GET HELP NOW

    E fofō e alamea le alamea

    The crown-of-thorns starfish is removed by the same hands that place it there.

    Community Fale recognises that strong and thriving communities are built when people have access to trusted relationships, practical knowledge, and culturally safe support systems that strengthen collective wellbeing. Community Fale programmes understand that wellbeing outcomes improve when young people see their cultures, identities, languages, values and lived experiences reflected within the space they engage with. Community Fale creates spaces where Talavou, Rangatahi, families, and communities can connect with services to strengthen their health literacy, and access support in ways that reflect Pasifika ways of caring, connecting, and healing.

    Through programmes such as SAPPA (South Auckland Pasifika Pathways & Advancement), Wellbeing NOW (WBN), VC Hub & Clinic, and community outreach initiatives, the Community Fale supports young people and communities to strengthen leadership capability, emotional wellbeing and resilience, confidence to pathways toward healthier futures. The work recognises that wellbeing is interconnected and shaped by family, culture, spirituality, relationships, environment, mental wellbeing, and physical health.

    Community Fale creates safe and accessible spaces for talanoa, learning, connection, and preventative wellbeing support. Sessions are interactive, strengths-based, and community-centred, incorporating reflective discussion, leadership activities, storytelling, role play, outreach activations, collaborative learning, and practical wellbeing tools that support communities to navigate life with greater confidence and connection. ​

    Co-designed Alongside Communities

    Our programmes are co-designed alongside communities and informed by: - Fonofale Framework (Dr Fuimaono Karl Pulotu-Endemann) - Te Whare Tapa Wha - Pacific Wellbeing and youth development frameworks - Health promotion and preventative wellbeing approaches - Talanoa and relational practice. - Community voice, lived experience, and Pacific values

    Supports Communities

    Community Fale supports communities to: - Strengthen health literacy and access to trusted services - Build leadership, confidence, and communication skills - Strengthen emotional wellbeing, resilience, and self-awareness - Increase confidence in help-seeking and service connection - Strengthen identity, belonging, and cultural pride - Develop practical wellbeing and coping strategies - Support healthy relationships and collective care - Strengthen community connection and whakawhanaungatanga

    Key Areas of the Health & Physical Education

    The programme aligns with key areas of the Health & Physical Education Curriculum and wider youth development approaches including: - Hauora and holistic wellbeing - Identity, culture, and belonging - Mental, emotional, and social wellbeing - Relationships with others - Health promotion and preventative care - Leadership and communication - Self-management and decision-making skills - Community participation and contribution

    Community Fale programmes can also be adapted across schools, alternative education, tertiary settings, youth groups, sports groups, churches, outreach settings, and community organisations to support wellbeing, leadership, and community engagement outcomes for Pacific and Maori communities.

    There is so much to gain from these services. They are such an important part of our community and much needed. They could literally save someone's life and are at the very least, life changing.
    I can't speak for speak for the other service providers, however if people are looking for mental health services that are grounded in Pasifika culture, informed by personal academic research and a plethora of experience - Dr. Penni is an invaluable tool in the betterment of one's mental health journey. What an honour it is to break bread and share space with her.
    We are familiar with Koni and she knows my daughter inside out. Her perspective, information to us is invaluable.
    The fact that I am able to connect with someone who has truly lived through similar life experiences on multiple levels. She has meticulously navigated and set expectations/boundaries around our vā as not only sisters, but as a health professional and patient in ways that I do not think other providers would ever consider.
    Makoni was attentive, she listened, gave me time and understood just what I needed. She created a space for me to speak without making me feel uncomfortable.
    The environment is safe and supportive and Koni is genuine, attentive and skilled at helping us unpack. I think others can highly benefit from the services you provide.
    This service is affordable, professional and is friendly on our brown and mvpfaff+ groups. A service like this is rare.
    This service is so important and valuable. More people need to access it if possible to ensure their mental health and wellbeing are being looked after.
    It’s good for others to open up about things they feel that they can’t tell anyone about - and I feel that the sessions here provide the comfort, support and safe space for those who need them.
    Village Collective is a warm and welcoming space to be in. It allows those attending sessions to relax and not feel as though they are in a sterile, hospital environment.
    Before we found Village Collective, we had sought help from other health and well-being providers for our daughter. However, these "Pākehā-led" institutions felt uncomfortable and dismissive of what our daughter was experiencing. From our very first meeting, Koni made both our daughter and us feel at ease. Our daughter was finally able to speak and be heard. Koni helped her find her voice, allowing her to express her thoughts, feelings, and emotions.
    All my interactions with Madonna have only ever been positive and I genuinely feel as if she is really hearing me and acknowledging where I am, while also guiding me into a positive & more healthy mental space

    Programme Overview

    VC Hub & Clinic

    Represents a central space within Village Collective where rangatahi and community members can access health and wellbeing services in a safe and welcoming environment. The term "Hub" reflects a place of connection, support, and community, while "Clinic" highlights the availability of trusted health services such as health checks, counselling, and immunisations delivered through clinical partners.

    South Auckland Pacific Pathways & Advancement (SAPPA)

    The name South Auckland Pacific Pathways and Advancement (SAPPA) reflects the programme's focus on supporting Pacific and Maori rangtahi in South Auckland to explore and strengthen their pathways in life. "Pathways Advancement" represents the programme's aim to to empower young people through leadership development, cultural identity, and confidence-building so they can navigate education, wellbeing, and future opportunities with greater clarity and purpose.

    Wellbeing NOW (WBN)

    The name Wellbeing NOW emphasises the importance of focusing on mental wellbeing in the present moment. It encourages rangatahi to recognise that their wellbeing matters right now, not just in the future. The programme supports young people to better understand their emotions, build resilience, and develop practical tools that help them navigate challenges and support their mental health.

    Outreach

    The name Outreach reflects Village Collective's commitment to bringing services directly into the community rather than expecting communities to come to us. Through outreach initiatives, the organisation delivers health education, vaccinations, and wellbeing support at community events, schools, and local gatherings to increase access to services and strengthen health literacy within Pacific communities.

    South Auckland Pacific Pathways & Advancement

    A leadership and empowerment programme supporting Pacific and Maori young people to explore identity, culture, and pathways for personal development. SAPPA encourages rangatahi to strengthen cultural pride, build leadership capability, and develop confidence in navigating education, health, and community spaces.

    Frequency: One-off per session

    Programme Duration: Dependent on the number of classes engaged and the number of sessions delivered

    Duration: 45 mins – 1 hour

    Medium: In-person and in class

    Participant Criteria: 

    • Pacific and Maori first, though young people of all ethnicities welcome
    • Years 7 – 8 (Primary / Intermediate)
    • Years 9 – 13 (High School)

    Notes: Programme can be adapted to be used with community/youth and or sports groups.

    Wellbeing NOW

    A mental wellbeing and resilience programme that supports rangatahi to better understand emotions, stress, identity, and relationships. Through interactive activities and talanoa, the programme builds emotional awareness, coping skills, and confidence while encouraging healthy decision-making and resilience.

    Frequency: One-off per session

    Programme Duration: Dependent on the number of classes engaged and the number of sessions delivered

    Duration: 45 mins – 1 hour

    Medium: In-person and in class

    Participant Criteria: 

    • Pacific and Maori first, though young people of all ethnicities welcome
    • Years 7 – 8 (Primary / Intermediate)
    • Years 9 – 13 (High School)

    Notes: Programme can be adapted to align with school health curriculum outcomes.

    Village Collective Hub & Clinic

    A community-based health hub that provides accessible health services and wellbeing support in a culturally safe environment. Services include sexual health checks, immunisations, counselling, and other wellbeing services delivered in partnership with trusted health providers and our Care Team. The hub aims to provide a safe space for connection and belonging.

    Frequency: As needed

    Programme Duration: No maximum number of sessions 

    Medium: In-person and online

    Location: Village Collective

    Participant Criteria: 

    • Pacific and Maori first, though young people of all ethnicities welcome
    • Ages 12 – 24, with flexibility

    Outreach: Community Events

    Community outreach initiatives that bring health education, immunisations, and preventative health services directly into community spaces. These events aim to improve health literacy, increase access to services, and strengthen trust between communities and health providers.

    Frequency: One-off per event OR recurring (if needed)

    Programme Duration: Event duration

    Medium: In-person

    Location: Event site OR Village Collective

    Participant Criteria: 

    • Open to all ages
    • Pacific & Maori prioritised but all ethnicities are welcome

    Notes: Immunisation programme can be delivered as part of in-school offerings or part of one-off events. Parent’s Fonos are also available with clinicians on request.

    Session Menu: Intermediate & High School

    Our programmes can also be adapted to support NCEA Health & Physical Education learning outcomes through identity exploration, wellbeing, social influences, communication, leadership, and health promotion approaches. 

    Wellbeing NOW: Mental Wellbeing & Resilience

    Wellbeing NOW supports rangatahi to strengthen emotional wellbeing, resilience, self-awareness, and healthy coping strategies through culturally responsive wellbeing approaches. Participants are encouraged to understand their emotions with their, identity and relationships though healthy emotional regulation while developing practical wellbeing tools that support positive mental health outcomes. Through reflective talanoa, interactive learning, movement activities, and strengths-based approaches. Wellbeing NOW supports young people to build confidence, self-reflection, healthy routines, and emotional literacy while strengthening resilience and decision-making skills. The programme also encourages rangatahi to strengthen their communication skills and normalise help-seeking behaviours to support healthy relationships, stronger self-worth, and greater confidence in navigating life and challenges positively.

    Wellbeing NOW supports: mental wellbeing, emotional literacy, resilience, self-management, relationships with others.

    Riding the Wave of Emotions

    Supports rangatahi to better understand emotions, emotional regulation, stress, and coping strategies through interactive wellbeing activities and reflective talanoa.

    Exploring Te Whare Tapa Wha

    Introduces holistic wellbeing through Te Whare Tapa Wha while exploring the connections between physical, mental, spiritual, and family wellbeing.

    Building a Self-Care Plan

    Supports participants to develop practical self-care strategies, healthy routines, and wellbeing tools that strengthen resilience and emotional wellbeing.

    Thoughts, Feelings & Actions

    Explores the relationships between thoughts, emotions, and behaviours while strengthening self-awareness, coping skills, and reflective decision-making.

    SAPPA supports rangatahi to strengthen leadership capability, communication skills, confidence, identity, and future pathways through culturally grounded and strengths-based leadership development approaches. Participants are encouraged to build confidence in their own leadership style while developing teamwork, facilitation, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills that can be applied across school, community, work, and life settings. Through talanoa, leadership scenarios, experiential learning, and reflective activities, SAPPA supports young people to strengthen self-awareness, cultural identity, values-based leadership, and positive influence within their communities. The programme also encourages rangatahi to explore future pathways, aspirations, scholarships, leadership opportunities, and life-positive goals with greater confidence, resilience, and clarity.

    SAPPA supports: leadership, hauora, interpersonal skills, identity and belonging, communication, decision-making, community participation.

    Understanding Leadership Styles

    Introduces leadership beyond titles and positions while exploring different leadership styles, leadership strengths, and how leadership shifts depending on context and relationships.

    Leadership in Real Situations

    Supports rangatahi to apply leadership skills, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork in practical and real-life leadership scenarios.

    Speaking with Confidence

    Builds confidence in communication, public speaking, facilitation, and expressing ideas in group and leadership settings.

    Identity, Reputation & Influence

    Explores how identity, values, reputation, culture, and relationships influence leadership, decision-making, and the way young people engage with others.

    Leading Under Pressure

    Supports participants to navigate pressure, conflict, responsibility, and decision-making while strengthening resilience, emotional regulation, and leadership confidence.