Strengthening Kāiga Wellbeing: Cancer Awareness and Collective Care in Porirua
Cancer awareness has emerged as a critical wellbeing issue for Tokelauan families in Porirua. With support from Pasefika Proud, the Atafu Tokelau Community Group (ATCG) has been delivering a Holistic Family Wellbeing Expo and subsequent cancer awareness workshops, creating culturally grounded spaces for families to understand, prevent, and respond to the growing impact of cancer on their kāiga.
For many Tokelauans, cancer is a source of deep concern, grief, and stress, particularly as more families experience illness, loss, and the ongoing pressure of caregiving. These pressures can place strain on families already navigating complex health, housing, and financial realities.
Hanipale Nouata, a Temana Elder, attended the cancer awareness workshop because of what he has witnessed within his community.
“I come along because too many of our people are dying. I wanted to understand why we are dying from this sickness, because in the old days growing up in Atafu, we were not dying and cancer was not there.”
The workshop created a culturally safe space for men to gather together, hear information in simple language, and speak openly about their concerns.
“It was good we stayed together with the temana to talk in very simple words to understand,” he said. “Temana Rev Tui Sopoaga said, ‘I am tired of burying too many Tokelau people from this sickness, cancer.’”
For Tokelauan families, cancer brings not only physical illness but significant emotional and practical strain. Those requiring specialist treatment are often referred to Wellington Hospital, meaning families travel, live together in crowded homes, manage unfamiliar systems, and carry worry alongside care.
Hanipale shared how the workshop helped ease that burden.
“I come today worrying inside. Many times I feel afraid because many of our kāiga are gone, no longer here. Good we as Matauala Kāiga share maopoopo — to carry the worry and alofa together.”
Supported by Pasefika Proud, ATCG’s cancer awareness kaupapa reflects a prevention-focused approach to wellbeing — recognising that stress, fear, and grief can weigh heavily on families, and that strengthening collective support is key to protecting kāiga wellbeing and resilience.
Through culturally grounded, community-led initiatives aligned with Pasefika Proud principles, Tokelauan families in Porirua are finding ways to face illness together, support one another, and safeguard the wellbeing of their kāiga now and into the future.
Partnerships That Strengthen Impact
Pasefika Proud has played a crucial role in enabling ATCG’s success. By providing resources, strategic support, and a shared vision of outcomes-focused growth, Pasefika Proud amplifies ATCG’s ability to deliver meaningful, measurable results.
“Pasefika Proud resonates with our approach,” Reuelu shared, “It’s about recognising the strengths in our culture and using them to address the challenges our community faces. Their partnership gives us the momentum to dream bigger and achieve more.”
As ATCG reflects on its journey, its mission remains clear: to honour its roots while preparing for the future.
“This work is transformational,” Reuelu affirmed. “It’s about ensuring our cultural knowledge and stories remain vibrant for generations to come.”
CLICK HERE external to visit the Atafu Tokelau Community Group Inc website for more information
