Whānau Ora Service
Empowering Pasifika families to thrive
Whānau Ora is more than a service - it’s a partnership built on trust, care and cultural understanding
Whānau Ora is built on a powerful truth: families know best what they need to thrive. We walk alongside Pasifika kāinga, working towards overcoming challenges, building resilience, and reaching goals in ways that feel right for you.
Delivered by the Tātou Collective — the Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency for Pacific peoples across Aotearoa — this service wraps around the whole ‘aiga, from tamaiti to mātua. It’s a culturally grounded, family-first approach that honours your journey and dreams.
Whānau Ora grows confidence and pride in who you are, where you come from, and the strength of your vuvale— for today and the future.
Our service primarily supports families living in Aranui, Phillipstown, and Hoon Hay. However, families in nearby areas may also be eligible, especially where there is significant need.
Together we work towards:
Financial Empowerment
Provide tools and education to reduce debt, increase family income, and gain skills to access better job opportunities.
Health & Wellbeing
Guidance in leading a balanced lifestyle, managing health in a way that makes sense to you and creating safe, nurturing homes for ‘aiga.
Identity & Belonging
Celebrate cultural heritage and strengthen community connections through leadership and shared values.
Education & Growth
Help families pursue learning, personal development and long-term stability.
What you can expect
1.Initial Contact
We’ll call you within 2–3 days to check your eligibility.
If you don’t meet our criteria, we’ll connect you with the right support.
2. Planning and Support
Through open and collaborative talanoa, you’ll meet with a Navigator to create a tailored plan for your vuvale.
Together, you’ll set goals and receive ongoing support to help you achieve them.
3. Regular Check-ins
Every three months, we’ll review your progress.
There’s no fixed timeframe – we’re here for as long as you need us.
Meet our Navigators
Our Whānau Ora Navigators are deeply rooted in their communities and bring cultural knowledge, empathy, and lived experience to every interaction. Navigators highlight your strengths, bridge gaps to essential services, and help restore trust where systems may have fallen short.
You’ll be matched with a Navigator who will meet you where you feel most comfortable — at home or in the community — and walk alongside you every step of the way, until you no longer need our support.
Sina Vaele
As one of our Whānau Ora navigators, Sina's role is pivotal in improving the health and wellbeing of Pasifika people at risk of poor health and social outcomes.
Previously working in early childhood education, Sina says that her time at TAT has been a good change for her.
“While I miss the children, it’s been a good change with a lot of new things to learn and do”, Says Sina.
Christchurch born and bred, Sina is the 6th child out of 10 siblings. She is family orientated and says that working at TAT has provided her with the opportunity to support our Pasifika community and families.
“Some people aren’t as comfortable with reaching out for help, so it’s important to let people know that we are here,” Says Sina.
When she's not working, Sina likes to spend time with family and friends, go out to the movies or for dinner and play volleyball and cards.
Freyna Mafoa
Rooted deeply in her faith and culture, Freyna is a proud tama’itai Samoa and self-proclaimed Kiribati, passionate about advocacy and promoting equity for Pacific communities.
Born in New Zealand and raised in Samoa, she brings a unique perspective to her work, having experienced firsthand the cultural shock and systemic challenges Pacific people often face when transitioning to life in Aotearoa. Her lived experience fuels her commitment to bridging these gaps and empowering others to thrive.
Freyna is excited to contribute to the work TAT has begun, and when she’s not championing equity, she treasures quality time with her family
Alopopo Leina Fofoa
Alopopo Leina, proudly named after her grandfather Alopopo Samuelu Matafeo—a respected matai of Papa Sataua, Savai’i—is a daughter of the late '80s migration from Samoa to Aotearoa.
Her roots span the villages of Tuanai (Upolu), Fusi i Safotulafai, Asaga, and Papa Sataua (Savai’i).
She currently serves the EFKS Christchurch community and is thrilled to support Pacific families as a Whānau Ora Navigator.
Known for her vibrant energy, you’ll likely hear her before you see her—whether on a walking track or at XtremeHipHop Step Classes.