Whānau Ora Support
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.
Commisioned 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. Families residing in surrounding areas with high needs and who meet our service criteria, may also be eligible.
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
Sina is a Whānau Ora Community Navigator dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of Pasifika families in Christchurch.
Formerly in early childhood education, she’s embraced the shift to community work, finding fulfilment in supporting those who may hesitate to seek help.
Born and raised in Christchurch as the sixth of ten siblings, Sina is deeply family-oriented. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with loved ones, going to the movies or dinner, and playing volleyball and cards.
Guided by compassion and a strong sense of service, Sina is proud to be part of a team making a difference for Pasifika communities.
Freyna Mafoa
Freyna is a proud tama’itai Samoa and self-proclaimed Kiribati, deeply rooted in her faith and culture.
Born in New Zealand and raised in Samoa, she brings a unique perspective shaped by her lived experience of cultural transition and systemic challenges faced by Pacific peoples in Aotearoa.
Passionate about advocacy and equity, Freyna is excited to contribute to the work of TAT, helping to bridge gaps and empower communities.
Outside of her professional role, she cherishes quality time with her family.
Alopopo Leina Fofoa
Alopopo Leina is a proud daughter of the late '80s migration from Samoa to Aotearoa, carrying the Alopopo title in honour of her late grandfather, a respected matai of Papa Sataua, Savai’i. Her lineage spans the villages of Tuanai (Upolu), Fusi i Safotulafai, Asaga, and Papa Sataua, grounding her deeply in culture and faith.
Active in the EFKS Christchurch community and the Combined Samoan Ministers Fraternal Working Committee Trust, Alopopo brings vibrant energy to everything she does—from XtremeHipHop Step classes to her work as a Whānau Ora Navigator, where she empowers Pacific families and fosters wellbeing.
Guided by her faith, she says: 'I’m here based on God’s plan, and will go where He allows me to.'"