Supporting Pacific families through energy education

Tevita Tuita with members of our Samoan Disability Network Group

Vaka Tautua’s Support for Energy Education in Communities (SEEC) programme has been working hard to ensure Pacific families across Auckland stay warm, dry, and healthy in their homes.

Led by Tevita Tuita, the programme has provided practical, culturally tailored education alongside energy-saving devices to help families reduce power bills and improve living conditions.

Over the course of the programme, SEEC has reached a wide range of communities, including Tongan, Samoan, Fijian, Niuean, and Tuvaluan groups.

Special attention has been given to disability groups such as the Fijian DIAS group, where families received talanoa sessions on energy efficiency and the distribution of dehumidifiers, LED light bulbs, draught stoppers, low flow shower heads, and other helpful devices.

These tools are designed to create warmer, drier, and healthier living spaces, particularly for households with children, elderly members, or those with health or disability needs.

The programme has also partnered with EnergySmart, one of New Zealand’s leading providers of residential insulation, ventilation, and heating solutions.

Vaka Tautua colleagues Ana, Atonio and Viti with members from our Fiji Disability Network Group

Through this partnership, families could access free home assessments, insulation installations, heat pumps, and ventilation solutions.

Subsidies such as the Warmer Kiwi Homes grant have further supported eligible households, making energy-efficient upgrades more accessible.

Throughout the pilot, SEEC champions worked closely with families, providing guidance on how to use devices effectively and make the most of their home energy.

The initiative has not only helped reduce financial strain but also strengthened connections within the Pacific community, promoting wellbeing and resilience.

Although the SEEC pilot concluded at the end of June 2025, resources remain available for families in need.

Vaka Tautua continues to encourage whānau to reach out for support, ensuring practical assistance and energy education remain accessible to those who need it most.

Media: For any interview requests about this story please contact Aaron Ryan – aaron.ryan@vakatautua.co.nz / 0221006951