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

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,

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

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

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

Thursday, 2 October 2025 – 16:33 Matala Matala carries many beautiful meanings across the Pacific, in Tonga it speaks of blossoming, and in Samoa of opening. Flowers are gifts to the world, and so are we as Rainbow people. Like flowers, we grow, thrive, and flourish into the fullness of who we are. Through Rainbow Fale, Matala creates safe spaces in schools for Rainbow young

Thursday, 2 October 2025 – 16:56 Mafutaga Mafutaga is a word that carries the spirit of gathering, connection, and fellowship. It reflects the strength of coming together as one, to share stories, wisdom, laughter, and support. Just as woven strands form a strong mat, our Rainbow community weaves bonds of belonging through Mafutaga.  This space is designed for Pasifika Rainbow young adults who left school

Thursday, 2 October 2025 – 17:05 Va’hine Lei was created to connect with the older generation of the Pasifika Rainbow community, offering a safe and affirming space to relax, share food, and engage in deep talanoa. The name Va’hine Lei carries deep meaning: Va speaks to keeping the sacred and respectful space between us as a group, Hine honors women and femininity across the moana, and Lei represents flowers, symbolizing our

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

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

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

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

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