Pacific Village Stewards
The Pacific Village Stewards programme uses sports, physical activity and Pacific cultural identity to strengthen protective factors against suicide for Pasifika men and youth. Guided by the Pacific concept of stewardship (entrusted with care, responsibility and protection of the collective) athletes, coaches, and leaders act as guardians of wellbeing, fostering resilience, belonging and hope within their communities.
Who is involved?
Community sports clubs, Pacific athlete and coach stewards, community leaders, wellbeing providers and local families across Auckland.
Goals
• Strengthen whānau and community bonds through sport as a safe, inclusive platform.
• Build resilience by equipping Pasifika men and youth with coping skills and confidence.
• Empower athletes and coaches as visible stewards and role models of hope.
• Embed Pacific language, storytelling, and cultural practice to affirm identity.
• Provide trusted referral pathways connecting families to timely health and social services.
The programme is creating safe spaces for conversations about mental wellbeing, increasing awareness of suicide prevention, strengthening community connections, and improving access to support services through trusted sporting networks.
What difference is it making?
Mid-programme Snapshot
21 Pacific athlete & coach stewards recruited and mobilised
3 community sport activation delivered (where physical activity, resilience workshops and whanau engagement occur)
2 Pacific Resilience Talanoa Forums completed (spaces where youth and families discuss resilience and mental wellbeing and integrating Pacific storytelling).
Six months into delivery, the programme is demonstrating the value of using trusted sporting environments to promote mental wellbeing and suicide prevention. Through trained community stewards, culturally grounded engagement, and strong partnerships with local sports clubs, the programme is helping create conversations around wellbeing, strengthen social connections, and increase awareness of support services among Pacific communities across Auckland.
If you want more information, please email info@leafioaga.co.nz