Tangata Atumotu Trust
Healthy, thriving, and connected Pasifika people
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Our Vision:
Healthy, thriving and connected Pasifika people.
Our Mission:
Navigating the waters together.
Tangata Atumotu is committed to fostering the wellbeing, prosperity, and unity of Pasifika peoples.
Guided by a collective spirit, we navigate the journey together to build healthy, thriving, and connected communities.
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Level 2, Knox Centre
28 Bealey Avenue
Christchurch 8013.Correspondence may be also sent to PO Box 172, Christchurch.
For any enquiries, you can email us on tat@tat.org.nz or call us on 0800 727 434
We welcome your feedback and invite you to share your thoughts with us at feedback@tat.org.nz
Tangata Atumotu Trust has been delivering health and social services to the Pasifika community in Christchurch for over 25 years. We know what our community needs, and we know what works.
We offer a wide range of free programmes and services to our Pasifika communities. Talanoa mai!
Our services
We’ve been delivering our services in Canterbury for the past 25 years. We know what our community needs, and we know what works.
We have a wide range of programmes that make it easy and fun to come together and celebrate our amazing Pasifika culture. Why? Because culture is cure.
Our origins
Tangata Atumotu Trust originates from a targeted healthcare initiative established to serve the Pacific Island community residing within Christchurch city.
In May 2000, this initiative formally became an incorporated society under the name Pacific Community Health Project Incorporated (PCHPI). Our staff consisted of an executive committee and two full-time nurses, operating with significant management and administrative support from the Union and Community Health Centre (UCHC).
Following a comprehensive Needs Assessment Review conducted by the 4PM Group, under the Ministry of Health’s Pacific Provider Development programme in 2002, the organisation set sail pursuing a new strategic direction emphasising autonomy while preserving collaborative ties with UCHC.
In January 2003, the organisation reconstituted itself as a charitable trust, adopting the name “Tangata Atumotu Trust”, meaning “People from the Islands”. Additionally, the Trust also became a founding member of the Canterbury Community Primary Health Organisation (CCPHO), further solidifying its role as a key provider of culturally responsive health services for Pacific communities in Canterbury.
Our journey
Since its founding in 2003, Tangata Atumotu has grown from a small, community-focused initiative into a leading provider of Pacific health and social services in Otautahi. What began with a committed team of individuals has expanded into a vibrant, multidisciplinary team delivering a wide range of culturally grounded programmes and services.
Today, we continue to support our Pacific communities through health literacy, community outreach, and mental health navigational support - always focusing on the holistic wellbeing of our Pasifika peoples.
At the heart of our daily operations are common Pasifika values that shape every interaction and decision:
Alofa or Loloma (Love)- building genuine relationships through kindness, care and compassion.
Veidokai (Respect)- honouring each person’s beliefs and contributions with professionalism and empathy.
ʻĀiga (Family) - embracing a sense of unity and collective care, treating each other and our community members as family.
Tautua (Service)- responding to community needs with dedication and humility.
Integrity - acting with trustworthiness, clear communication, and a commitment to the best outcomes.
Inclusivity - celebrating diversity and welcoming all Pasifika community members.
Loyalty - working together with devotion to our shared mission and community.
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Vai Ora sessions
Led by our Healthy Lifestyle advisors, these sessions include gentle movement and beginner aquarobics—great for staying active, recovering from injury, or just having fun together.
Vai Ora sessions run every Monday at Taiora QEII and every Wednesday at Matatiki Hornby, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. Transport for these sessions is available if necessary.
To participate in these sessions, you will need to register with our Pae Ora - Healthy Lifestyle service.
https://www.tat.org.nz/healthy-lifestyles
Island Breeze Club
Island Breeze is a community programme that brings Pasifika families together to celebrate culture, creativity, and connection. Weekly sessions feature traditional crafting, singing, and storytelling, offering a warm space to share and uplift one another.
We meet every Tuesday at Knox Hall in Christchurch, and every third Thursday of the month at the Ashburton Art Gallery.
Whether you're keen to learn traditional crafts, enjoy good company, or reconnect with your roots, Island Breeze is a place to feel at home.
https://www.tat.org.nz/tat-registration-form
Tama Toa Club
Tama Toa Club is a space where Pasifika men gather every Thursday in New Brighton to connect, unwind, and uplift one another.
Over billiards and other low-impact activities, our tagane build bonds through shared stories, laughter, and open talanoa about health in a safe and supportive environment.
With health promoters offering their knowledge, this weekly programme is a powerful example of prioritising our health in a comfortable, culturally grounded space. Tama Toa is more than a club; it’s brotherhood in action.
https://www.tat.org.nz/tat-registration-form
Digital Literacy Programme
Our digital literacy training is a 4-week programme designed to help Pasifika community members grow their digital confidence and skills—essential for navigating today’s online services.
Funded by Katoa Connect, this initiative supports our vuvale in building digital wealth and independence in a space that values cultural connection and practical learning.
With limited intakes throughout the year, the programme is primarily run in Ōtautahi and extended to Hakatere at select times.
https://www.tat.org.nz/tat-registration-form
Loto Toa: Youth Initiative
Loto Toa supports Pasifika youth in Christchurch through mentoring, group programmes, and school partnerships. It builds resilience, identity, and wellbeing through one-on-one support, peer-led initiatives, and culturally safe learning environments. Schools also receive professional development and community connections to engage Pasifika families.
Currently, this programme is only available in selected Christchurch schools.
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Empowering Pasifika families to thrive
Whānau Ora is more than a service - it’s a partnership built on trust, care and cultural understanding
Whānau Ora is built on a powerful truth: families know best what they need to thrive. We walk alongside Pasifika kāinga, working towards overcoming challenges, building resilience, and reaching goals in ways that feel right for you.
Commisioned by the Tātou Collective — the Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency for Pacific peoples across Aotearoa — this service wraps around the whole ‘aiga, from tamaiti to mātua. It’s a culturally grounded, family-first approach that honours your journey and dreams.
Whānau Ora grows confidence and pride in who you are, where you come from, and the strength of your vuvale— for today and the future.
Our service primarily supports families living in Aranui, Phillipstown, and Hoon Hay. Families residing in surrounding areas with high needs and who meet our service criteria, may also be eligible.
https://www.tat.org.nz/tat-registration-form
Together we work towards:
Financial Empowerment
Provide tools and education to reduce debt, increase family income, and gain skills to access better job opportunities.
Health & Wellbeing
Guidance in leading a balanced lifestyle, managing health in a way that makes sense to you and creating safe, nurturing homes for ‘aiga.
Identity & Belonging
Celebrate cultural heritage and strengthen community connections through leadership and shared values.
Education & Growth
Help families pursue learning, personal development and long-term stability.
What you can expect
1.Initial Contact
We’ll call you within 2–3 days to check your eligibility.If you don’t meet our criteria, we’ll connect you with the right support.
2. Planning and Support
Through open and collaborative talanoa, you’ll meet with a Navigator to create a tailored plan for your vuvale.Together, you’ll set goals and receive ongoing support to help you achieve them.
3. Regular Check-ins
Every three months, we’ll review your progress.There’s no fixed timeframe – we’re here for as long as you need us.
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Master your money, honour your culture.
Achieve your financial goals!
Island Wealth is a financial capability building programme designed to help individuals improve their financial literacy and management skills. The programme has been created by Pasifika, recognising the unique responsibilities within our culture.
Budgeting
Creating a financial plan suitable for your family
Pathways to home ownership
Develop your skills in a range of financial areas:
How Island Wealth works
We offer in-person, group sessions that walk you through tricky financial topics and give you confidence in managing your money while balancing cultural and family obligations.
It’s all about breaking barriers and ensuring fair opportunities for our Canterbury Pasifika community.
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Let’s do our part to protect ourselves and our loved ones
this winter.For the past 25 years, Tangata Atumotu has supported our Pasifika community across Canterbury. Our mission is simple: to navigate the waters together. We aim to help Pasifika families navigate the health system and access the services they need.
Our immunisation service allows us to effectively and safely protect our community from dangerous diseases. Communicable diseases can spread from one person to another. As these communicable diseases change over time, staying up to date with vaccinations is essential to safeguard our families.
Step 1
Fill out the form on this page to begin your immunisation plan.
https://www.tat.org.nz/savelives
Step 2
After we receive your form, a member of our clinical team will contact you within 2–3 days to talanoa about what vaccinations you and your kāinga may be eligible for.
Step 3
Our clinical team will arrange to provide the vaccinations at a time convenient for your family.
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Empowering Pasifika into homeownership at Te Pākau Maru
What is Progressive Home Ownership?
Home ownership is a journey that does not have to be taken alone.
If your borrowing capacity or deposit isn’t enough to purchase a fale, we can partner with you to provide the necessary funds to help cover the difference. We become joint owners with you in the fale, but you have the full rights to live in the home; essentially, we are just a ‘silent’ partner.
We commit to investing in the fale for 15 years, and during that time, we will work with you to take full ownership and buy us out.
What is involved?
While our team will be able to help you and your family navigate through this journey, the more information you have ready, will allow a smoother journey to owning your first vale.
Some documents we will need to include:
Payslips
Bank Statements
Employment contract showing annual salary
Information on any consumer debt or pay later schemes you
might have
Have debt? We can talanoa about having a personalised budget for your fāmili to possibly combine any reasonable amount of debt. Having debt is not a deal breaker.
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Warmer, drier and healthier homes for Canterbury kāinga
Did you know that a warm, dry home can prevent illness, especially for children?
Tamaiti Healthy Homes is a free service that ensures homes are warm, dry and healthy. Whether you own your own home or rent, or reside in community and social housing - we’re here to help.
Working in partnership with Te Puawaitanga ki Ōtautahi Trust, we work alongside families to develop a housing assessment that may identify improvements, such as improved draft control or heating.The criteria for this free service include:
Located within the greater Waitaha/Canterbury area
Fale with tamaiti under 19 years of age (residing or regularly visiting)
Pregnant māmā
Tamaiti with respiratory illness
Individuals with rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease.
If you or a family you know may benefit from our service, click the button below or call us on 0800 PASIFIKA.
How we support youWe meet with you to discuss your housing situation and goals for wellbeing.
Together we create a Healthy Home action plan that will help achieve your goals and keep your family healthy.
We work with you (and your landlord) to make improvements, such as installing smoke alarms, providing better heating solutions, or fixing draughty spaces. Most of the improvement interventions are free.
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What makes a healthy lifestyle?
We believe that a healthy lifestyle is a well-rounded journey: one that nurtures the body and mind.
Our healthy lifestyle advisors emphasise the importance of staying active, making mindful nutritional choices, and embracing the power of peer support in group settings.
Together, these elements create a strong foundation for lasting wellbeing.
How do I begin my journey?
Click on the form link below to register your details.
One of our healthy lifestyle advisors will then contact you to have a quick talanoa about your wellbeing goals.
They will work with you to create an individual plan, providing support according to your specific needs and referring you to group programmes where possible.
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Are you ready to quit smoking?
Do it for your health, do it for your finances, do it for your family.
Be part of the change that helps us to create a Smokefree Aotearoa for our future generations.
Pregnant and looking for support in quitting? We also have a special pregnancy incentive program available.
https://www.tat.org.nz/tat-registration-form
What to expect
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After registration, our smokefree practitioner will contact you to create a tailored smokefree plan for you and your family.
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We provide face-to-face support during home visits or phone support.
3.
We have available nicotine replacement therapy resources such as nicotine gum, lozenges and patches.
There are more than 4000 poisonous chemicals in a single puff of a cigarette.
There are close to 350 deaths annually in New Zealand due to passive smoking.
You can save more than $5k per year from quitting smoking.
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Clinical support from the comfort of your own home
Who do mobile nurses support?
Our friendly nurses offer home visits for people in our Pasifika community who have serious, long-term medical conditions.
We understand that there are barriers that prevent our people from accessing the health services they need. Our mobile nurses help bridge that gap.
By bringing care directly to our people, we ensure that everyone has the opportunity to receive the support and treatment they deserve.
If you have a long-term medical condition and think you might benefit from using our free mobile nursing service, ask your general practitioner to put in a referral through to us.
Otherwise, fill out the registration form and one of our clinical team members will be in touch.
What support is available?
The support we offer depend on the individual's needs, but may include:
Clinical checks in the home
Advocacy and language translations
GP or hospital visits
Assistance in managing medication
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Have fun, meet the TAT team, and find out more about our services – all in the comfort of your own home with TAT TV.
Island Dance Beats
Join Suli for Pasifika moves to Pacific grooves, with lots of hips and lips action.
https://www.tat.org.nz/tat-tv-island-dance-beats
Yoga with Pele
Join our yogi Pele for a mind and body experience with a range of poses, breathing techniques and meditation.
https://www.tat.org.nz/tat-tv-yoga-with-pele
Island Wealth
Join our Island Wealth Team for all things finances! Watch the videos to learn some tips and tricks.
