Empowering Pacific Communities: Building Capability through Lasting Relationships

A powerful example of the impact of our Pacific People’s capability-building programme is our ongoing collaboration with NAPS Support Trust (New to Aotearoa Pacifica and Samoans Support Trust), an organisation dedicated to supporting newly arrived Pacific migrants in New Zealand. Under the leadership of Executive Director Hannah Sila, NAPS has grown into a vibrant support network helping Pacific families navigate life in Aotearoa, access essential services, and strengthen their sense of belonging.

Our journey with NAPS began with requests for guidance around funding, governance, and trust deed amendments. In response, we facilitated a series of Zoom-based support sessions tailored to their needs, connecting Hannah and her team with ANCAD specialists in fundraising, financial management, and governance best practices.

What followed was more than a single point of support – it was a sustained and evolving relationship. Over several months, ANCAD’s Clark Tuagalu worked closely with NAPS, providing tools like the ANCAD Funding Guide, sharing resources, and coordinating specialist support around IRD registration, done-status, and compliance. This practical, hands-on support helped lay the groundwork for a successful rebranding and name change, officially launching as NAPS Support Trust in June 2024.

In a true spirit of collaboration, the relationship continued to deepen. NAPS went on to co-host ANCAD’s final funding workshop of the year in November 2024, held at their new shared premises with Blue Hearts. Their willingness to partner and host this event reflects their growing confidence and leadership within the community sector.

Hannah’s feedback captures the spirit of this relationship:

“All credit to you and the Team at ANCAD, Clark. The mahi you’re doing amongst our Pacific organisations is commendable.”
“Appreciate the proactive approach rather than the stale old ‘ambulance at the bottom of the cliff’ method.”

This story is a testament to the values at the heart of our Pacific capability-building work: responsiveness, trust, and long-term empowerment.

Rather than offering one-off solutions, we walk alongside organisations like NAPS, helping them build the confidence, knowledge, and networks to thrive and lead in their own right.