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.
E Tipu e Rea Manurewa Wellness Expo – Growing & Flourishing Together
Thu, 02/10/2025 – 12:00 E Tipu e Rea Manurewa Wellness Expo – Growing & Flourishing Together Hosted by Manurewa Community Network, 02 October 2025, 10:00am – 2:00pm. Under the theme “E Tipu e Rea Manurewa” (To Grow and Flourish in Manurewa), the Wellness Expo was a vibrant celebration of community, connection, and holistic wellbeing. Held at Southmall in Manurewa, the event brought together over 50 community organizations offering resources, services, and support to whanau across the region. Village Collective was proud to be part of this gathering – joining local partners, health providers, youth organizations, and social services to create a space where our community could access care, korero, and connection is one place. Throughout the day, our Psychologist, Jessee Fia’Ali’i, was present at the expo, providing visibility for our Pasifika Care Team – a group of clinicians well-versed in their respective fields and passionate about culturally grounded care. Their presence reflected Village Collective’s commitment to normalizing conversations around mental health and making wellbeing support more accesible to our Pasifika youth and families. The expo offered attendees the chance to: Receive free health checks and connect with health providers Learn about community services in education, employment, and social support Engage with youth-focused initiatives and culturally responsive health information Experience a welcoming space celebrating the diversity and strength of Manurewa Events like E Tipu e Rea highlight the power of collective wellbeing – where collaboration across communities ensures every person has the opportunity to grow, thrive, and be seen. Village Collective looks forward to continuing this partnership with the Manurewa Community Network to further strengthen wellbeing in South Auckland.
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.
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.
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.
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!