Atu-Mai

About Atu-Mai

Since 2008, Le Va has pioneered Aotearoa’s first national Pasifika violence primary prevention programme, Atu-Mai, empowering Pasifika families to live violence-free lives.  

The programme name is based on the Cook Islands proverb ‘I te aro’a atu, i te aro’a mai – love given, love received’. When we treat others well, we get kindness in return. This is a core ingredient for growing healthy and safe relationships and connects to our Pasifika cultural value of reciprocity.  

Since initially targeting family violence, in 2023 Le Va shifted its focus to preventing sexual violence and working towards stopping child sexual abuse.  

Atu-Mai promotes primary prevention using a systems-aware community mobilisation approach that aligns with Pasifika values. Our evidence-based programmes are driven by community leadership, expert knowledge, and sector engagement.

Community mobilisation for generational change 

In partnership with ACC, the Atu-Mai team is working with community leaders and organisations, providing them with training and resources to support them to prevent violence in their communities. By working together and taking an eight-pillar systems approach, we can work towards long-term impact and change.