2 May 2026
Strong communities are built when people have opportunities to connect, lead and support one another.
That was the focus of a recent collaboration between Champions of Change – Tokelau, Tūgaki Ke Olatia and Mafutaga Tupulaga Talavou Aukilani (MTTA), a Tokelau youth organisation that supports young people to strengthen their cultural identity, leadership and connection to their wider community.
The partnership reflects the Tokelau Champions of Change approach, bringing together elders, young people, families and community organisations to create safe and inclusive spaces where culture, knowledge and leadership are shared across generations. By strengthening relationships and activating community leadership, the initiative helps build the conditions for Tokelau families to thrive.
Held in South Auckland, the event welcomed Tokelau families, elders, youth and community leaders for a day centred on culture, health and wellbeing. Participants took part in weaving, singing and cultural learning alongside elders while also accessing hearing and vision checks, mental health support, education pathways and information from community service providers.
By combining cultural connection with practical support, the event demonstrated how community-led initiatives can strengthen wellbeing, improve access to trusted services and enable communities to take action together.
Community connection at the centre
For many families, the most meaningful part of the event wasn’t a single activity or service. It was simply the opportunity to come together.
Events like this create space for Tokelau families to reconnect with one another, celebrate their culture and strengthen the relationships that support healthy, resilient communities. Through weaving, singing and sharing stories, elders passed on cultural knowledge while young people deepened their understanding of Tokelau identity, language and traditions.
One participant reflected:
“It brought our people together. We learned from one another and strengthened our connections as a community.”
This sense of belonging also creates opportunities for important conversations about health and wellbeing. When services are offered in familiar, culturally safe environments alongside trusted community leaders, people are more likely to ask questions, seek support and connect with services that can make a difference for themselves and their families.
Rather than separating culture from wellbeing, the event demonstrated how the two are deeply connected. Strengthening cultural identity and community relationships helps create the conditions for families to thrive.
Learning for future events
Community-led initiatives continue to grow by listening to the people they serve.
As families reflected on the day, many shared ideas for how future gatherings could create an even greater impact. There was enthusiasm for more activities that engage young people, additional health and wellbeing services, longer workshops and more opportunities for families to come together throughout the year.
These reflections demonstrate a community that is actively shaping its own future. By listening to the aspirations of Tokelau families and responding to what matters most, Tūgaki Ke Olatia and MTTA can continue evolving initiatives that strengthen cultural identity, nurture emerging leaders and create opportunities for future generations to thrive.
Strengthening Tokelau communities through community leadership
Champions of Change supports Pacific communities to lead positive change by strengthening local leadership, creating safe and inclusive community spaces and building environments where families can thrive.
The collaboration between Tūgaki Ke Olatia and MTTA demonstrates how communities can build on their own strengths to foster cultural identity, strengthen intergenerational relationships and improve access to health and wellbeing support. By working together, Tokelau leaders are creating opportunities for families to connect, support one another and shape a stronger future for generations to come.
Learn more
To learn more about the Tūgaki Ke Olatia movement or upcoming community initiatives, email [email protected]