Empowering Māori and Pasifika to achieve lasting health goals

A new report, set to help Māori and Pacific communities overcome health challenges while fostering a sense of belonging and support, has been launched in Auckland.

The transformative impact of Buttabean Motivation’s (BBM) 12-week From the Couch (FTC) programme is designed to support individuals with chronic health issues and obesity in South and West Auckland, particularly within Māori and Pasifika communities.

The research, led by a team from Massey University, explores what makes the programme uniquely effective.

Unlike standard weight loss or lifestyle change programmes, FTC is culturally tailored, creating a supportive, non-judgemental environment that resonates with participants’ values and experiences.

Research approach

PMN News spoke with junior research assistants Jenn Sarich (Māori/Pākehā) and Gloria Finau (Tonga), both in their mid-30s, who provided insights into their research on the programme’s impact.

“We did two research projects. The first one evaluated BBM’s From the Couch 12-week programme, which is a lifestyle change programme. And the second report was an extension of that, where we measured the programme, but also the longer-term impacts,” Sarich said.

The study analysed data from three participant cohorts, comparing medical markers such as weight and cholesterol levels at the beginning and end of the programme.

Researchers also interviewed 59 participants to capture their personal stories and to explore the factors contributing to their success.

BBM's For the Couch Programme is a 12-week initiative to help support Māori and Pasifika communities facing health challenges providing mental wellbeing support. Photo/Supplied

In the final year of the study, the team conducted follow-up interviews with 11 participants to examine their long-term progress.

“We have spoken with 11 participants who completed the programme and tried to figure out a bit more after the 12 weeks what’s been helpful, what have you maintained, what have been challenges in maintaining a healthy lifestyle,” Sarich said.

Outcomes

The report highlights the programme’s positive outcomes, demonstrating its ability to create lasting change by addressing physical health, mental well-being, and community connection.

Finau said having BBM founder Dave Letele share his experience about overcoming adversity, including weight loss, has helped participants connect.

“So, they see what he’s been through and seeing all the other mentors and leaders of BBM come through and through their journey the community sees them as motivation.

“If they can do it, I can do it,” Finau said.

Sarich also highlighted the successful outcomes of this programme.

“We concluded the research saying that there was robust evidence that the programme does work, it wasn’t just by chance that people managed to lose that, and it’s more detailing.

“One of our results is that, on average, there was a seven-kilogramme weight loss, so that’s basically saying overall most participants lost roughly around seven kilogrammes.”

Testimonies

Barry Tikena, a 53-year-old BBM participant, recently completed the FTC programme, marking another milestone in his four-year journey with the community-focused fitness and wellness initiative.

“The highlight from those years is seeing all the other participants do the programme, walk away with a smile on their face knowing that they’ve all achieved something,” Tikena said.

Presentation of the final research evaluation report for the FTC programme. Photo/Supplied

“During those 12 weeks, you get to know who’s here and you become a family, and that’s what this is basically all about meeting a new family for 12 weeks but at the end of it you end up having a whole new family for a lifetime.”

While Tikena has progressed in his mental and physical health, and he admits that nutrition remains his biggest challenge.

“That’s the hardest thing to get under my belt. Even though I’ve been with BB for a while, that’s still a challenge for me.”

Tikena credited BBM’s supportive environment and team for his continued progress and encouraged others to start their own journeys.

“I just wish that everybody would just give it a go. There’s nothing to be afraid of. We all start from somewhere, and we all end up in the same place where it’s good.”

Barry Tikena [second from the right], shared his testimony of his FTC journey. Photo/Supplied

For Tikena, BBM isn’t just a programme. It’s a “home away from home".

Key takeaways

Finau and Sarich highlighted the key takeaways from the research project, emphasising the importance of indigenous knowledge and a welcoming environment.

“What is important is that we don’t overlook our indigenous knowledge as Māori and Pasifika.

“You know the people at the top, they want to look at evidence-based, come down and try it out.

“It’s all good to read the report, but if you’re not in the space then you won’t know exactly what everyone is feeling and leaving this place feeling sore but wanting to come back,” Finau shared.

Dave Letele shares a few opening remarks at the presentation event. Photo/Supplied

Sarich also highlighted the importance of feeling accepted.

“The key part for me, you’ve got these physical health improvements, mental health improvements. What made it different is that people came in here and they felt accepted.

“They didn’t feel judged, and they felt as though they belonged.

“I think ultimately belonging, if you feel as though you belong that clears the space to then reach for your goals.

“If you don’t feel a sense of acceptance or belonging, it’s hard to then aspire for more. That foundation is here and that allows for so much more,” Sarich said.

The research findings were presented at the BBM gym in Manukau last Thursday.