In South Auckland, a group of families are beginning something new. Not just a programme, but the start of new traditions that could shape the health of generations to come.

We are currently in week one of testing a co-designed prototype created by participants who are living with type 2 diabetes, are pre-diabetic, or are supporting loved ones on that journey. Their lived experiences have shaped every part of this work.

Together, they developed a family plan built around three simple but powerful components:

• Physical activity
• Food planning
• Fun

At its heart, this plan takes a holistic approach to wellbeing one that goes beyond a clinical model many of our Pacific communities have long experienced when managing chronic conditions. Instead of focusing solely on treatment, this approach embraces the full picture of health: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.

What makes this prototype especially powerful is its focus on family and culture. Throughout the co-design process, participants reflected deeply on their lifestyles, recognising that many of their habits around food, movement, and daily routines have been passed down through generations. These ways of living are not wrong; they are part of identity, culture, and history.

But alongside this understanding has come a new and important question:

How can we create new traditions within our families that support better health for ourselves and for those who come after us?

This prototype is an answer to that question.

Over the next four weeks, families are trialling small, meaningful changes together. Already, in just the first week, there has been a noticeable shift.

One of the early changes families have embraced is introducing shared cooking rosters, making it easier to prepare healthier, home-cooked meals. A simple but powerful new tradition is emerging: sitting down to eat dinner together before 8pm.

As this journey continues, we look forward to sharing more stories from our families as they test, learn, and shape a future where wellbeing becomes a natural part of everyday life.