Celebrating Gagana Samoa with University of Auckland Samoan Students Association (UASSA)
Fri, 06/06/2025 – 12:00 Celebrating Gagana Samoa with University of Auckland Samoan Students Association (UASSA) Held at the University of Auckland Quad, 06 June 2025 In June 2025, Village Collective proudly partnered with the University of Auckland Samoan Students’ Association (UASSA) to sponsor their Samoan Language Week Showcase, held at the University’s Quad. This marked the beginning of a meaningful partnership with UASSA and their community of young Pasifika leaders, who dedicated an entire week to honoring the richness of Samoan language, culture, and identity within their educational space. For Village Collective, the purpose of supporting this cohort was clear: identity is wellbeing. By investing in youth-led initiatives that celebrate language and culture, we strengthen young people’s confidence, sense of belonging, and ability to thrive. Partnering with UASSA affirms our commitment to creating spaces where Pasifika youth feel seen, valued and empowered – not only in their communities, but within academic institutions too. The celebrations began with an Ava Ceremony – a sacred and traditional custom that signifies the opening of an important gathering, grounding the week in respect and cultural integrity. On Tuesday, UASSA hosted a Sa’ili le Atua Spiritual Night, dedicating an evening to give back to God and placing faith at the center of their journey, ensuring the rest of Samoan Language Week was guided and blessed. Midweek, students gathered for the Le Malu Workshop, designed to support Samoan students in deepening their understanding of cultural traditions and strengthening confidence in their identities as tama and tama’ita’i. Thursday morning featured an Academic Seminar, with faculty associations presenting their purpose and highlighting the role of identity in academia. That same evening, UASSA collaborated with AUTSA to host a Sports Night, bringing together laughter, fellowship, and friendly competition. The week culminated in the much-appreciated Samoan Language Week Showcase on Friday evening. This finale was a vibrant celebration of Gagana Samoa, culture, and identity through powerful performances – all organized, facilitated, and brought to life by at least 45 active members of UASSA. Supporting UASSA’s Samoan Language Week was more than sponsorship; it was an act of solidarity with the next generation of Pasifika leaders. This partnership has opened the door to new networks, relationships, and collaborations with young people who are proudly carrying their culture forward while shaping a future grounded in resilience, pride, and unity.
McAuley High School Health Expo – Empowering Young Women with Health Education
Fri, 16/05/2025 – 12:00 McAuley High School Health Expo – Empowering Young Women with Health Education Held at McAuley High School, 16 May 2025 Village Collective was honored to be part of the McAuley High School Health Expo, an event dedicated to equipping young women with tools, resources, and knowledge to take charge of their health and wellbeing. At our stall, students were warmly welcomed and engaged in open conversations about sexual and reproductive health – covering topics like consent, healthy relationships, contraception, and STI awareness. Our goal was to create a safe and supportive space where students could ask questions, receive accurate information, and walk away feeling more empowered to make informed choices about their health. Alongside the korero, students were encouraged to take part in engaging interactive activities designed to break down stigmas around sexual health. By blending learning with play, we were able to make serious topics approachable and memorable for the young women who came through. As with all our school partnerships, this expo was about more than just sharing information – it was about strengthening trust, building confidence, and reminding students that support is available both inside and outside the school gates. Events like this reaffirm Village Collective’s commitment to supporting Pasifika youth in making informed decisions about their sexual health and overall wellbeing. We’re grateful to McAuley High School for inviting us to be part of this kaupapa, and we look forward to continuing to walk alongside their students in the journey ahead.
ASB Polyfest ’24 – A Celebration of Alofa & Pasifika Pride
Sat, 23/03/2024 – 12:00 ASB Polyfest ’24 – A Celebration of Alofa & Pasifika Pride Held at Manukau Sports Bowl, 20 – 23 March 2024 Village Collective had the exciting opportunity to attend Polyfest 2024, a vibrant celebration of Pacific culture and heritage. Our team set up a colorful and welcoming booth that served as a hub for sharing information about our initiatives, resources, and programs. Through interactive displays, and engaging talanoa, we connected with our Pasifika communities around the importance of health and wellbeing, inclusivity, and healthy relationships. We were proud to have the Teu Wardrobe active throughout the festival – providing accessible clothing that our talavou could utilize. The Teu Wardrobe first and foremost champions gender-affirming clothing for our Rainbow+ community, while also helping young people access good-quality outfits for job interviews, special events, or fashion exploration – all without breaking the bank. Our Rainbow Wall was a festival favorite – a creative space that invited everyone to give and express alofa loudly for all to see! Visitors were encouraged to leave messages of love, pride, and encouragement, turning the wall into a living tapestry of color and community spirit. We also teamed up with Samoan Sefa and Drink Da Milgy, adding to the fun with drink giveaways that kept everyone refreshed and smiling throughout the week. Across all four days, our team engaged with thousands of young people, kicking off Wednesday with interactive learning activities – pulled straight from Navig8 handbook – for our out-of-Auckland students, and continuing through the weekend with meaningful talanoa and connection. A highlight of the festival was when our Talavou Village Leadership Group (TVLG) had the special opportunity to sit and talanoa with Dr Claire Achmad, the Children’s Chief Commissioner and Mana Mokopuna. Over kai and laughter, our young leaders shared their lived experiences and walked away feeling heard, valued, and inspired – a moment that beautifully embodied the spirit of Polyfest. Fa’afetai tele lava to everyone who came through, shared their stories, and celebrated Pasifika pride with us. Until next year – alofa tele and see you at the next Polyfest 2025!
ASB Polyfest ’24 – A Celebration of Alofa & Pasifika Pride
Sat, 23/03/2024 – 12:00 ASB Polyfest ’24 – A Celebration of Alofa & Pasifika Pride Held at Manukau Sports Bowl, 20 – 23 March 2024 Village Collective had the exciting opportunity to attend Polyfest 2024, a vibrant celebration of Pacific culture and heritage. Our team set up a colorful and welcoming booth that served as a hub for sharing information about our initiatives, resources, and programs. Through interactive displays, and engaging talanoa, we connected with our Pasifika communities around the importance of health and wellbeing, inclusivity, and healthy relationships. We were proud to have the Teu Wardrobe active throughout the festival – providing accessible clothing that our talavou could utilize. The Teu Wardrobe first and foremost champions gender-affirming clothing for our Rainbow+ community, while also helping young people access good-quality outfits for job interviews, special events, or fashion exploration – all without breaking the bank. Our Rainbow Wall was a festival favorite – a creative space that invited everyone to give and express alofa loudly for all to see! Visitors were encouraged to leave messages of love, pride, and encouragement, turning the wall into a living tapestry of color and community spirit. We also teamed up with Samoan Sefa and Drink Da Milgy, adding to the fun with drink giveaways that kept everyone refreshed and smiling throughout the week. Across all four days, our team engaged with thousands of young people, kicking off Wednesday with interactive learning activities – pulled straight from Navig8 handbook – for our out-of-Auckland students, and continuing through the weekend with meaningful talanoa and connection. A highlight of the festival was when our Talavou Village Leadership Group (TVLG) had the special opportunity to sit and talanoa with Dr Claire Achmad, the Children’s Chief Commissioner and Mana Mokopuna. Over kai and laughter, our young leaders shared their lived experiences and walked away feeling heard, valued, and inspired – a moment that beautifully embodied the spirit of Polyfest. Fa’afetai tele lava to everyone who came through, shared their stories, and celebrated Pasifika pride with us. Until next year – alofa tele and see you at the next Polyfest 2025!