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Honestly listen. It’s as simple and complex as it sounds. Sometimes we don’t need solutions, we just need someone to listen with an empathetic heart.

– Kasi Valu

Do we really know what our young people are going through? Le Va had the privilege of connecting with a spoken word winner and leader in the Pasifika community, Kasi Valu. This is the the unedited story of his dreams, how he is coping with the pandemic and his advice for parents to better support their child’s mental health and wellbeing.

What are 5 dreams you have as a Pasifika young person?

Dreams are forever flourishing in and out like endless rivers washing the shores of my mind, every single day.
Taha – One dream that has planted its seed and mounted its immovable roots is to go back to Tonga and live there for some time. In the current climate we are living in this seems to become more out of reach. However, I tend to gravitate towards things that are not easy to attain, it’s embedded into who I am, it’s embedded into the excellence of every Pasifika person.
Ua – I dream to continue to tell stories for a living. I did not choose to pursue the arts, it is my calling. I have tried many other avenues of study and profession, however my soul is fulfilled by the nutrients of storytelling. This directly links to my work with Le Moana where I am mentored and nourished by one of the best Tupe Lualua, and with my brothers in Talanoa Toko. Both hold unique and special ties to the core compass that helps me navigate a variety of spaces within the arts and society.
Tolu – Win an Oscar. We are the original storytellers, need I say more?
Fa – I dream of writing and publishing a collection of poetry/short stories that is reflective of my experience as a sexually fluid Tongan child of the Pacific diaspora in Aotearoa in collaboration with other Pasifika artists, writer and poets because nobody hold a pen to paper like we do. Our experiences deserved to be and will be platformed within every stream of media, platform and avenue, in galleries, scholarly articles and stages, whatever it may be, our ancestors were, to allow us to be.
Nima – To choose joy, drink water, mind my business and stay connected to my family, to our people, our community, to our oceans.

How have you coped with the pandemic and how has this impacted your self-journey of personal growth and development?

I’m privileged to have had the support of my siblings and family during this pandemic. That’s how I continue to cope. Connecting with my family. In a world where there is so much uncertainty darting across our glass screens and the unpredictability of what may come next within our arts industry, it’s a privilege to have a foundation, sedimented in immovable and unconditional love.

Describe an environment that makes you most happy.

There’s an array of environments that make me most happy. Being inside my room with my books, incense, candle, and some butcher’s paper. Having time to Talanoa, eating junk food and watching a movie with my siblings, my nena, my family. Spending time with my chosen family in Wellington, who have nurtured in place of my siblings, in our falekā.

How could a parent better support their children’s mental health and wellbeing?

Honestly listen. It’s as simple and complex as it sounds. Sometimes we don’t need solutions, we just need someone to listen with an empathetic heart.

We know school responsibilities are one of the top stressors that contribute to worsening mental health.

– Denise Kingi-Uluave

The Toloa Secondary School Scholarships programme supports Pasifika youth to further their studies and careers in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths).

Chief Executive of Le Va, Denise Kingi-Uluave, says this first of its kind partnership between MPP and Le Va is a great recognition of the important role positive mental health and wellbeing plays in the academic and career trajectory of a young person.

“We know school responsibilities are one of the top stressors that contribute to worsening mental health,” Denise says.

“With a dedicated approach to nurture the wellbeing of our young people, our Pasifika youth are more likely to reach their full potential.”

Continuing to build on the importance of resilience, Le Va’s Niu Wave is a holistic programme to support young people’s wellbeing.

Le Va, a not-for-profit Pasifika-led mental health and wellbeing organisation, will work alongside students, schools and families to build connected, resilient and well-supported villages of young Pasifika people across Aotearoa.

Minister for Pacific Peoples Hon Aupito William Sio says getting more Pacific people engaged in education is critical for the sake of achieving a thriving and prosperous Pacific Aotearoa.

“This will build our rising Generation 6Bs – of Brown, Brainy, Beautiful, Bi-cultural, Bilingual and Bold Pacific students,” Minister Sio says.

“I celebrate Le Va’s efforts in building resilience and wellbeing.”

Le Va’s Niu Wave for the Toloa recipients will be launched in March 2022.

Read more about Le Va youth programmes here: https://www.leva.co.nz/youth/

ENDS

We welcome media interviews, please contact

media@leva.co.nz

About Le Va

Le Va supports New Zealand communities to have improved health and social outcomes and is highly regarded throughout the health sector with a proven track record of success within mental health and addiction, disability, workforce development, public health, violence prevention and suicide prevention.

 

 Together, they reflected on what lies ahead and shared their hopes and dreams for their future. If their reflections are any indication, our future is looking brighter already. Below, they talk about what they’ve been missing and their dreams for their voyage ahead.

My hopes and dreams are a kingdom and sunlight.
– Cooper, 6

I hope that Covid goes away soon because it’s boring and I want life to be normal again. When I’m older I want to be a business owner and build things like my Dad. Then I will be able to own a big gaming PC so I can play lots of cool games. 
– Blake, 10

My hope this year is to get better at maths and better at keeping my things tidy so I can get more things. My dream for this year is to get more fidgets. For next year my hope is to look after my stuff so I can keep it. My dream is to be faster.
– Sunny, 9

I hope to be the smartest in school. I’m definitely trying to be better than last year.
I dream of being an anime character.
– Prezley, 11

I hope to wake up earlier than I usually do, work on my health and grow my brain (knowledge) and my confidence. I dream of becoming the next Elon Musk and owning a dog.
– Honour, 9

I want everybody to stop fighting and having wars with each other. We should all just be kind and stick together, look after each other and just love each other.
– Lily-Manaia, 8

I hope we see better days with all that’s happening and that we can go to school and sports as normal.
– EJ, 9

I want to get out of isolation. It’s getting really boring and have more interesting vocabulary in school.
– Luke, 11

I hope I can come back to New Zealand. I miss my family. I miss Rainbow’s End and McDonalds and the parks and the pools and having fun with my mum and dad there.
– Lotomalie, 7, Samoa

I haven’t got any, just get through high school.
– Caylin-Rose, 13

My hope is to not copy Charlie, and to be smart. To be good and I hope that my sister is still Sunsun because I love her.
Next year my hope is to bring my togs and swim, and to be smart… and go to the doctor and learn, and read all my books and listen to Whaea Kendall.
– Mahina, 6

Learning how to speak more Japanese and my dream job is to be a professional volleyball player.
– Tyrell, 10

To have a good year and for Thayne to stop fighting with Tyrell.
– Taylor, 8

Like toys?…Um, my birthday, going on holiday, playing with my cousins and friends, dancing. For next year, the new year, movie nights and gymnastics.
– Cleveland, 6

I want to get through the last years of school successfully and prepare to serve a 2-year full time mission when I turn 18.
– Thayne, 16

I hope to make the top netball team this year and become better at baking.
I dream of bungy jumping from the highest building.
– Armani Jade, 13

I hope to make the premiere netball team for school this year and to endorse with Excellence in NCEA level 1.
– Paris, 15

I hope to learn my times tables, and maybe get a puppy.
– Mariella, 7

I’d like to do ironman by myself. I want to be the smartest kid in my class and post on YouTube and create content.
I dream of earning heaps of money and creating games on Roblox. And I also want to work with Dhar Mann.
– Lake, 8

I hope for Covid to leave us alone and to make the Basketball A Team in school this year.
– Tristan, 8

I hope to be able to learn all my timetables up to 12 off by heart and to become a future Anime clay designer.
– Roman, 10

I just hope that I can do good at school and stop wearing masks all the time. I’m a bit over Covid and all the restrictions. I miss all the family get-togethers and playing with my cousins all the time.
– Presaeus, 14

‘Within our ancestral voices are some true answers to healing’

– Rob Williams

The FEEL App is an emotional awareness platform that shows you how to safely share your feelings, bring about balance, understand more about yourself and then connect with others to create a community of care and trust.

Le Va had the opportunity to connect with Rob to ask him a few questions about his fearless steps during the app’s development.

What fueled your interest in this field of work?
I was inspired by a meditation methodology developed by my mentor Bert McCarthy. It helped me form a more positive relationship with my negative talking self. It helped establish equilibrium and balance within and I felt a strong desire to help others find this same balance.

Share with us the collaborations you have made to bring this dream to life?
This has been the most amazing journey of collaboration. The meditation has been translated and recorded into six different Polynesian languages: Samoan, Tongan, Cook Island, Tahitian, Hawaiian and Māori. It has also been recorded in French as well as English. So that means at least six to eight translators and 12 to 14 voice artists.

I collaborated with Bert McCarthy, my Mentor, who was influential in helping me on my mindfulness journey. Bert and I worked to form ideas around the meditation methodology and delivery.

Finally, I collaborated with Opetaia Foa’i who is recognised for his music in the Moana movie. Opetaia is one of the South Pacific’s most influential cultural and musical ambassadors.

I will say, just quietly, that each meditation track is like listening to part 2 of the Moana movie so you’re in for a truly special experience.

Why do you feel this work is important?
Creating a Polynesian meditation series with uniquely Polynesian sounds, voices and instruments opens the door to meditation for our Pasifika and Māori communities. To journey back to a true sense of home and to experience the resonance through the notes, music, voices, and words.

With this project, how might you say you have journeyed from being fearful, to fear less, to being fearless?
Applying for the Le Va Pasifika Suicide Prevention Fund was relatively straight forward and like all applications your project must fit the funding criteria. It took a little bit of time to complete but all worthwhile when you receive the call that your application was successful. The fund allowed me to bring the concept to life through creating the music and recording the narrators. I say, look at the funding criteria and if your project fits inside the criteria, then GO FOR IT!

I remember being asked once, why you are doing this? The answer is quite simple. Many years ago, I had an experience in the Cook Islands as I was standing at the base of Te Rua Manga by a rock outcrop. As I turned toward the rocks, I instantly had a moment of déjà vu . It was as though I had been there long before.

It is undeniable that we as Māori whakapapa to the islands. Therefore, I feel a calling to this work, to collaborate with our beautiful Polynesian cultures in this meditation series, with the intention of developing positivity, stability, and a balanced sense of ‘home’ within.

I think when you find a project or a ‘why’ that inspires you, that carries the weight of your ancestors, and brings about positive change then you have a responsibility to become fearless.

The Feel app meditation series is set to launch very soon! Register now to get early access at: https://thefeel.app/register-your-interest

 

COVID – the uninvited and unwanted guest in our midst – has changed our lives in a most unforgettable way. We’ve lost people who we love and care about. It’s changed the way we interact and communicate with each other. It’s resulted in fear, anxiety, frustration and division. It’s changed our outlook on life for better or for worse.

Lutia i Puava ae mapu i Fagalele is a proverbial expression of the Samoan people coined from experiences in sailing close to Puava Point where the sea is always rough and turbulent, before becoming calm in Fagalele Bay. Navigating tough and turbulent circumstances has become the unwelcomed norm. As challenging as this might be, there is something profoundly emboldening about recounting the experiences of our ancestors – the giants on whose shoulders our firm foundations are laid – to steer us towards the calm waters ahead.

It’s clear what the role of our ancestors, grandparents and parents has been, to lay solid foundations for future generations. What about you and me? In a time of uncertainty, a time of great unrest, what might our role be in contributing to a better tomorrow? For starters, it befalls us to press on.  We must continue to be fearless and not be paralysed by fear. We must continue to dream and be visionary about the kind of future we’re striving for. After all, there is too much to gain, to lose.

We were all raised by villages of sorts, with people that provided teaching and reproof, correction and training. In my village, one figure towered above the rest as my source of strength and endless inspiration. Widowed at 45 with 14 children to care for, my grandmother’s most inspiring words to me, were: “The farther back you draw an arrow, the farther forward it will travel. No matter your circumstance in life, perspective is everything, it all begins in the mind”.

While it’s perfectly normal and quite understandable to let fear paralyse us into inaction and self-doubt, we each must cultivate a source of inspiration that we can call upon to help keep us grounded and motivated. For me, the memory of my beloved grandmother keeps me focused and steadfast, for she is the life that was and I am her legacy that is. My grandmother has planted the seeds and paved the way. Throughout the turmoil of the COVID ordeal, the memory of my grandmother – her tenacity and fearlessness – has kept me sane and focused. Through all that life has thrown my way – call them my ‘Puava Point’ – the thought of the peaceful oasis at Fagalele Bay has buoyed me and kept me pressing forward.

We all have a Fagalele Bay, a happy place that helps us press on and remain calm. What’s yours?

 

There are not many days in one’s lifetime like Sunday 1st August – where the Government, reflecting on past actions, apologised for the ‘Dawn Raids’, also known as the ‘Dog Raids’. A group from my generation started a letter campaign (#TautokoThePanthers) in support of the Polynesian Panthers’ call for an apology. Later, Benji Timu and I created a petition to build more support and call for all parties in Parliament to support the apology and have a special discussion on the topic. At the apology, our harmonies, our hugs, our laughter, our tears, our applause, our silence, and the openness of our Matua co-created a space of tapu to reflect on enduring pain, creating the potential for healing for many and raising our expectations of decision-makers and their work. Amongst a symphony of special moments, two, in particular, stood out for me;

The first was hearing Marina Alefosio, spoken word poet, creative and our youth development lead at Le Va share with us. With Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, HRH Princess Mele Siu’ilikutapu Kalaniuvalu Fotofili of Tonga, the Polynesian Panthers Claw and other matua sitting on her left, our Prime Minister, Minister Hon Aupito and their Government colleagues on her right, Marina weaved the challenging and uplifting feelings in the room together. Just a few of the lines that encouraged us included;

“…Valleys no longer drying us up
Of our Moana
Te-Moana-Nui-A-Kiwa
We are all worthy of that first light…”

Marina’s message about the mana we have for just being us, is precious. And it reminds me of one of the things I found most devastating to hear in the last few months, a genuine lingering question for some elders and their families who directly experienced the raids around whether they deserved this. Regardless of whether people were documented, or not, hearing the Government say this should not have happened, followed by Marina’s words hopefully enables for all peoples in Aotearoa time to reflect on valuing every person’s mana, because no one would want this to happen to their family, and so the principle should be that we would not want any family to be subjected to such experiences of denigration. The aftermath of the apology is a new moment for people in New Zealand to reflect on how we best address the past and achieve the best outcomes for health, education and in all areas for everyone – and to me this is not a rhetorical question, pressing deeper into equity is how we will get closer to achieve this.

Secondly, and foundationally, I really want to highlight how Tangata Whenua have shown so much alofa in tautoko of this apology through the letter campaign, the petition and in the ceremony itself despite all the challenges and pain they have experienced from the Crown and Parliament in the past, and today. Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei as mana whenua wrapped their korowai of care and support around our communities and our leaders hosting a dawn acknowledgement to reset the Auckland Town Hall from the concert of the night before, opening and closing the apology ceremony, and giving karakia before the team who worked to coordinate the event left the building. It’s my hope that we as Pacific peoples strengthen our support for Te Tiriti o Waitangi being honoured and committing to deepening the whanaungatanga relationship we have with tangata whenua. Tangata whenua have shown us throughout these months leading into, and at the time of the apology that it is about aroha ki te tangata, love for the people (also in raising and deepening this support we are even more directly supporting the 50% of Pacific children under 14 who are also tangata whenua). One current way to support this is using the influence and relationships we have, where we are, to support the actions the new Māori Health Authority will take. This is a great way for us to be part of enabling the potential of Aotearoa to truly well, by being well for tangata whenua, and as we have seen tangata whenua in their aroha enable better wellbeing for us all.

The process for how this apology has come about, the awhi of so many in support, and where we are at now I hope encourages us to further deepen our whanaungatanga with tangata whenua, champion our orators who weave hearts like Marina does, and share our ways of being here in Aotearoa. And no less small, write letters, emails and talk to our decision makers about what matters to us because it helps.

 

O le ala i le pule o le tautua – the pathway to leadership is through service

Dr Ashley Bloomfield was on the lineup at Le Va’s Le Tautua Leadership Programme last week, supporting Pasifika leaders to develop their unique leadership perspectives and enhance their management skills. Sharing his insights with the cohort of 16 participants, Director General of Health Dr Bloomfield said: “People will trust us if we lead with authenticity, kindness, humility and compassion”.

Building a robust Pacific health workforce can have a positive impact on Pacific health outcomes, according to Le Va chief executive Denise Kingi-U’lu’ave. But to do this, leadership is required. “Our intention is to grow champions for Pasifika workforce development, improve models of service delivery and enhance access rates to services for Pasifika communities,” she explained.

Programme participants also heard from Karen Orsborn, chief executive of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission, who encouraged them to take every opportunity that will come their way and to be diverse in their networks.

The programme paid respect to Pasifika health leaders past, present and future. The speaker lineup also included Josiah Tualamali’I, Andre Afamasaga, Monique Faleafa, Rachel Karalus, Epenesa Olo-Whaanga, Shana Malio and Hon. Aupito William Sio.

The culturally-centred Le Tautua programme focused on the contemporary execution of traditional values and in clinical, cultural, and community contexts. Running over three workshops, it concentrated on six intended outcomes:

• strengthening authenticity as Pasifika leaders
• increasing cultural knowledge relevant to leadership and management
• improving strategies for self-awareness, self-care and resilience
• strengthening positive relationships required for leadership
• enhancing purpose and career pathways
• increasing awareness of leading with compassion, wisdom and empathy.

Le Tautua has continued for 13 years with over 100 Pasifika Alumni, and is run by Le Va. For more information about Le Va, visit www.leva.co.nz.

Note: Le Tautua literally means ‘the service’, deriving from a famous Samoan proverb: ‘O le ala i le pule, o le tautua’. The pathway to authority is through service. The concept of Tautua includes the notion that: in order to lead, one must first serve. This is the characteristic of not just Samoan but many Pacific leadership styles, where it is not necessarily about leading from the front but about the paradox of status through service.

 

O le ala i le pule o le tautua – the pathway to leadership is through service

The Le Va Futures that Work Awards are an investment, not only in each individual, but also in the future of our country, Aotearoa New Zealand.

2021 marks the 13th year the Ministry of Health, through Le Va, has funded and supported the development of our Pasifika mental health and addiction workforce in Aotearoa New Zealand. To-date we have provided 765 awards to 583 of our Pasifika people.

When we first started out with Futures that Work we awarded only 30 recipients. 2021 we are honoured to award 133 recipients. For a minority people in Aotearoa that is a huge achievement for our Pasifika mental health and addiction workforce. We know that our people still have a way to go with improving our health outcomes. However, we know having Pasifika in our mental health and addiction people in the services as nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, clinical psychologists and doctors makes a big difference.

 

These awards also recognise that each recipient has the potential to feature among the best and to be leaders in the mental health and addiction sector. New Zealand and Pasifika communities need high calibre professionals working in the mental health and addiction sectors. Here at Le Va we believe that our families, communities and New Zealand deserve nothing less than the best. The 2021 recipients represent our journey, as a people, towards better outcomes in the mental health and addictions sector.

We believe that the acknowledgement of Pacific cultures plays an important part in addressing health issues for Pasifika. It is good to see that Pasifika cultural aspects are being incorporated more into health services. This approach is reflected in the Awards Pacific programme, which supports each recipient during their studies.

It is always an honour for Le Va to address a gathering of Pasifika from our many different cultures that are achieving in their field of endeavour. Our hope of the Futures that Work awards are to celebrate and treat our recipients as the heroes they are.
We also want to acknowledge this year’s award winners for their commitment in answering the call to serve their communities and to help ease the health burdens facing Pasifika in Aotearoa New Zealand. Just as important we must congratulate the Ministry of Health for investing in Pasifika and for entrusting Le Va with this important workforce development work.

Congratulations to the recipients of the Le Va Rebuilding Wellbeing Support Fund. The goal of the Fund is to support existing Pacific Mental Health and Addiction services to deliver community-based Covid-19 psychological response initiatives which ease Covid-19 related psychological, social and physical difficulties for Pasifika.

The recipients are:

 

The satellite seminars were born out of feedback to Le Va in 2016, where people mentioned that they would love to see local/regional seminars as opposed to one large conference. The focus of the GPS seminars was Growing Pasifika Solutions for what the Pasifika mental health and addiction workforce would look like for the next 12-18 months, especially in light of Kia Kaha, Kia Māia, Kia Ora Aotearoa – Psychosocial and mental health wellbeing plan (revised edition December 2020). The purpose was:

 

The Ministry of Health has invested a significant amount of funding in the primary care sector. GPS wanted to ‘unpack’ what that Pasifika workforce should look like and the range of skills required to deliver the right responses to the mental wellbeing of our Pasifika communities.  The  talanoa captured from GPS satellites can be summarised in the following:

 

GPS was honoured and privileged to hear the regional voices with a wide range of representatives from Health Improvement Practitioners (HIPs) to CEs and Consultant Psychiatrists.  It was humbling to hear of the work our Pasifika workforce deliver with little or no funding but driven with the values of alofa, reciprocity and tautua to our Pasifika families and  communities. The GPS team has collated all the talanoa contributions and will draft a summary report for distribution.

A special acknowledgement needs to go to all the participants that attended the GPs satellite sessions and those that contacted Le Va when they were unable to attend in person. Le Va humbly thanks you all for the gift of your valuable time. It was well spent in the company of many wonderful Pasifika and non-Pasifika people.

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