Whānau Ora shake-up: What’s at stake for Pacific communities?

The Government’s decision to restructure Whānau Ora funding has sparked discussion within Pacific communities, especially as Pasifika Futures, the long-time commissioning agency, loses its contract after a decade of service.

Tongan community leader Pakilau Aotearoa Manase Lua acknowledges the shift as surprising and expected.

“On one hand, it's a surprise because usually it's the incumbent who's the, you know, pretty much the, usually the winner or has the advantage here,” Lua says.

“But also, it's not a surprise that the government or TPK were looking for something different.”

Lua compares the situation to his experience in the disability sector, where contracts are frequently re-evaluated.

"We held a contract for almost 15 years, and 12 of those years I managed it. When it wasn’t renewed, it was a stark reminder that these shifts are common.

“But whoever takes over must learn from past experiences - both the successes and the missed opportunities."

He warns against large organisations profiting while communities struggle.

"You don’t want to be seen as benefiting off the poor health and social outcomes of Pacific people.

Pakilau Aotearoa Manase Lua. Photo/Supplied

“Real accountability comes from structures that ensure community input and decision-making, not just leadership at the top."

Despite the transition, he supports The Cause Collective’s leadership and issues a challenge.

"This is an opportunity to create a model that truly belongs to the community. The new providers must work directly with the grassroots, not just with a select few."

Labour’s response and workforce uncertainty

Labour’s Deputy Leader, Carmel Sepuloni, voices concerns over the workforce implications of the funding shift.

"We don’t know the full details, but my immediate thoughts are gratitude for those who have worked with Pasifika Futures.

“These are skilled individuals who have done a lot to support the community, and I hope the Government has a plan to transition them effectively."

Carmel Sepuloni says she is concerned about the implications of the funding shift for the workforce. Photo/file

Sepuloni stresses the importance of continuity: "If you’re shifting commissioning agencies, there should be a plan for both the workforce and the whānau receiving support. That’s the hope."

End of an era for Pasifika Futures

Since 2014, Pasifika Futures has led Whānau Ora services for Pacific communities, providing comprehensive health, education, and financial well-being 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 in 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

The Cause Collective steps in

The Cause Collective will now become the commissioning agency and evolve to address broader systemic issues, including 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."

The organisation acknowledges the role of Tama Potaka, Minister for Whānau Ora, and Te Puni Kōkiri in what it describes as 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 Collective

The way forward

Lua remains hopeful that The Cause Collective will prioritise partnerships and community involvement.

"We prove during Covid-19 that communities hold the solutions. We lack resources but still partner with providers and agencies to deliver vital support. This approach must be replicated.

"I congratulate Rachel and her team on securing this contract. I just want to voice that the communities are here to help. We are here to work with providers and provide solutions.

“Not pitching for contracts or jobs. We're just wanting to make things better for our communities, and always remember that at the end of the day, it's the outcomes that count, and they don't lie.”

Watch Pakilau Aotearoa Manase Lua's full interview below.