Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
It was a beautiful morning in Kirikiriroa Hamilton to celebrate the first in a series of events for the K’aute Pasifika Hub – a timeless resource for the community to provide healthcare and well-being services in a Pacific Island village setting with a traditional fale at its core.
K’aute Hub-Sub Committee Chair, Namulau’ulu Lale Ieremia was proud to see how far the organisation had come.
“Today was an opportunity to recognise the work of our community in achieving something for them in this space and something that’s been dreamed of for such a long time,” says Namulau’ulu
“With so many hands involved with being able to deliver it, we finally got to the first stage of the opening.”
It’s been 24 years in the making and among those gathered was former Pacific Peoples minister Hon. Aupito William Sio who acknowledged how the history of the project has now created a wealth of opportunity for the generations to come.
“Every good thing comes to fruition. This is quite a unique project. It’s a project that’s been led by the community and while it’s been a collective vision, you’ve had one women focusing on the health and wellbeing of the wider community.” he says
It’s a generational movement that began with Leaupepe Elisapeta Karalus who pioneered the idea for her pacific community back in 1999. Since stepping down from her role as CE, her daughter Leaupepe Rachel Karalus has seen it to its current state.
“I think this is a really good example of what can be achieved when you bring together central government support, local government support, support from the business community, support from the philanthropic sector and support from the broader community,” Rachel says.
“When you get all those elements together towards a shared vision, I think you would have to agree, it’s pretty magical,” says Rachel.
As she watched on with pride, Elisapeta says she was elated to watch it all come together, giving thanks to God for His blessings over what has been a long journey for her and the community.
The festivities in the fale continued for the week which coincided with the Hamilton Sevens rugby tournament across the road at FMG Stadium.
Helping to bring more community spirit to the occasion, some of the Sevens teams made special appearances throughout the week.
Namulau’ulu says it’s events like these that showcase the fale’s ability to bring people together.
“The beauty of being able to (see) our community come together in it (proves) it’s built for its purpose,” he says
The layout of the K’aute Village is structured to incorporate the concept of a traditional Pacific Village. With the main house (fale) in the front, a meeting space (courtyard /malae) behind it and children playing safely in the back, in the form of a child learning centre. A concept Namulau’ulu believes encapsulates how K’aute Pasifika will serve its community best.
