About Us

Moana Vā - Navigators of Pacific Pride exists to uplift and empower Pacific Rainbow+ communities, including LGBTQIA+ and MVPFAFF+ identities (mahu, vakasalewa, palopa, fa’afafine, akava’ine, fakaleiti (leiti), fakafifine), in Canterbury and beyond.

We are dedicated to providing support, advocacy, and mentorship for Pacific Rainbow+ individuals while addressing the unique challenges of living in a systemically conservative region. By challenging unconscious racial bias and stereotypes, we strive to create a safe, inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

At Moana Vā, our point of difference lies in our holistic approach: we not only support Rainbow+ individuals but also extend our care to their families. We believe that by empowering families, we strengthen the foundation for acceptance, understanding, and collective growth.
While Pacific Rainbow+ communities are at the heart of our mission, we welcome everyone with open arms—because we believe in celebrating diversity in all its forms. As our motto says: “All flavours welcome.”

Through connection, storytelling, and intergenerational narratives, Moana Vā fosters resilience and inspires future allies. More than just a support network, we offer access to resources and services tailored to our community’s needs, amplifying their voices and ensuring they are seen, heard, and celebrated.

Mission

Moana Vā is a Pacific peer led social support service for MVPFAFF+ (Mahu, Vaka sa lewa lewa, Palopa, Fa’afafine, Akava’ine, Fak Leiti +, LGBTTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual+, Trans, Takatāpui, Queer, Intersex, Allies, +), SOGIESC (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Expression and Sexual Characteristic) Pacific Rainbow people, their whānau, and their communities, creating lasting positive social change through mentoring, advocacy, support, and celebration.

Values

Tautua

Acknowledging authentic Tagata Moana
leadership models, frameworks, approaches and terminology that will be used to support the Rainbow and wider Community in Ōtautahi.
Servant leadership in the wider context of Aotearoa and beyond.

Celebration

Moana Vā acknowledges the importance of the diverse Pacific languages, cultures, sexualities, spirituality and protocols and
will ensure these are incorporated into all of the services and functions.

Collectivism

A ‘Teu le vā’ collective and partnered approach to creating safe spaces, raising awareness and the active education,
advocacy, allyship by, with, for Tagata Moana rainbow communities.

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Aro'a

A deep sense of love, manaaki and caring for our Rainbow community and the creation of spaces and places where they are
cared for and looked after.

Aiga

This recognises that every person belongs to a family and every family belongs to a person. Moana Vā recognises and helps the
Rainbow community navigate the vā around family, identity and belonging. We also recognise Ancestry and safe places involve
connections and kinship with whom and what has gone before us.