Matala Ball
Thursday, 2 October 2025 – 17:11 Matala Ball The ballroom scene and culture originated in New York in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s , where queer and trans Black and Latinx communities – excluded from mainstream pageants, created their own underground safe spaces to host ballroom competitions. In the early 2000’s, Aotearoa began to recognize this culture, and in 2013 the first official ballroom scene was established in South Auckland, Otara. Since then, the scene has grown into a thriving ballroom community across Aotearoa. Village Collective has been hosting kiki balls since 2021, and this year our aim was to host a grand Matala Ball to bring the community together once again. This event was a collaboration between Village Collective and the Aotearoa Ballroom Council, with a group from the Council selected to help plan and organize the Matala Ball. What made this ball particularly special was the ballroom workshops held the evening before, led by our international Mothers from Australia: the legendary founding Mother Ella Alexander, and Jaycee Iman, the founding of the House of Iman. The Matala Ball itself took place the following evening, showcasing eight categories that celebrated creativity, expression, and excellence within our community. The weekend of providing festivities closed with a traditional Sunday ballroom toonai (brunch), providing a final moment for everyone to connect, reflect, and say their goodbyes before departing.
Lamepa Pathways
Thursday, 2 October 2025 – 17:19 Lamepa Pathways Lamepa Pathways draws inspiration from the Samoan word Lamepa, meaning lamp or candlelight, symbolizing the light, love and acceptance brought to the many Pasifika journeys of families navigating the pathway of raising and supporting their Rainbow+ child or family member. In 2014, Village Collective released The Clearing Pathways booklet, providing a resource to support Pasifika families on their journey. Building on this foundation, Rainbow Fale envisioned a “Part 2” in the form of a docuseries, making these stories more accessible online for Pasifika young people and their families. Lamepa Pathways features five Pasifika families from across Auckland and Hamilton, capturing the richness and diversity of their cultures, identities, and experiences in raising and supporting their Rainbow+ loved ones. Snippets of these families are already available on the Village Collective and Rainbow Fale instagram pages, with the full docuseries set to be released in the near future. The series illuminates these unique journeys, offering both affirmation and guidance for families navigating similar pathways. This event was more than just a zumba class – it was a reminder that wellbeing is holistic. When we move together, share food together, and take care of our health together, we strengthen the bonds that keep our community thriving.
Zumba for Wellbeing – Moving, Learning, and Thriving Together
Saturday, 4 October 2025 – 11:59 Zumba for Wellbeing – Moving, Learning, and Thriving Together Held at Alfriston College, 16 June 2025 On a chilly June evening, Village Collective teamed up with local legend and certified Zumba instructor, Jenniene Fleming, and Alfriston College to host a special event: Zumba Community Event. This vibrant night brought together whanau, students, and community members for a celebration of movement, health and connection. Jenniene, who runs regular zumba classes at Alfriston College every Monday and Wednesday, led the session with her trademark energy and joy. Alfriston College’s student leaders also joined in, creating a welcoming and uplifting atmosphere as they danced alongside participants and encouraged everyone to get moving. While the evening was originally planned to include a formal health talk, the program pivoted to provide personalized health education woven directly into the health checks and immunization stations. In partnership with SouthPoint Family Doctors, an immunization drive was offered, with HPV, Boostrix, MMR, Meningococcal, and Flu vaccines available. Alongside this, our Pasifika Care Team – Rubashnee and Unaisi – provided free health checks, including diabetes screening and general wellbeing support, ensuring every attendee left with knowledge to strengthen their health journey. To keep spirits high in the midst of the winter chill, Village Collective provided warm koko alisa and a sausage sizzle, served throughout the evening – a simple but heartfelt way to nourish both body and soul. As an extra encouragement to prioritize health, every person who took part in a health check, updated their vaccination status, or received diabetes screening was entered into a draw to win one of three Pak’nSave grocery vouchers. Amazingly, the draw found it’s way to three wonderful mothers – each walking away with a voucher to support their families in the coming weeks. It was a heartwarming reminder that when we invest in community wellbeing, the rewards ripple out to where they are needed most. This event was more than just a zumba class – it was a reminder that wellbeing is holistic. When we move together, share food together, and take care of our health together, we strengthen the bonds that keep our community thriving.
Free Dental Day
Saturday, 4 October 2025 – 12:57 Free Dental Day Held at AUT South Campus, Manukau, 07 September 2025 On 07 September 2025, Village Collective proudly partnered with AUT Niho Ora ki Manukau (Oral Health Clinic) and Dental For All to host Free Dental Day at AUT South Campus, Manukau. The event offered no-cost dental cleanings and basic oral care to members of the community, removing barriers to essential health services and promoting confidence in wellbeing. While attendees wait for their dental appointments, our Village Collective clinicians were on-site providing free health checks and wellbeing advice – supporting participants to take a holistic approach to their health. From blood pressure monitoring to conversations around mental and physical wellbeing, our team helped ensure that everyone left the event feeling cared for, informed, and empowered. This event reflected our shared vision for a healthier Aotearoa – where oral care, physical health, and community wellbeing go hand in hand. By joining forces with AUT and Dental For All, a movement advocating for accessible dental care across the country, Village Collective helped bring practical and compassionate support to South Auckland families. Free Dental Day was more than a clinic – it was a reminder that when we remove barriers and create accessible pathways, we strengthen the hauora of our entire community.
Celebrating Nesian Week – Fetu Fest with Village Collective
Saturday, 4 October 2025 – 13:23 Celebrating Nesian Week – Fetu Fest with Village Collective Held at University of Auckland – Quad, 26 September 2025. During this year’s AUPISA Nesian Week, Village Collective joined hands with the University of Auckland Pacific Islands Students’ Association (AUPISA) and UASSA to take part in Fetu Fest – a vibrant celebration of Pasifika identity, culture, and creativity. This partnership was born from our earlier collaboration with UASSA during their Samoan Language Week celebrations, paving the way for continued connection and shared purpose in championing Pasifika excellence within tertiary spaces. Our youth educators – Faava, Jordan, and Tyson – took to the stage as MCs, leading the evening with warmth, humor, and authenticity. Their presence brought the energy of Village Collective to life, embodying the confidence and leadership we aim to nurture in all young people. Fetu Fest encapsulated the heart of Nesian Week – giving Pacific students a platform to express, share, and celebrate their identity through performance, fashion, dance, and spoken word. The University Quad transformed into a living canvas of culture, where community pride and creativity shone brightly under the stars. By being part of this celebration, Village Collective reaffirmed its commitment to amplifying youth-led cultural initiatives and strengthening partnerships that center Pasifika voices in educational spaces. The collaboration with UASSA and AUPISA continues to open doors for our young people to lead confidently, celebrate identity, and carry forward the richness of Pasifika storytelling.
NZRL Secondary School Tournament ’25
Monday, 6 October 2025 – 12:53 NZRL Secondary School Tournament ’25 Held at Bruce Pulman Park, 29 – 30 August 2025. Village Collective was proud to be part of the NZRL Secondary School Tournament 2025, a three-day celebration of youth sport, teamwork, and community spirit. We were present on day 1 and 2, bringing a lively and engaging activation that connected directly with young people from across Aotearoa and the Pacific, including a visiting team of Fijian students who attended the tournament specifically to take part. On Day 1, our team focused on interactive health education, running fun and hands-on games that raised awareness about diabetes. These activities to not only educate but also empower young people to understand the importance of making healthy choices in their everyday lives. By combining learning with play, we created a space where students could absorb knowledge while feeling fully engaged and included. On Day 2, our Pasifika Care Team – Makoni, Unaisi, Alumita, Ema and Siosiana – were on-site providing vaccinations and health checks for students and attendees. This offered a practical and accessible way for young people to take charge of their health, while also building trust in healthcare services within a familiar, community-focused environment. It was an energizing two days of connection, learning, and celebration, as our team engaged with secondary school students, their families, and supporters from across Aotearoa and the Pacific. Being part of the tournament allowed Village Collective to empower young people, nurture their confidence, and strengthen community bonds. Witnessing students actively participate, ask questions, and take meaningful steps toward their health was truly inspiring – a powerful reminder of the resilience, curiosity, and potential of our young people, and the impact we can create when communities come together in support. We are grateful for the opportunity to hold space at NZRL Secondary School Tournament this year and look forward to continuing this journey next year, supporting South Auckland youth, encouraging healthy habits, and fostering confidence, wellbeing, and connection across Aotearoa and the Pacific.
Matua ma Talavou: Strengthening Connections Across Generations
Monday, 6 October 2025 – 14:11 Matua ma Talavou: Strengthening Connections Across Generations May – June 2024. Village Collective, in partnership with Toa Pacific, proudly facilitated the Matua ma Talavou (MMT) program, a transformative initiative bringing together Pacific elders (matua) and young people (talavou). The program was designed to address loneliness, strengthen meaningful connections, and enhance health and wellbeing, while creating opportunities for intergenerational learning, mentorship, and cultural exchange. Over the course of the program, participants engaged in workshops, storytelling, reflective sessions, and practical activities. These experiences allowed talavou and matua to learn from one another, share cultural knowledge, and strengthen their sense of identity and belonging. The program has shown that when generations come together, relationships flourish, loneliness is reduced, and cultural pride and resilience are nurtured. The impact of MMT has been profound: Intergenerational Connections were strengthened, fostering relationships that alleviated social isolation among matua and deepened cultural identity among talavou. Cultural knowledge and personal insights were exchanged, promoting respect, mutual learning, and a sense of pride in Pacific heritage. Resilience and wellbeing were supported through meaningful social connections, creating safe spaces for both elders and youth to share, reflect, and grow. While the program made progress in health literacy and inspiring future careers in community health, the primary success of MMT lies in building strong, lasting connections across generations. These outcomes were achieved despite challenges such as varying youth engagement, logistical constraints, and the need to balance fair remuneration for talavou with program costs. The dedication and enthusiasm of the talavou, in particular, ensure that each interaction with matua was meaningful, fostering trust, rapport, and lasting relationships. Village Collective and Toa Pacific facilitators worked tirelessly to create safe, culturally affirming spaces where participants felt heard, respected, and empowered. The program highlighted the transformative power of intergeneration relationships and underscored the need for ongoing investment to expand these spaces for Pacific communities. The program culminated in the MMT Ball on 21 June 2024, a special celebration marking the end of the initiative. This event brought together matua, talavou, stakeholders, and supporters – including Jenniene Fleming, certified zumba instructor and local legend, who hosted weekly zumba sessions throughout the MMT initiative for the matua in Mt Roskill and Otahuhu – who had contributed their time, energy, and resources to the program. It was an opportunity to honor the achievements, relationships, and dedication of everyone involved, and to celebrate the shared journey of connection, learning, and cultural pride that defined Matua ma Talavou. We are deeply grateful to all the matua and talavou who participated, and to our facilitators whose commitment made this program possible. Matua ma Talavou exemplifies Village Collective’s dedication to uplifting Pasifika youth and elders, fostering wellbeing, and strengthening the bonds that sustain our communities, leaving a lasting impact that continues to inspire and empower.
Talavou Village Leadership Group (TVLG)
Tuesday, 7 October 2025 – 15:22 Talavou Village Leadership Group (TVLG) Empowering Pasifika Youth through Co-Design and Leadership The Talavou Village Leadership Group (TVLG) was established by Village Collective as a youth-led initiative created to amplify Pasifika youth voices, strengthen community leadership, and ensure that young people remain at the center of programs and decision-making that affect them. Born from a shared vision of empowering the next generation, TVLG was co-designed by young Pasifika leaders who wanted to reimagine what leadership and community engagement could look like within their own cultural and local contexts. Village Collective supported this process by creating a platform where youth could shape programs, lead projects, and represent their peers in authentic and culturally grounded ways. The group’s creation was drive by three key goals: Empowerment: Providing Pasifika youth with opportunities to lead, learn, and influence meaningful change in their communities. Co-Design: Encouraging youth to take part in the creation and implementation of initiatives, ensuring programs are by youth, for youth. Connection: Building a network of young leaders across South Auckland who share a passion for community, culture, and wellbeing. Through collaborative workshops, leadership training, and community activations, the TVLG co-designed several impact initiatives that reflect the realities and aspirations of Pasifika youth today. Their ideas informed everything from youth nights and wellbeing workshops to creative media projects and community events that blend cultural pride with modern expression. At the heart of TVLG’s journey is the Village Collective Hub – a physical and cultural home base where youth feel seen, valued, and supported. This hub became the testing ground for ideas co-created by the leadership group, providing a safe space for exploration, learning and connection. The leaders actively contribute to weekly midweek planning sessions, where they collaborate with Village Collective staff to design upcoming events, workshops, and activities. Their involvement ensures that every program is relevant, engaging, and reflective of the needs of Pasifika youth. Checkmates – regular peer-led meetings – allow members to reflect on past events, discuss improvements, and plan leadership opportunities reinforcing accountability and growth within the group. The leadership group also takes an active role in events, facilitating youth nights, hosting workshops, and leading cultural or wellbeing initiatives. By taking ownership of these projects, TVLG members develop professional and life skills, strengthen their confidence, and create meaningful impact within their communities. Their work demonstrates the transformative power of youth-led action, showing that when young people are given tools, mentorship, and space to lead, they can inspire change not just for themselves, but for their wider community. What began as a small group of motivated young leaders has now evolved into a thriving network of youth activators, driving Village Collective’s mission forward. The success of TVLG demonstrates the power of trust, co-design, and community ownership – when young people lead, they build confidence, capacity, and a stronger, healthier village for all.
Nou Te Ao Careers Expo
Mon, 08/09/2025 – 12:00 Nou Te Ao Careers Expo Held at Papakura Marae, 14 May 2025 On 14 May 2025, Papakura Marae hosted the Nou te Ao Careers Expo, a vibrant event designed to connect local rangatahi from Papakura such as Wesley College, Tipene/St Stephen’s, Rosehill, Alfriston, and more with a diverse range of career opportunities. This event was inclusive of all cultures, reflecting the Marae’s commitment to fostering unity and understanding among the youth of South Auckland. Papakura Marae’s kaupapa is centered on providing a sense of belonging and connection through a Te Ao Maori lens. Their mission is to promote, support, and encourage health initiatives through a network of services that empower whanau to be self-sufficient. The Marae offers a safe environment for the delivery of services, ensuring the guiding principles of Tikanga Maori are upheld. The Nou te Ao Careers Expo aligned with these values by offering rangatahi a platform to explore various career pathways, engage with industry professionals, and gain insights into the skills and qualifications needed to succeed. The event featured workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, all designed to inspire and inform the next generation of leaders. The initiative underscores the importance of providing accessible and culturally relevant career guidance to youth, empowering them to make informed decisions about their future. By hosting such events, Papakura Marae continues to play a pivotal role in supporting the aspirations and well-being of rangatahi in the community.
From Workshops to Market Day: The Lumana’i Journey
Thu, 24/04/2025 – 12:00 From Workshops to Market Day: The Lumana’i Journey Part 2: Lumana’i Market Evening The Lumana’i Market Evening was buzzing with energy, laughter, and the unstoppable creativity of Pasifika youth. Families, friends, stakeholders, and curious community members stopping by from the street filled the space, turning it into a lively celebration of culture, kai, and enterprise. Business Spotlight: Our Amazing Entreprenuers The seven young entrepreneurs from the Lumana’i Youth Enterprise Program showcased their products and services, and all sold out well before the night came to a close! Their businesses included: Adeley Khan – @meansnz {insert name} – @quick.bix William Sauaso-Rasch – @brownbeautyapparel {insert name} – @krownedkuki Erenei – @ereneithelabel Chompa – @chomps_sweet_delights Tyreese – @way2yung From handmade apparel to creative food ventures, their stalls reflected cultural pride, innovation, and growing business confidence. The evening also created a vibrant space for connection: families cheers their young people on, supporters engaged with youth-led businesses, and the community came together to celebrate and back the next generation of Pasifika entrepreneurs. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended and supported the Lumana’i Market Evening. Your encouragement made the night a huge success and empowered our youth to dream big, back themselves, and step into the future as confident Pasifika business leaders.