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 of community-led education alongside proposed changes to New Zealand’s sexual consent laws.

Dr Veukiso-Ulugia emphasized that while legislative reform is important, lasting change comes from ensuring young people, families, schools, and communities have the knowledge and confidence to talk openly about consent, boundaries, respect, and healthy relationships.

Importantly, she acknowledged the work already being led by Pacific organisations, including Village Collective’s NAVIG8 programme, alongside initiatives such as Le Va’s Lali programme and the Nesian Narratives toolkit.

“Pacific organisations are already leading work in this space through initiatives including the Village Collective’s NAVIG8 programme… which help families, churches and early childhood educators have conversations about consent, safety, and healthy relationships.”

For Village Collective, this recognition reflects the kaupapa that has guided NAVIG8 since its inception—to provide culturally grounded, strengths-based sexual and reproductive health education that empowers Pacific young people to make informed decisions, build healthy relationships, and feel confident seeking support when needed.

Through partnerships with schools, youth organisations, families, churches, and community groups across Tāmaki Makaurau, NAVIG8 creates safe spaces where young people can explore topics including consent, respectful relationships, communication, identity, sexual wellbeing, and personal safety in ways that are meaningful and culturally responsive.

The acknowledgement from Dr Veukiso-Ulugia reinforces the growing importance of Pacific-led approaches that recognise the unique strengths, values, and lived experiences of our communities.

As conversations around affirmative consent continue nationally, Village Collective remains committed to ensuring Pacific young people have access to evidence-informed, culturally safe education that supports them to thrive.

We extend our sincere thanks to Dr Analosa Veukiso-Ulugia for recognising the impact of NAVIG8 and for her ongoing leadership and advocacy in advancing sexual and reproductive health outcomes for Pacific communities across Aotearoa.