Pasifika Rise combines evidence-based therapy with a Fonofale-grounded model of care, which is why it works for our families. We sit early in the journey, reaching Pacific young people before distress becomes crisis, in a way that fits their aiga and their culture.
What we do
We deliver early-intervention mental health support to Pacific children and young people who face barriers to accessing primary care. Support is delivered online and, where needed, in schools that provide a private space. Our clinical approach is grounded in structured, evidence-based therapy, primarily cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), adapted so it is culturally safe and family-aware.
Who we serve
High-needs Pacific young people aged 10 to 24 experiencing mental distress, especially those facing financial hardship, overcrowded housing, or limited family support, alongside the whānau who care for them.
Our cultural foundation: Fonofale
Our care is built on the Fonofale model of Pacific health. Like a fale, the foundation is the family, the roof is culture, and the supporting posts hold the physical, mental, spiritual and other dimensions of wellbeing, all within the wider context of environment and time. This is not a layer added on top of clinical care. It is the structure the clinical care sits inside, which is why it reaches families that mainstream services often miss.
How we measure what we do
We use validated, routine outcome measurement so partners can see real change, not just activity:
- Access and equity: who we reach, wait time to first contact, and proportion from high-deprivation areas.
- Clinical change: validated distress and wellbeing measures collected at entry and review (for example K10 for distress, and youth-appropriate measures).
- Engagement: session attendance and completion of an agreed plan.
- Family and cultural fit: brief whānau feedback on whether care felt safe and useful.
Current outcome data: to be inserted once reporting period is confirmed.
Clinical governance and safety
Clinical leadership
Care is led by Dr Francis Katoa, a Pasifika GP (FRNZCGP) with a special clinical interest in mental health. All clinical work is delivered by registered health practitioners.
Supervision
Clinicians work within professional scope, with clinical supervision and peer review appropriate to a mental-health service.
Safeguarding
Because we work with children and young people, we operate a child and youth protection approach, with clear escalation for safety concerns and risk.
Privacy
We meet the Health Information Privacy Code 2020 and hold records in a secure clinical system. See our privacy and rights page.
Our organisation
Pasifika Rise operates through two registered entities so that charitable and clinical functions are kept clean:
| Charitable entity | Pasifika Rise Charitable Trust, registered charity, incorporated under the Charitable Trusts Act (registered 3 December 2025). Governed by a board of trustees. |
| Charity registration number | CC64655 |
| Clinical service entity | Pasifika Rise Limited, NZ registered company no. 9377587, NZBN 9429053182074, incorporated 9 October 2025. |
| Areas of operation | Nationwide, delivered online, with community and school-based delivery in the Auckland region. |
| Contact | admin@pasifikarise.co.nz |
Governance and trustee details are available on the Charities Register and on request.
Partner with us
We welcome conversations with commissioners, PHOs, schools and funders who want to reach Pacific young people earlier and more effectively.
Get in touch