The Art of Pasifika Storytelling: Building Impact and Influence Through Culture

Watch the video here

What happens when communities reclaim their own narratives? When Pasifika voices are empowered to tell their own stories, the impact reaches far beyond the surface—it inspires change, builds connections, and strengthens the bonds that hold us together.

At the Storytelling for Impact & Influence hui, hosted by Catalyse, Tapasā Creative Director Kayla Schwalger led a dynamic session that challenged attendees to rethink the way we tell stories in the Pacific community.

Catalyse, known for creating change that matters and lasts, works to build vibrant communities by facilitating community engagement. Their dedication to strengthening Auckland's communities was evident at this event with over 150 community partners attending to upskill on how to share their impact in authentic and compelling ways.

For many, storytelling is a tool for communication. But for Pasifika, it’s much more than that—it's a means of empowerment, a way to heal, and a vehicle for advocacy. Kayla introduced The Art of Tautai, a Tapasā-developed framework rooted in the deep cultural practices of the Pacific, guiding leaders on how to share impactful stories that honour their community’s values and lived experiences.

The framework, which compares storytelling to a traditional fishing journey, encourages storytellers to dig deeper than just surface-level outcomes—like numbers or statistics—and uncover the emotional, mental, and spiritual shifts happening within their communities.

“Your big fish isn’t always visible on the surface,” Kayla explained. “It’s about what lies beneath—the deeper connections and shifts that happen when we truly understand each other.”

But this workshop wasn’t just theory. It was hands-on and practical, with participants working through their own stories, exploring how AI can enhance their storytelling, and applying cultural frameworks like the Va and Talanoa method to ensure authenticity and build trust. By the end of the session, the participants were not only equipped with tangible skills but also a renewed sense of purpose—empowered to share the stories that will bring their work to life and spark real change.

Alos presenting on the day were Māori storytelling expert Johnnie Freeland and AI specialist Jade Tang-Taylor, whose collective insights ensured the hui was a rich blend of tradition and innovation, helping attendees create stories that resonate with audiences across cultures and generations.

Pacific storytelling isn’t just about sharing achievements—it’s about creating spaces for growth, connection, and reflection. This collaboration was a reminder that when communities tell their own stories, they take ownership of their narratives, and in doing so, create a more just and equitable future for everyone.