When Pacific Health Service came to us, the challenge was clear: Pasifika men in the Hutt Valley were dealing with serious health disparities. Higher rates of smoking and vaping. Gout affecting them disproportionately. Alcohol-related issues impacting families and communities. But the real barrier wasn't awareness — it was bandwidth. Men often struggle to find room for their own health between double shifts, church responsibilities, coaching sports teams, and supporting family across two countries.

We didn't need to add to their load. We just need to help them support each other — to make health conversations unmistakably theirs.

So, we built a brotherhood. Through pairing authentic storytelling with culturally grounded community spaces, we created Brothaz Hutt Valley — a digital vā (space) where health emerges naturally from life conversations. From fathers working shift work to uncles coaching rugby, the message is simple… you're not alone on the hard days.

Built on the Samoan proverb, "Uō mo aso uma, a'o uso mo aso vale" (Friends for every day, but brothers for the hard days), we recruited community champions, shared stories, and established our platforms on Instagram and Facebook.

We're blessed to support this mahi. A truly special story to be part of telling. And a privilege to support Pacific Health Service Hutt Valley as they continue helping Pasifika men navigate health's hardest moments with the support of the Brothaz by their side.