Collective Summit: Driving Impact Through Culture, Collaboration, and Innovation
Mangere, Auckland - April
April 11th marked Day Two of the Le Afio’aga o Aotearoa (LAOA) Collective Summit 2025, building on the faith-led momentum of the Pre-Summit. What unfolded was a dynamic day of dialogue, vision, and action—showcasing how culturally grounded, community-led strategies are creating meaningful transformation across health, sport, data, and cross-border collaboration.
A key moment from the day was the launch of the Samoa–NZ Long-Term Placements and Twinning Programme, a powerful symbol of strengthened cross-border collaboration between Samoa and New Zealand. This initiative will see both nations sharing workforce expertise, building regional capacity, and supporting cultural exchange to improve health workforce exchange. It represents a renewed commitment to regional collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Throughout the day, speakers also highlighted the potential of sport as a vehicle for social change. Rather than viewing sport solely through the lens of physical activity, the summit embraced its wider role in shaping leadership, health, and identity—particularly among youth and intergenerational communities. Sport was presented as a culturally aligned tool for community transformation, capable of building bridges across generations while promoting mental, physical, and social well-being.
Another major theme that resonated throughout the summit was the importance of culturally responsive development. Presentations spoke to the urgent need to embed Māori and Pacific values into policies, services, and systems of support. Whether in health, sport, or social services, presenters emphasised that strategies must be grounded in the cultural realities, aspirations, and identities of the communities they serve. This approach not only ensures relevance but creates a foundation for long-term trust and impact.
The role of data in driving social investment was also a central focus. Leaders shared examples of how secure, ethical data sharing—centered on Pacific and Māori wellbeing indicators—can enable more targeted, informed decision-making. There was a strong call to ensure that data ownership remains with communities, and that funding models reflect lived experience and local insight. By investing in community-led data systems, we move closer to a future where every investment is informed by values, evidence, and equity.
The 2025 Collective Summit was not just an event—it was a call to action. From faith to sport, from health to workforce development, the message was clear: authentic partnerships and Pacific-led solutions are essential for lasting transformation. The summit laid a powerful foundation for future collaboration, rooted in cultural integrity and a shared vision for our region’s wellbeing.
As we look ahead, the challenge is clear: how do we turn this momentum into sustainable action? The answer lies in continuing to walk together—centering culture, community, and collective leadership every step of the way.
Together, we transform communities. Together, the work continues.