Our Story

Our beginnings

Once upon a time, there were two Pacific providers in Auckland - Pacific Island Advocacy Support Services Trust (PIASS Trust) which delivered disability and older peoples’ services; and Malologa Trust, which delivered mental health services.

In 2003, the two Trusts decided to join forces, to achieve greater impact and outcomes for our Pacific peoples and communities.

Vaka Tautua was established in 2004 as a result - a partnership between PIASS Trust and Malologa Trust. Our purpose: to promote and advance the physical and mental health development and wellbeing of Pacific peoples.

Our journey

Vaka Tautua has grown significantly since its establishment:

  • We have expanded from being an Auckland-only service provider to a national Pacific health, disability and social services provider - with a strong presence (regional offices) in the Auckland, Wellington, Canterbury and (from 2022) Otago regions.

  • We have also expanded our range of services from disability, older peoples and mental health services only (from our parent trusts) to include social services and financial capability services. Thus, making us a “one-stop shop” where people’s and families’ disability, mental health, older peoples’, social (social work) and financial needs can be met.

We believe our growth is due to a number of key factors, namely:

  • Our proven track record. We have a proven track record of working with our peoples and their families, supporting them to achieve their goals and aspirations.

  • Our strong “by Pacific for Pacific” cultural approach. We are Pacific governed and led. We know and understand our Pacific peoples. Our services are conceptualised and designed within a shared Pacific worldview, and delivered with ethnic-specific worldviews. This, and our Pacific language competency, means we can connect, engage and achieve.

  • Our strong partner and community relationships. We work collaboratively with other non-government organisations, community organisations, district health boards, government agencies and churches to achieve optimal outcomes for our Pacific peoples.

  • Our passion and commitment.