Culture Is Part of Better Outcomes

To mark Tongan Language Week from Aug 16 - 22 CEO of Te Ora Puawai and Waiora Wellness Centre Mark Simiona writes about how this year's theme reminds us that language, music and culture are not just expressions of identity. They are also powerful sources of connecton, trust and wellbeing.

Mālō e lelei - Fiefia he Uike Lea Faka-Tonga 2026!

As CEO of Te Ora Puāwai, I’m proud to acknowledge Tonga Language Week and the contribution Tongan communities make across South Auckland and Aotearoa.

This year’s theme, “Ko ‘etau hiva, ko e fe’unu mahu’inga ia ki he mo’ui ‘a e Tonga” - “Our music is a vital strand of our Tongan culture”, reminds us that language, music and culture are not simply expressions of identity. They are also powerful sources of connection, trust and wellbeing.

For organisations working across health, social services, education, funding and community development, that matters.

For our stakeholders, funders and sector partners, there is a clear challenge:

Cultural responsiveness cannot sit on the edge of service design. It needs to be part of how we commission, fund, deliver and measure services.

At Te Ora Puāwai and Waiora Wellness Clinic, we see every day that stronger relationships create stronger engagement. And stronger engagement creates better opportunities for families to achieve better outcomes.

Language weeks are therefore more than celebrations. They are reminders that our systems work best when communities are genuinely included in shaping them.

This week, I encourage leaders and organisations to go beyond acknowledgement.

Listen to Tongan voices.

Create space for Tongan leadership.

Value language and culture as strengths.

And build partnerships that reflect the communities we serve.

To our Tongan staff, patients, families, partners and communities - mālō ‘aupito for your leadership, service and contribution.

Tauhi ‘a e Lea Faka-Tonga - speak it, share it, sing it and pass it on.