Navig8 Continues to Support YP
NAVIG8 Continues to Support Young People Navig8, Village Collective’s flagship program since 1997, continues to empower young people through culturally responsive education focused on sexual and reproductive health, health relationships, and mental wellbeing. In 2026, the program has already reached more than 800 students across schools, community organisations, and faith-based youth settings. By creating safe spaces for learning and talanoa, Navig8 supports young people to build knowledge, confidence, and the skills needed to make informed decisions that positively impact their health and wellbeing.
Funfest 2026
Funfest 2026: Bringing Health into Community Spaces https://villagecollective.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Funfest-2026-Reel.mp4 Village Collective kicked off 2026 with its first-ever activation at Funfest, connecting with whanau across four days of community celebration. Attendees had access to free health checks, wellness support, and opportunities to engage in conversations about their health in a welcoming and family-friendly environment. The activation demonstrated the value of bringing health services directly into trusted community spaces, helping to reduce barriers to care and creating pathways for people to access support when they need it.
Polyfest 2026
Polyfest 2026: Learning Through Play Village Collective engaged over 800 young people and their families at Polyfest 2026 through a Survivor-themed health activation focused on sexual and reproductive health and mental wellbein. Using interactive challenges and learning-through-play activities, participants explored how thoughts, feelings, and behaviours influence overall wellbeing. The activation created opportunities for open conversations about health in a way that was engaging, culturally relevant, and accessible, helping young people build confidence in making informed decisions about their wellbeing.
Pride Month 2026
Pride Month 2026: Celebrating Rainbow+ Pasifika Communities Throughout Pride Month 2026, Village Collective engaged with more than 300+ Rainbow+ Pasifika community members, whanau, and allies across a range of events and activations. From Big Gay Out and Auckland Pride Out the Gutter celebrations to a dedicated community day at Nathan Homestead Pukepuke, participants took part in health and wellbeing activities, meaningful talanoa, and opportunities to connect. Workshops including The Art of Lip Sync, Vogue Femme Workshop, and Siva Samoa created spaces for expression, confidence, and belonging, highlighting the importance of culturally affirming environments that support the wellbeing of Rainbow+ Pasifika communities.
Just SAYN 2026
Just SAYN Symposium 2026: Sharing Pacific Perspectives Village Collective was proud to contribute to the SAYN Symposium 2026, joining youth development leaders from across Aotearoa to explore the theme of ancestral intelligence. Tyson Pula represented Village Collective on the New Gen Panel, sharing reflections on how cultural knowledge and community values continue to shape effective youth work practice. Jordan Khan and Sisilia Fakalata also delivered a workshop on Pacific approaches to Rainbow allyship, encouraging participants to consider how cultural values and relationships can support safe, inclusive, and affirming environments for Rainbow+ Pacific communities.
Youth Week 2026
Youth Week 2026: Young Voices Leading the Way Village Collective partnered with Papakura High School’s Kura Moana Pacific Council to celebrate Youth Week 2026 through a series of youth-led events that amplified the voices and talents of young people. Echoes of the Village provided a platform for young people to share songs, spoken word, and reflections on the issues that matter most to them, creating a space for authentic expression and connection. The celebrations concluded with a Whānau Fun Day attended by more than 100 young people and their families. Alongside free kai, games, prizes, trivia, and bingo, attendees had access to immunisations and health checks, with young people leading by example in prioritising their health and wellbeing while encouraging their whānau to do the same.