18th June 2026
Forty-four professionals and community practitioners have become the first graduates of the Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu Micro-Credential, marking an important milestone in building a culturally capable workforce to better support Pacific families and communities across Aotearoa.
Celebrated at The Cause Collective, the graduation brought together graduates, families, cultural facilitators, community lekaders and sector partners to recognise the commitment of frontline and community practitioners who have completed the Level 6 Micro-Credential during 2025.
A Pacific-led approach to strengthening practice
Supported by the Ministry of Social Development, Pasefika Proud, Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu is built on eight Pacific ethnic-specific cultural frameworks representing Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, the Cook Islands, Tokelau, Tuvalu, Niue and Kiribati.
The programme equips practitioners working across health, social services, education, justice and community organisations with culturally grounded knowledge and practical approaches that strengthen relationships with Pacific families and improve responses to family violence.
Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu Cultural Lead, Fa’amatuainu Tino Pereira, said the programme was developed by Pacific leaders and cultural experts, grounded in the belief that culture is one of the greatest strengths in preventing violence and strengthening families.
“The question was, is culture the problem or is culture the solution? They all believed that culture has the solution.”
That philosophy sits at the heart of the Micro-Credential, recognising that each Pacific community has its own cultural values, knowledge systems and strengths that contribute to the wellbeing of families and communities.
Learning translated into practice
For many graduates, the value of the programme was evident immediately, with the learning being applied directly into their professional practice.
Recent graduate Motoria Tano said the knowledge gained through the programme had strengthened the way she now works with families and children.
“A lot of the stuff that we’ve learned from the trainings I’ve incorporated to the mahi that I’m doing now. I’m working with families, and now with children.”
Photo of graduate Motoria Tano
Social worker Radhika Prakash said the programme increased both her confidence and capability when working alongside Pacific families from different cultural backgrounds.
“It has broadened my knowledge on how to practice with different ethnic groups… working with families that experienced family violence has made me competent to work with different ethnic group families.”
Her reflections show how the Micro-Credential is translating cultural knowledge into everyday practice, giving practitioners greater confidence to work alongside Pacific families across a range of settings.
Photo: Radhika Prakash with Leasiosiofa’asisina Rachel Enosa Chief Executive Officer, The Cause Collective
Growing leadership across organisations
The impact is also being felt within organisations investing in their workforce.
Kristina Sofele, National Manager of People and Capability at Vaka Tautua, said the programme had created opportunities for staff who had never previously undertaken tertiary study, with many now motivated to continue their learning.
“For them to gain a Level 6 Micro-Credential has been amazing… and now they’re excited to go on to further study.”
Her reflections show the programme is strengthening organisational capability by creating leadership pathways, encouraging further study and building confidence across the Pacific workforce.
Graduate Arama Pine encouraged other practitioners to consider the programme.
“If you’re wanting to enhance your practice, I feel it’s a good way to do it, especially for Pacific and Māori people.”
Photo: Graduate Arama Pine
Building the future Pacific workforce
Across the interviews, graduates and organisational leaders shared a common message: the Micro-Credential is doing more than increasing knowledge. It is building practitioner confidence, creating new education and leadership pathways, and demonstrating that Pacific cultural frameworks provide a strong foundation for preventing and responding to family violence.
The graduation represents a growing movement of practitioners committed to culturally informed practice and strengthening outcomes for Pacific families.
As graduates return to their workplaces and communities, they take with them practical skills, deeper cultural understanding and stronger connections that will continue to influence the services they provide.
Through the collective efforts of graduates, cultural facilitators, community leaders, the Ministry of Social Development, Pasefika Proud and The Cause Collective, Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu continues to strengthen workforce capability, grow Pacific leadership and build a culturally responsive workforce that supports safer, stronger families and communities across Aotearoa.
Learn more here: https://ngavaka.nz/training/micro-credential-workforce-capability/