Coming together for a stronger, more connected Tāmaki Makaurau

Complex challenges can’t be solved by one organisation alone. Lasting change happens when communities, organisations and institutions come together around a shared purpose. This was at the heart of Community Impact Tāmaki Makaurau, a forum bringing together around 330 people from community partners, mana whenua, system leaders, funders practitioners and Auckland Council. The forum created […]

Seeing the bigger picture: Mapping Māngere’s Food System

In the recently released Turou Hawiki report, Healthy Families South Auckland shares its vision for a fairer, healthier South Auckland and demonstrates how community leadership and systems change and improve health and wellbeing outcomes. Central to this approach is a simple but powerful question: What part of the system are we trying to shift? One […]

Kōrero Mai goes to school: when the card asks the question, not the adult

VisionWest School Social Workers with Healthy Families South Auckland, coming together to kick off the Kōrero Mai school pilot. Back row (left to right): Tevita Tavake, Zane Pieterse, Julia Root, Maki BrownSecond row: Bonny Alaia, Cecilia Carcano, Iunisi Efoti, Corrine Dove, Faalenuu Lolo-LeoThird row: Tracey WalkerFront: Veranika Seiuli, Josh Gonzales. Kōrero Mai was built for the […]

Turou Hawaiki: Why local government matters for prevention

Since joining Auckland Council’s Community Impact Unit in 2023, Healthy Families South Auckland has continued to champion healthier communities. In Turou Hawaiki, Head of the Community Impact Unit, Dickie Humphries, shares why Healthy Families New Zealand and local government are critical partners in creating lasting health outcomes. Click here to download the Turou Hawaiki report. […]

Māngere Food Systems project: Connecting with community

Healthy Families South Auckland, along with its Health Coalition Aotearoa partners, held its fifth community engagement with local South Auckland groups and champions in August. It was the final hui on food systems in Māngere, held at Papatūānuku Marae and facilitated by Healthy Families South Auckland and Moana Connect. Eighteen participants attended, including Manukau Ward […]

From Rugby League Clubs to Thriving Community Hubs

Leasiosiofa’asisina Rachel Enosa, CEO of The Cause Collective, and Duane Mann, CEO of Auckland Rugby League sign the MOU with their teams supporting. For Healthy Families South Auckland, supporting healthier communities is not just about creating programmes, it is about strengthening the places, relationships and systems that shape everyday life. Our ongoing partnership with Auckland […]

Turou Hawaiki – A foreword from Boyd Swinburn

Healthy Families South Auckland has released Turou Hawaiki, a report which reflects on our work and what has been learned over the years. It highlights the conditions required for prevention to succeed, the importance of trust and relationships, and the role of local systems in enabling long‑term change. We are pleased to share the foreword written by […]

Healthy Families South Auckland helps get whānau moving together

A South Auckland dance programme is helping tamariki and parents build confidence, strengthen relationships and get active together. Whānau in Motion, delivered by Express Yourself at the Manurewa Leisure Centre, was supported through Healthy Families South Auckland and brought families together for 10 weeks of free hip hop dance sessions.  The Active NZ survey shows […]

Food: Is not just nutrition. It is culture, identity, connection and belonging.

More than what we eat: During a talanoa night, our team set out to better understand how a small group of Pacific participants viewed food and the way it is shared within homes and families. What emerged was a powerful reminder that food is about much more than nourishment. Certain meals and dishes carried deep […]