Celebrating a new chapter for People’s Place in Ōtara: Honouring Community, Culture and Connection

Ōtara, South Auckland – April 2025

In the early hours of a peaceful morning in April, Le Afio'aga o Aotearoa (LAOA), alongside its community partners, gathered in the Ōtara Town Centre to officially reopen People’s Place — a dedicated office space rooted in service, collaboration, and cultural identity. The day began with a karakia/dawn blessing conducted by mana whenua Ngāti Tamaoho, honouring the whenua and spiritually preparing the space for its future as a centre of collaboration and support for the Ōtara community.

The dawn service brought together kaumātua and community leaders recognising the deep cultural foundations of Le Afio’aga o Aotearoa. The presence and leadership of Ngāti Tamaoho reaffirmed the importance of upholding tikanga Māori and embracing indigenous partnership in creating spaces that serve and uplift the local community.

Following the karakia, the space was formally opened to the wider public through a community-led ceremony officiated by Reverend Asalele Lefaoaitu of the Ōtara Samoan Methodist Church— a meaningful gesture that signified unity, shared vision, and collective purpose. The reopening drew close to 80 attendees, with additional members of the public stopping by throughout the day to explore the space, engage with the Le Afio’aga team and provider partners, and to learn more about the history and future of Le Afio’aga. This occasion also provided an opportunity to connect with local retailers and businesses in the surrounding square, strengthening ties and raising awareness of Le Afio’aga o Aotearoa’s ongoing work alongside its partner organisations.

People’s Place is envisioned as more than a physical workspace. It is a shared hub for community connection, cultural expression, and collaborative support. It reflects the aspirations of the Ōtara community — a space where whānau are welcomed, empowered, and served with integrity.

By grounding the reopening in cultural and spiritual practice, the event served as a powerful reminder that transformational change begins with honouring the past, acknowledging the present, and building towards a shared future.

People’s Place stands as a living example of what is possible when the community is not only at the table but at the centre — a space by the people, for the people.