Photo caption: The Fiji Tekivu mai Jerusalemi Men’s Group representing their movement, connecting with families, and promoting culture, faith, and wellbeing at a community event in Mangere, South Auckland.
Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu’s Fiji Tekivu mai Jerusalemi Men’s Group continues to grow as a movement grounded in culture, faith and wellbeing, focused on building long-term strength, leadership, and stability within Fijian families and communities as a preventative response to harm and family violence.
Supported through the Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu backbone function, the movement remains community led. Led by Rev. Atu Lagi, Champion Lead, alongside Fijian men committed to positive change, the group creates safe, supportive, and non-judgemental spaces where men can connect, Talanoa, reflect and learn together. The movement centres on leadership, cultural confidence and reconnecting men to their identity and values, helping men feel supported and empowered to lead with responsibility, care and accountability within their families, churches, and wider communities.
Through regular gatherings and community engagement, the movement encourages men to uplift one another, build healthy relationships and model positive leadership at home and in community life. For many participants, this space offers confidence, purpose and a stronger sense of direction for themselves and their families.
Taking the Movement into the Community
The Fiji Tekivu mai Jerusalemi group actively engages with the wider Fijian community through cultural events and public gatherings, creating opportunities to connect with families and share their vision.
At a Fiji Language Week community celebration in Mangere, the group hosted a stall showcasing their work and inviting families and community members to engage in conversation. Their presence focused on:
- Promoting their vision and mission.
- Building awareness of their Champions movement.
- Encouraging Fijian men to get involved.
- Strengthening community connections.
- Opening pathways for men to step into leadership and collective support.
Being visible at major cultural gatherings has helped build momentum for the movement, sparking interest from Fijian men who want to be part of a collective that uplifts culture, faith, and wellbeing, and strengthens foundations for families and future generations.
Revitalising Language and Identity
Language and identity are central to the movement’s purpose. During Fiji Language Week, Rev Atu Lagi, spoke about the responsibility Pacific families hold in revitalising and maintaining their languages.
His message was simple yet thought-provoking:
“If we’re not speaking our languages at home, how can we expect our children and grandchildren to carry them forward?”
This message reinforces the group’s understanding that language, cultural practice, and faith are protective factors that strengthen identity, connection, and wellbeing across generations. For the Tekivu mai Jerusalemi Men’s Group, cultural identity is about building confidence, belonging and opportunities for the future.
Looking Ahead
The Fiji Tekivu mai Jerusalemi Men’s Group is continuing to grow its membership and expand its reach across Auckland. Through open days, information sessions and ongoing community engagement, the group is building pathways for more Fijian men to step into leadership, strengthen wellbeing and stand confidently in their cultural identity.
Their long-term vision is about building leadership, strengthening trust, and creating community-led solutions that reduce family violence and help build Vuvale Sautu – safe, strong, and culturally grounded families. Their movement reflects a simple but powerful vision: men supporting men, strengthening families and carrying culture, faith, safety and wellbeing forward together.
Get Involved
If you are a Fijian man and would like to be part of a group that uplifts culture, faith, and wellbeing, and supports leadership, connection, and long-term community strength, or if you would like more information about the Fiji Tekivu mai Jerusalemi movement, please get in touch:
Email: Rev. Atu Lagi – [email protected] or Tawake Gaunavou – [email protected] and follow their Fiji Champions of Change Facebook page here