Strengthening Partnerships for Improved Outcomes for Pacific

On Friday, 21st February, Hon Karen Chhour the Minister for Children and for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence visited The Cause Collective (TCC) to learn more about the delivery of the Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu programme and the partnership between the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) through Pasefika Proud and TCC.

During the visit, Minister Chhour was introduced to the key aspects of Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu, a programme designed by Pacific communities to prevent family violence and support Pacific wellbeing. The initiative is built on eight ethnic-specific frameworks, ensuring culturally grounded and community-led approaches to addressing violence.  

Rachel Enosa, Chief Executive of The Cause Collective, highlighted the importance of collaboration between government agencies and Pacific-led organisations to ensure that communities receive the best possible support. She emphasised the role of TCC in delivering this programme and the value of culturally informed solutions.  

Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu is delivered through strong partnerships with Pacific communities in Auckland and Waikato and includes: 

  • Capability development training for Pacific and non-Pacific service providers. 

  • Community-driven leadership to mobilise change and build cross-sector partnerships. 

  • Research and evaluation to ensure the programme continues to meet the needs of Pacific families. 

Serena from MSD’s Pasefika Proud team spoke about the significance of the partnership with TCC and how it enables a more effective response to family violence within Pacific communities. She also noted the importance of aligning the programme’s communications with Pasefika Proud’s strategic vision.  

A recent milestone for the programme is its micro-credentialing at Level 6 on the NZQA framework, equivalent to a second-year university paper. This recognition strengthens the credibility of the training and supports professionals working with Pacific families in applying evidence-based cultural frameworks to their practice. 

Additionally, an independent Impact Lab Report commissioned by TCC found that for every dollar invested in the programme, there is a social return of $7.70. The report also highlighted: 

  • A 15% improvement in mental and physical health. 

  • A 24% increase in safety and security. 

  • A 61% rise in disposable income and household savings. 

TCC maintain the findings reinforce the impact of Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu in achieving government targets, including a 15% reduction in child and youth offending and preventing 20,000 instances of violent crime. 

Minister Chhour’s visit underscored the value of ongoing collaboration between MSD’s Pasefika Proud, and TCC in strengthening Pacific communities. The discussions held during the visit reaffirmed the shared commitment to delivering culturally responsive, evidence-based solutions that prioritise the safety and wellbeing of Pacific families. Through continued partnership, Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu will remain a key driver of positive change. 

Pasefika Proud is the lead programme for family violence prevention for Pacific peoples through the Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu Pacific cultural framework. (Te Aorerekura - Shift 4)  

Also of interest: 

1. Te Aorerekura Action Plan 2025 - 2030 published
2. Another Step Towards a Violence Free Community 
3. One Year On: The Police and Champions of Change
4. From a Culture of Silence to a Culture of Change
5. NZ Police and Pasifika Champions Unite Against Family Violence