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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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 members as gifts, the flowers we are to nature and to the world. 

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. 

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 people to feel affirmed, included, and supported. Alongside this, Matala also delivers workshops aligned to the school curriculum, helping to embed learning and awareness in ways that are meaningful and relevant for students and teachers alike. 

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.