to Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia that it was an opportunity to formalise the collaboration with Le Va, and make progress in working together with Pasifika leaders.
“Through sharing experiences and learning from one another, we can build stronger communities, stronger services, and services that can respond more effectively to the needs of our increasingly diverse populations,” Steve said.
IIMHL and IIDL connect international mental health leaders to help them share innovations and solve problems in the areas of mental health, addiction and disability around the globe.
Nine countries are members of the group, with New Zealand being a founding member of IIMHL and the Netherlands the latest country to join IIDL, alongside Australia, Canada, England, the Republic of Ireland, Scotland, Sweden and USA.
Le Va supports Pasifika families and communities to unleash their full potential, bringing more than 15 years of experience to the primary prevention of suicide, violence, mental health and addiction, and strengthening the Pasifika public health workforce.
Pacific people in Aotearoa have seen a statistically significant reduction in the annual provisional suicide rate, as reported by the Office of the Chief Coroner yesterday.
The provisional rate for Pacific populations is now 5.1 per 100,000 people, compared to 9.2 per 100,000 people last year.
Denise Kingi-‘Ulu’ave, Chief Executive of Le Va, said, “Our hearts go out to those who have experienced the death of a loved one from suicide. These statistics represent the tragic loss of beautiful lives, with a devastating impact on grieving whānau and friends.”
“We also acknowledge the individuals, families and communities who are working tirelessly to create a sense of hope in our communities. Preventing suicide requires holistic and collective efforts, and a willingness to take positive action.”
Le Va delivers two national suicide prevention programmes – FLO: Pasifika for Life for Pasifika communities and LifeKeepers, a programme for all New Zealanders that has trained nearly 15,000 people with the knowledge, skills and confidence to intervene when someone is at risk of suicide.
Denise said, “Le Va takes an evidence-based approach to suicide prevention, ensuring our programmes and resources are clinically safe and culturally responsive. Our strategy is to inform and equip our communities with the tools and skills they need to find their own solutions to suicide.
“We know that enhancing protective factors and mitigating for risk factors can foster resilience and lead to a great reduction in harm.”
Preventing suicide is complex and requires a well-funded and collaborative approach. Le Va calls on the New Zealand government to significantly increase its investment in the Suicide Prevention Office – an important vehicle for the coordination of initiatives aimed at reducing suicide.
“While it is encouraging to note that the suicide rate for Pacific populations has seen a statistically significant reduction, we are mindful that our numbers of deaths by suicide are low and open to fluctuation,” Denise said.
“There is still more work to be done to reduce the rates for Māori, who continue to be disproportionately negatively affected. We are dedicated to continuing our mahi in the hope of seeing future suicide rates in decline for all people in Aotearoa.”
‘E tu’uloa ‘a e Lea Faka-Tongá ‘o ka lea’aki ‘i ‘api, siasi (lotú), mo e nofo-‘a-kāingá – the Tongan language will be sustainable if used at home, church and in the wider community.
Ben Tameifuna, Senior Manager Disability and Public Health, opened Tonga Language Week at Le Va by introducing the theme for 2023: ‘E tu’uloa ‘a e Lea faka-Tongá ‘o ka lea’aki ‘i ‘api, siasí (lotú), mo e nofo-‘a-kāingá, meaning the Tongan language will be sustainable if used at home, church and in the wider community.
The Le Va team celebrated with a Tongan morning tea for their Harakeke House colleagues, sharing ‘otai (fruit drink), pineapple pie, and keke ‘isite (doughnuts). Max Tuipulotu, Senior Project Coordinator at Le Va and an experienced dancer and choreographer, demonstrated Tongan dance moves and blessed the food.
Later in the week, Le Va’s Tongan staff, including Chief Executive Denise Kingi-‘Ulu’ave, shared a presentation with their colleagues on their family backgrounds and Tonga’s history and culture. The feast that followed was full of laughter, music and fellowship.
In the lead up to World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September, Le Va is highlighting the top five tactics for preventing suicide for Pasifika people. One of those tactics is ‘Cultural Identity’, with evidence showing that culture gives a sense of belonging and pride and is a protective factor for suicide.
The Pacific Language Weeks, supported by the Ministry for Pacific Peoples since 2010, are an opportunity to celebrate and promote the diversity of Pacific languages in Aotearoa, strengthening those cultural connections for our teams and for our communities.
The tournament showcased some of the best young rugby league players from around the country and was a fantastic opportunity for Le Va to engage with Pasifika youth and their families to raise awareness of the importance of mental wellbeing.
The event was well attended by the rugby league community and Le Va’s colourful inflatable fale was a drawcard for young people, who were attracted by our friendly staff and giveaways.
Creating community connections through meaningful engagement at sporting events is one way Le Va supports better health and wellbeing outcomes for our Pasifika people.
Our ongoing partnership with NZRL and the New Zealand Warriors rugby league team has allowed Le Va to share our messages more widely with a large audience, and to ensure we hear the voices of the community on how we can be of service.
Part of our purpose at the event was to engage with parents on the serious issue of child sexual abuse by conducting a survey to inform a needs analysis. The Atu-Mai team collected more than 100 parent surveys over the two days, with data to feedback into their research.
We greatly appreciated the chance to talanoa with parents, share our initial findings and hear their views on mental health and child sexual abuse. Many thanks to NZRL for inviting us to be part of the wellbeing hub at the event, alongside other organisations and healthcare providers.
Led by their Chief Executive, Paula Tesoriero, members of Whaikaha’s executive leadership team, including Ben O’Meara, Tofa Gush and Dr Alfredo Adams, engaged with the Faiva Ora group with the goal of open dialogue.
Senior Manager for Public Health and Disability at Le Va, Ben Tameifuna, welcomed the guests with the Tongan saying “Fofola e fala kae talanoa e kāinga”, or rolling out the metaphorical mat for dialogue with kin and declaring a safe space for talanoa (talk).
Le Va works alongside community groups to reduce negative stigma and promote inclusion and acceptance by developing positive narratives about disability. The Faiva Ora leadership group plays a role in advancing and championing Pasifika disability issues by having their views represented at the highest levels in New Zealand.
Whaikaha was set up in partnership with the community, providing leadership on issues affecting disabled people with the goal of transforming the disability system in Aotearoa.
Attendees at what was the first of many talanoa sessions expressed excitement for what the future holds as all three groups look forward to the development of a new Pacific National Disability Action Plan over the coming months.
The award recognised Le Va’s achievements in developing and supporting the Pasifika mental health and addiction workforce with its Te Whatu Ora funded Futures that Work scholarship programme.
Since 2009, Futures that Work has been life-changing for more than 700 Pasifika students who have gone on to work in a wide range of careers supporting the mental wellbeing and improving health outcomes of our Pasifika communities.
The scholarships go beyond financial support, offering students mentoring and pastoral care, as well as tools to help them reach their study goals.
Le Va Senior Manager for Disability and Public Health, Ben Tameifuna, acknowledged the other nominees in his acceptance speech, saying, “We are honoured to walk alongside you in celebrating the work we all do to create a more inclusive society in Aotearoa.
“Receiving the Impact Award tonight is such an honour and will inspire us to continue this important mahi to ensure our communities get the best possible outcomes.”
Diversity Awards NZ is the most significant awards programme in Aotearoa New Zealand to celebrate excellence in workplace diversity, equity and inclusion.
The awards showcase organisations like Le Va who put people at their heart. The Impact Award goes to a private or non-profit organisation that intentionally works towards building a more equitable workplace and a more inclusive society.
This formal partnership is the result of several years of working together and alongside each other to support Pacific families. Some of the activities this partnership will support include workforce development, co-designing Pacific models of care, and collaborating to address health and wellbeing.
Bindi Norwell, ProCare Group CEO, says, “This partnership is a natural progression of how closely ProCare and Le Va have been working together over the last few years, so we are delighted to recognise this with a formal agreement.”
Le Va is part of the Wise Group, one of the largest providers of mental health, addiction and wellbeing services in Aotearoa New Zealand, which has many social support services that will benefit ProCare families. “We both share very similar goals and aspirations for uplifting the health and wellbeing of our Pacific kāinga (family), so we hope that working together will help us get there faster,” concludes Norwell.
Viv Pole, Head of Pacific Health at ProCare, says, “Le Va has built strong connections with Pacific people over many years, so is a trusted leader in this space. Their team has a wealth of knowledge and resources we can tap into to support both our communities and our GP practices.
“One of ProCare’s areas of focus is workforce development. We have been supporting our practice staff, particularly in areas with high Pacific and Māori populations, to increase their confidence and competency in engaging with these communities. We are excited to work with Le Va to offer a fantastic online cultural training programme tailored for our healthcare practices across the network through this partnership,” says Pole.
Le Va Chief Executive, Denise Kingi-‘Ulu’ave, says, “At Le Va we work alongside the services and in our communities to deliver mental health, addiction, public health, suicide prevention, disability, youth wellbeing and violence prevention social sectors to develop flourishing Pasifika communities who are reaching their full potential.
“The support, resources and knowledge that ProCare and Le Va can share through this partnership will help us collectively impact more of our Pacific kāinga. We are excited to formalise this valued partnership today.” concludes Kingi-‘Ulu’ave.
A signing ceremony was held at the ProCare offices on August 14, signifying the official start of the partnership agreement. ProCare and Le Va look forward to sharing more about the partnership activities in due course.
Le Va staff travelled to Pipitea Campus in Pōneke to take part in the university’s second Pasifika Careers Expo. The event showcased Pasifika people in a variety of workforces and organisations and attracted a large audience of current VUW students, local Pasifika high school students and their families.
Le Va, appointed by Te Whatu Ora to provide Aotearoa’s national centre for Pacific mental health and addiction workforce development, welcomed the opportunity to encourage and inspire students to consider a career in the field.
Nicholas Cao, Clinical Lead at Le Va, said, “It’s essential to support the Pasifika mental health and addiction workforce to keep growing, so we can meet the ongoing needs of our communities. Speaking with the young people here at Te Herenga Waka today makes me hopeful for the future of Pasifika mental health in Aotearoa.”
Le Va supports frontline services to enhance the cultural responsiveness of their staff, to better serve our Pasifika communities. This includes equipping the workforce with tools and resources to enhance their practice, deliver innovative and integrated care, and improve outcomes for all New Zealanders.
Le Va is part of the Wise Group. Copyright ©2024
