Pasifika RiseA young person who is supported early stays in school, stays connected to their family, and stays out of crisis. Pasifika Rise exists to make that the norm for Pacific young people, not the exception.
Support a young person early and you change everything that follows. We reach the Pacific young people at highest risk before distress becomes crisis, in the communities carrying the greatest need, and we keep them connected to school, to family, and to a future. This is prevention that lasts a lifetime, for a fraction of the cost of crisis care.
We carry more, and get less help
Pacific young people are one of the highest-risk groups for poor mental health and suicide in New Zealand. They carry some of the heaviest burden, yet are among the least likely to be diagnosed or supported early. The barrier is access, not need: cost, distance, and services that do not feel safe or familiar. The risk is greatest for those already facing hardship and overcrowded housing.
Care that fits, delivered early
Evidence-based
Structured, proven therapy, primarily cognitive behavioural therapy, delivered by registered practitioners and led by a Pasifika GP.
Culturally grounded
Built on the Fonofale model: family as the foundation, culture as the roof, holding the physical, mental and spiritual together.
Early, not crisis
We sit early in the journey, reaching young people before distress turns into an emergency-department presentation.
No wrong door
Online and school-based delivery removes cost, distance and shame as barriers for families who have been let down before.
The young people most at risk
We focus on the Pacific children and young people at highest risk: those aged 5 to 24 in serious mental distress, facing financial hardship, overcrowded housing, or little support, alongside the families who care for them. We work nationwide online, with community and school-based delivery focused on South and West Auckland, the communities carrying the greatest need.
Every dollar removes a barrier
Funding lets us hold cost down and reach the young people who cannot pay. It goes straight to care, not overheads.
- Subsidised and free sessions for youth facing hardship.
- Wraparound support from a Pasifika health coach and social worker where families need it.
- Reaching more schools and communities across Auckland and beyond.
A detailed annual budget and cost-per-outcome are available on request: figures confirmed on request.
You will see real change, not just activity
- Access and equity: who we reach, time to first contact, and reach into high-deprivation communities.
- Clinical change: validated distress and wellbeing measures at entry and review.
- Engagement: attendance and completion of an agreed plan.
- Cultural fit: brief family feedback on whether care felt safe and useful.
Current outcome data is available on request once the reporting period is confirmed. For the full service model, see our model.
Clinically led, properly governed
Clinical leadership
Led by Dr Francis Katoa, a Pasifika GP (FRNZCGP) with a special clinical interest in mental health. All clinical work is delivered by registered practitioners.
Safeguarding
A child and youth protection approach with clear escalation for safety and risk, appropriate to a service working with young people and their families.
| Charitable entity | Pasifika Rise Charitable Trust, registered under the Charitable Trusts Act, governed by a board of trustees. |
| Charity registration | CC64655 |
| Clinical service entity | Pasifika Rise Limited, company no. 9377587, NZBN 9429053182074. |
| Contact | admin@pasifikarise.co.nz · 09 873 5039 |
Governance and trustee details are on the Charities Register and available on request.
Reach our young people earlier. Change the curve.
We would value a conversation with funders and partners who want to reach Pacific young people earlier, in the communities that need it most.
Start the conversation