Korōna Mou Youth Retreat https://villagecollective.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Korona-Mou-Youth-Retreat-Day-1.mp4https://villagecollective.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Korona-Mou-Youth-Retreat-Day-2.mp4https://villagecollective.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Koronoa-Mou-Youth-Retreat-Day-3.mp4 From 05 to 07 October 2026, Village Collective welcomes Pacific Rainbow+ rangatahi to the three-day Korōna Mou – Youth Retreat at Te Karaka Lodge in Port Waikato. The retreat was created as a space for connection, leadership development, creativity, reflection, and belonging, bringing together young people from across Aotearoa to strengthen relationships with themselves, one another, and their communities.  Over

Navig8 Recognized as a Leading Pacific Initiative in National Consent Conversation Village Collective is proud to see our NAVIG8 program recognized as an example of Pacific-led innovation supporting young people to build healthy relationships, understand consent, and strengthen their wellbeing.  In a recent interview with Pacific Media Network (PMN), respected Pacific sexual health researcher and University of Auckland Senior Lecturer Dr Analosa Veukiso-Ulugia highlighted the importance

Lil Gay Out: Connecting with Rainbow Rangatahi Through Health, Wellbeing & Community Village Collective was proud to attend Lil Gay Out, a vibrant youth-focused event celebrating Rainbow+ high school students from across Tāmaki Makaurau. The event provided a safe, affirming, and empowering space where rangatahi could celebrate their identities, build meaningful connections, and access support from organizations committed to their wellbeing.  At its heart, Lil Gay

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

Auckland Seventh-Day Adventist High School Community Day At ASDAH School in Mangere, we ran a stall as part of a career expo-style event alongside a range of other organisations. The event created a lively and welcoming environment where students could explore different services, opportunities, and pathways while connecting with groups in their community. Our stall stood out by combining fun, interaction, and education in a

Celebrating Pride Through Culture, Creativity, and Community This Global Pride Month, Rainbow Fale had the privilege of partnering with community organisations across Tāmaki Makaurau and Waikato to create spaces where Māori and Pasifika Rainbow+ communities could come together, celebrate their identities, and strengthen their connections with one another. Through Āniwaniwa Vibes and Under the Fale, we witnessed the power of culturally grounded, community-led gatherings that

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

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

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