Creating safe spaces for Pacific Rainbow+ communities

When the environment around you doesn’t always feel welcoming, having a space that does becomes essential. 2025 Moving Communities New Zealand Fund recipient Moana Vā - Navigators of Pacific Pride exists to be that safe space for Pacific Rainbow+ people in Canterbury and beyond.

Established in 2022, Moana Vā is a peer-led social support service that uplifts and empowers Pacific Rainbow+ communities by providing support, advocacy, and mentorship whilst challenging unconscious racial bias and stereotypes to create a safe, inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

General Manager Lana Shields says she hopes people feel able to just ‘be’ when they first connect with Moana Vā. 

“We hope they feel the alofa (love) first and foremost.”

Through mentoring, advocacy, storytelling and celebration, Moana Vā works to create lasting positive social change grounded in Pacific values and cultural practices.

Living up to its motto, all flavours welcome, the organisation extends its care beyond Pacific Rainbow+ individuals to include families and allies.

“Although our focus is Pacific Rainbow+, we celebrate diversity in all forms and welcome everyone with open arms, especially family members looking to understand and support the Rainbow person in their life.”

For many, the intersection of culture and identity can mean navigating complex cultural and social expectations.

“Being Pacific and from the Rainbow community comes with a unique intersectionality. We empower people to navigate those challenges and walk with them on their journey to living their authentic life.”

That journey isn’t always straightforward. In a climate where misinformation, prejudice, and anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric are increasingly influencing attitudes, living authentically can feel nearly impossible at times.

“Not everyone feels safe being out. So, we meet people where they are.”

That commitment to accessibility has seen Moana Vā build a powerful digital presence alongside its in-person services. Last year the team recorded more than 90,000 interactions, both online and face-to-face.

Remarkably, this impact is delivered by a tiny team. Moana Vā operates with just one permanent employee, supported by a committed group of volunteers who bring lived experience, cultural knowledge and deep community care to their work.

“Our Rainbow+ community isn’t always keen to engage in person. Funding from Kinetic’s Moving Communities Fund has supported us to invest in digital messaging and content creation, helping to uplift our people from afar and normalise our existence.”

Led by Pacific values and unwavering alofa, Moana Vā is building more than a support service. It is creating a community where identity, culture and belonging exist side by side, safely, proudly and without compromise. 

Supporting organisations like Moana Vā reflects Kinetic’s broader commitment to inclusion, diversity and creating safe working environments where everyone is safe and respected. 

To learn more about Moana Vā and their work visit moanava.org

To learn more about Kinetic’s commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion visit wearekinetic.com/sustainability/diversity-inclusion/lgbtq