The COVID 19 pandemic has meant that SIAOLA was able to set up a food hub in 2020 during the lockdowns. Since then SIAOLA has been delivering food parcels to families self-isolating and experiencing hardship. Since 2020 SIAOLA has delivered food parcels, paid utility payments, provided food vouchers and referred families onto SIAOLA’s other services as well as agencies.

Food insecurity is a major concern for Pasifika families before and during the pandemic. The majority of Pacific people do not access mainstream food banks due to the stigma that is often associated with food banks. In village settings, families and friends drop off food when they know that the families are in need or is suffering. A prime example is when a relative or friend is unwell, people come together and take food to the home. Pacific people knocking on doors asking for food is highly unusual. The SIAOLA Feleoko or food hub is a safe haven for people to request for food. We deliver to the home, and we offer holistic support in a culturally appropriate manner. The aim is to support the families to achieve food security.

2023

In response to the devastating Auckland Floods and Cyclone Gabrielle in January and March 2023, the Famili Lelei services mobilised to support affected communities. SIAOLA provided essential aid, including food, water, vouchers, gumboots, and care packages, to RSE workers and communities in Central and South Auckland, as well as those in the East Coast Region and Northland.

2024

The Food Hub team has witnessed a surge in demand for food parcels. As job losses continue to impact families, the need for food assistance has become increasingly critical. Many of our clients are struggling to afford basic necessities like food due to financial constraints, often prioritizing bills and their children’s education. Most referrals to our services come from community organizations or individuals who contact us through our 0800 Siaola and Feleoko hotline.

Famili Kaha’u Lelei

The Famili Kaha’u Lelei project is specifically designed to empower Pasifika women in the Tairawhiti, Gisborne area. By providing targeted support, the project aims to help these women advance their careers in the healthcare field, securing higher-paying positions and leadership roles.

Currently, SIAOLA is assisting experienced caregivers who have migrated from the Pacific Islands. Many of these women face challenges such as limited work experience, English language proficiency, and computer literacy. To address these barriers, SIAOLA has developed comprehensive workshops in computer literacy, English literacy, resume writing, and job readiness.

In addition to these skill-building workshops, SIAOLA offers pastoral care and dance workshops. These workshops serve as a platform for social connection, support, and cultural expression, fostering a strong sense of community among the women.

Whanau Ora is a government-funded initiative that employs a culturally specific approach to enhance the well-being and future of Pacific families.

This family-centered approach empowers Pacific families to address their challenges and achieve their aspirations in education, training, economic development, health, community engagement, cultural identity, and family development.

SIAOLA aligns with this philosophy by providing comprehensive support services to Pacific families, addressing their diverse needs and aspirations.

SIAOLA launched its Driver’s License program in Auckland and Gisborne in 2023 to improve access to driver licenses and enhance family well-being and safety. We aim to support individuals facing barriers to obtaining a driver’s license by providing free driving programs and facilitating access to testing.

SIAOLA covers the costs of driving lessons, tests, conversions, and valid driver’s license IDs for our clients. We offer learner, restricted, and full license programs in both Auckland and Gisborne.

With a registered I-endorsed instructor on our team, we continue to collaborate with community services to provide comprehensive support and guidance to our clients.

As interest in our program continues to grow, SIAOLA is committed to maintaining a robust support system to effectively manage the increasing number of inquiries and ensure the success of our clients.

SIAOLA is a key partner in the Storm Recovery initiative, working alongside the Auckland Council Recovery team to provide consistent support to families impacted by the severe weather events, including the Auckland cyclone and flooding. Our role as Navigators is to help individuals and families affected by the Future of Severely Affected Land (FOSAL) risk categorization process and those referred through the TMRO.

SIAOLA has assisted over 30 families by providing “Moments that Matter” support, replacing essential household items and personal equipment damaged by the storm events. We have also helped Pacific families understand the categorization process and access free categorization assessments.