Tōfā Mamao Collective opens regional hubs in Wellington & Christchurch

Advancing the voices of tagata sa’ilimalo (Pacific disabled people, their families/nofo-a-kainga, and carers/supporters/tautua soifua) in all levels of our society was further strengthened on Tuesday 27th and Wednesday 28th July 2021, when Tōfā Mamao Collective Wellington and Christchurch social hubs were officially launched through the Valuing Lived Experience project, a collaboration between Tōfā Mamao Collective, Vaka Tautua and PIASS Trust, funded by the Ministry of Health.

The purpose of the social hubs is for tagata sa’ilimalo to advocate and promote local issues that impact their daily lives and to connect with each other as well as their natural supports within their wider community.

“Both events were very successful in bringing our Pacific disabled people and our wider Pacific community together. I was very proud to attend both events and was privileged to hear some of our Pacific disabled peoples lived experiences through their personal stories and I am convinced that our regional approach in bringing forth the local leaders that can articulate challenges and solutions for their local area is the right strategy.” said the Tōfā Mamao Collective National Executive Officer, Tunumafono Ava Fa’amoe.

The attendees for the Tōfa Mamao Christchurch hub launch event

“To further advance the vision, it is my hope that once the regional groups are in the position where they could nominate their representative to sit on the Tōfā Mamao Collective National Council, we will further strengthen and advance our voices on national issues and participate in international discussions for disabled people. To help fulfill this vision, we will continue to need support from our local and national partners. I would like to acknowledge the continued support of our original partners, Taikura Trust and Dauntless Blue” added Mr. Fa’amoe.

At the Wellington launch, guest speaker Sonia Hawea, Taikura Trust Chief Executive Officer, acknowledged the partnership.

“Hearing and seeing people confidently share their stories for the first time is the value Tōfā Mamao Collective brings to our community, and it is the reward for the investment Taikura Trust has made for the last two years. Having been there at the beginning in Auckland it was a privilege to celebrate with our partners the extension of Tōfā Mamao Collective", said Ms. Hawea.

“As Tōfā Mamao Collective continues to advance and become truly sustainable, we’ll need individuals like Sonia and organisations like, Taikura Trust as partners more than ever. Sonia and Taikura were the first to truly value the independent voice of Tōfā Mamao Collective while resisting the temptation that most providers often fall into and that is the need to control and claim credit for that voice. Partners without condition is our future.” concluded Mr. Fa’amoe.

To join Tōfā Mamao Collective Auckland, please contact Tunumafono Ava Fa’amoe by email: avaula.faamoe@tofamamao.com or mobile 0276807973
To join Tōfā Mamao Collective Wellington, please contact Fiailoa Alivale by email: Fiailoa.Alivale@vakatautua.co.nz or freephone 0800 825282
To join Tōfā Mamao Collective Canterbury, please contact Kaiongo Tupou by email: Kaiongo.Tupou@vakatautua.co.nz or freephone 0800 825282