2021 has been a year of several highs and a couple of lows for Healthy Families South Auckland (The Cause Collective).
We will begin with the lows which a few and far between – these are tied to Covid-19 and the associated lockdowns which do slow the progress of our mahi together with our community leaders and residents. The other is saying farewell to our work whānau when they move on to new pastures.
The highs are plentiful with outstanding mahi being delivered out in the community. It has been a joy to be a part of – here is a summary of the best bits of 2021!
Play Streets South Auckland
Play Streets South Auckland was a success with events taking place in Māngere, Wiri, and Takaanini. The initiative designed to provide whānau and community with the right to play on the street once again, in the way they wish to experience it.
Healthy Families South Auckland ran this initiative alongside community residents by seeking their input in the design and delivery of the events in each area.
- Neighbourhood input sought for Play Streets
- It takes a Village: Meet the Women putting community first
- The neighbourhood that wants kids to play outside for long term health and wellbeing
Village Games Talanoa Series
The Village Games Talanoa Series launched during the August – December 2021 lockdown. The weekly half-hour episodes were an opportunity for Pita Alatini (Systems Innovator) and Fila Fuamatu (Lead Systems Innovator) to talk to a community champion(s) about the unique features of their traditional games and sports as well as understanding how incorporating culture and language compels Pacific people to move and achieve good health and wellbeing. Watch and be inspired!
- Kilikiti, bringing communities together
- Joylynn Ikiua loves all things Niue
- Sainimili Saikuru – Fijian administrator
- Tuvalu community leader – Kelesome Saloa
- Frank Haimona – founder of Time to Train
- Milika Pusiaki – Tongan cultural expert
Kōrero Takuahi – Fireside Kōrero
Korero Takuahi – Fireside Kōrero continued this year and showcased how traditional Māori concepts can help inspire new ways of thinking and action for people living in South Auckland which can lead to social change.
- Baari Mio, Operations Manager for Mataatua Marae, featured on the July episode to talk about the foundations of the Marae, principles of Te Ao Māori and social change.
- Ayla Hoeta is a dynamic wahine Māori, journalist, fitness trainer, plant based māmā and Maramataka practitioner.
- Peter Cordtz is the Community Economic Development Lead at The Cause Collective and passionate about improving the financial capability of Māori and Pasifika.
- Matua Rereata is a Maramataka expert and a renowned Maori astrologer
Early Years
Our community of practice with Counties Manukau Kindergarten Association (CMKA) and Counties Manukau District Health Board (CMDHB) has allowed for capability workshops to be undertaken for a selected number of CMKA and Pacific Island centres in South Auckland. Participants are given professional development tools to begin building their capability in design thinking and to create ideas that will help whānau, rangatahi and ECE teachers learn better together. Read here.
Unfortunately, as a reflection of the communities and peoples that we serve in South Auckland, the workshops stopped completely during the lockdown as teachers responded to helping to address pressing issues in their ECE community. Read here.
Alcohol
Our work in Alcohol Related Harm has accelerated during the latter period of 2021 with a Pacific Community Fono and an Alcohol Harm video series. The Pacific Alcohol Harm Community Fono was an opportunity for South Auckland’s Pacific Community to have a talanoa (discussion) about alcohol-related harm with Pacific peoples and local communities with the view to provide direction as to how they would like to see the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act (SSOA) 2012, possible amended to suit their local environment(s). The Alcohol Related Harm video series can be viewed here: Episodes one and two.
Thank you for working with us in 2021. We wish you, your whanau and friends, a safe Christmas, and New Year.
See you in 2022!
