New era for Whānau Ora: Cause Collective takes the helm in supporting Pasifika

The Government is implementing a major restructuring of Whānau Ora funding, which has resulted in long-time Pasifika provider Pasifika Futures losing a significant contract.

The decision shifts the contract for Pacific-focused services to The Cause Collective, marking a change in the delivery of support for Pacific communities.

The Cause Collective, led by chief executive Rachel Enosa, is a social change organisation based in South Auckland. It is focused on improving health and well-being outcomes for Pacific and Māori communities.

Known initially as Alliance Health Plus Trust, The Cause Collective has evolved to tackle systemic issues such as poverty, mental health, and housing insecurity.

In a statement, The Cause Collective says it is “honoured” to be named the preferred provider for Whānau Ora commissioning services.

“This opportunity allows decision-making to be brought closer to families and communities, ensuring Pacific values, strengths, and aspirations remain at the heart of the commissioning process.

“While much work lies ahead, we look forward to working with our community and provider partners to prepare for the commencement of services from 1 July 2025.”

The organisation also acknowledges the role of Tama Potaka, Minister for Whānau Ora, and Te Puni Kōkiri in what it calls a “rigorous process” to determine the next phase of Whānau Ora commissioning.

“This reaffirms the Government’s commitment to intergenerational change for families most in need, an aspiration we share.”

Rachel Enosa is chief executive of The Cause Collective. Photo/The Cause CollectiveT

End of an era

Since 2014, Pasifika Futures has led Whānau Ora services for Pasifika communities, providing comprehensive health, education, and financial support.

Over nearly a decade, the organisation has engaged with over 74,000 Pacific families, reaching 386,000 individuals across Aotearoa.

Through its commissioning model, Pasifika Futures has funded partner organisations to directly support whānau, including financial literacy programmes, housing assistance, early childhood education enrolments, and youth mentorship into STEM pathways.

The organisation also played a significant role in the Covid-19 response, delivering over 109,000 support packages and allocating $47 million in pandemic-related funding.

Pasifika Futures has been approached for comment.

Pasifika Futures Ltd (PFL) is a subsidiary of the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group. Photo/Pasfika Futures

Government’s rationale

Tu Puni Kōkiri acknowledges the strong market response to the Request for Proposals.

“While we acknowledge that some of the successful respondents have come forward with this information, as contract negotiations have not yet concluded, this information remains commercially sensitive.”

Dave Samuels, Te Puni Kōkiri Secretary for Māori Development, says the restructuring ensures that Whānau Ora remains focused on whānau wellbeing, with funding directed where it can make the most impact.

"Whānau Ora is focused on whānau wellbeing. Whānau decide which services and support they need to reach their fullest potential."

Dave Tokohau Samuels has been Secretary for Māori Development since September 2019. Photo/TPK

Samuels highlights that strong, trusted relationships have been key to Whānau Ora’s success and notes that this is the first time the commissioning process has been opened to competition.

"It was timely that we did this. Te Puni Kōkiri has been running a procurement process to select Commissioning Agencies to deliver Whānau Ora services under new contracts from 1 July 2025.

“There was a strong response from the market, and these decisions are reflective of the opportunity for a new phase in delivering services to whānau."

Some members of The Cause Collective team with Children's Minister, Karen Chhour, front third from left, and TCC CEO Rachel Enosa, front second from right. Photo/The Cause Collective

In a media interview, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says it is “entirely appropriate” for the commission agencies to change.

“It’s actually about making sure that those agencies deliver through their provider for the communities and we get the improved outcomes that we want to see in social services in general.

“It’s quite good to always question what you’re doing and whether there’s more that you could and should be doing and doing things differently in order to get better outcomes.

“And so I think in this case, things like making sure that the changeover of commissioning agencies is entirely appropriate.”

Watch a partnership to address family violence signed by The Cause Collective and NZ Police.