Manurewa charity requests $30,000 to keep Pacific seniors monthly gatherings

Up to 150 elders in South Auckland rely each month on a shared meal, music, and company at a Manurewa community hall.

Now the future of that gathering depends on whether the local board agrees to fund it.

The ASA Foundation has asked the Manurewa Local Board for $30,000 a year to continue running its Rewa Seniors (Faliu le La) programme and organise a drop-in hub twice a week for seniors to fellowship.

The request was presented during the local board’s first business meeting of the year.

The foundation’s chief executive, Esther Tofilau-Tevaga, told members the programme started during Covid-19 lockdowns when many older Pacific people were cut off from family, church, and community life.

“Our seniors are a vulnerable and sometimes forgotten population,” she said. “Many face isolation, financial hardship or health challenges. Our vision is to ensure Pacific elders in the Manurewa local board area live with dignity, joy and a sense of belonging.”

ASA Foundation presents a deputation at the Manurewa Local Board’s first business meeting of the year. Photo/PMN News/Taelegalolo'u Mary Afemata

The monthly events attract between 100 and 150 seniors. They include a free Pacific buffet lunch and activities such as bingo, line dancing, and guest speakers. Transport support and help accessing services are also part of the wider programme.

Tofilau-Tevaga said the funding would cover venue hire, catering, and programme costs for the year.

The foundation is seeking funding to run a twice-weekly drop-in hub for seniors to connect and access community support.

Board questions funding and collaboration

Local board member Marshal Ahluwalia asked for a breakdown of how the $30,000 would be spent.

Tofilau-Tevaga said most of the funding would go towards hall hire and catering, with the remainder supporting weekday activities linked to the seniors hub.

Board deputy chair Italia Tipelu-Marsters asked how ASA works with other senior initiatives in Manurewa, including community centres and age-friendly networks.

Tofilau-Tevaga said the foundation shares information with other groups and visits providers to exchange ideas.

Map of the Manurewa Local Board area, where ASA Foundation aims to connect and support seniors across the community through its Rewa Seniors (Faliu le La) programme. Photo/Auckland Council

“We realise that ASA is not the only one that runs a senior programme in Rewa,” she said.

Board member Glen Murphy asked whether ASA had engaged with social housing complexes in the area.

Tofilau-Tevaga said the organisation was open to building stronger links and already runs workshops to help seniors connect with support services.

Ahluwalia acknowledged the wider issue of loneliness in migrant communities. “Loneliness is a higher topic in Pasifika and in Indian and Asian communities as well. Thank you for the work you’ve been doing in that space because our people struggle.”

The elected members of the Manurewa Local Board, who make decisions on behalf of the community. Photo/Auckland Council

Growing Pacific population, ageing needs

Manurewa has one of the largest Pacific populations in Tāmaki Makaurau, and community leaders say culturally grounded programmes are key to keeping elders connected.

For many Pacific families, elders are central to church life, childcare and cultural leadership. When isolation sets in, it can have ripple effects across generations.

Tofilau-Tevaga said the gatherings were about restoring dignity and ensuring elders feel valued.

The board formally received the deputation. A decision on the funding request will be made through its annual funding process.

If approved, the grant would secure the programme for another year. If not, ASA will need to seek alternative funding to continue the monthly events.

For now, the seniors who fill the hall each month are waiting. Tofilau-Tevaga said the aim was to ensure elders feel supported and connected.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.