Tapasā Joins the Peter McKenzie Project Flotilla

We have exciting news to share—Tapasā has officially joined the Peter McKenzie Project (PMP) flotilla!

The Peter McKenzie Project, an initiative of the JR McKenzie Trust, is a multi-year, multi-site effort tackling the root causes of child and whānau poverty in Aotearoa. While PMP is not actively expanding its flotilla, Tapasā has been welcomed as the newest rōpū, bringing its deep commitment to Pasifika empowerment, cultural identity, and systems change.

In late 2024, the Tapasā team presented the Atafa o le Moana initiative to the PMP board, sharing our vision for empowering Tagata Moana youth through leadership, self-determination, and cultural revitalisation. The board embraced the kaupapa wholeheartedly, and we are incredibly grateful to Lili Tuioti, Director of the Peter McKenzie Project and the team, for believing in our vision and providing us the opportunity to present.

Thanks to this support, Tapasā has now been funded to run Atafa o le Moana for the next three years.

Atafa o le Moana is a Tagata Moana Youth Initiative that embodies empowerment, cultural preservation, and leadership. With PMP’s support, the program will:

✅ Advocate for and empower Pasifika youth toward self-determination

✅ Strengthen Tagata Moana youth connections to Te Tiriti o Waitangi

✅ Provide education on systems change and leadership

✅ Support youth in designing, prototyping, and leading systems innovation

Set to begin in late February 2025, the initiative will equip young leaders with the tools to navigate change, amplify their voices, and shape sustainable legacies for future generations. Keep an eye out for nominations to join the program as a youth systems changer and shaker, as well as the upcoming announcement of the Atafa team!

Tapasā’s Executive Director, Ruta Tonumaivao, shared her gratitude:

"We are honoured and grateful to have the support and connection to serve our communities of the Tagata Moana in Aotearoa. Fa'afetai tele lava to those that have helped us to navigate and continue to journey with us to uplift our Pasifika communities. We are truly blessed."

With this exciting milestone, Tapasā is committed to building bridges, amplifying voices, and ensuring that Pasifika youth thrive in Aotearoa. This is just the beginning.