A new resource aims to transform how health and social service practitioners engage with Pacific people by introducing a culturally grounded asset designed to support more effective, strengths-based approaches to improving Pacific health and wellbeing.

Led by Dr Eileen Britt (Clinical Psychologist and Professor at the University of Canterbury) in collaboration with Dr Esala Vakamacawai (Pacific Health Manager at Pegasus Health), Lurita Kurene (Programme and Support Worker/Health Coach Lead at Te Tumu Waiora Canterbury), Vesi Togiaso (Pacific Intelligence Analyst at Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora), and Healthy Families Ōtautahi (HFŌ), the resource aims to support meaningful change. 

Read more:

• Driving systems change across the RST Network
• A milestone RST impact report

This is done by weaving Pacific values, concepts and ways of being into Motivational Interviewing, strengthening its relevance and impact for Pacific people. As Dr Britt explains, "This book introduces Motivational Interviewing in a way that will resonate with Pacific Peoples. It encourages and shares ways to have open and respectful conversations that build trust, and help individuals and families to draw on their own strengths to make changes that reflect their values and aspirations". 

The resource builds on Dr Britt’s earlier work co-developing a Motivational Interviewing guide, Takitaki Mai: A guide to Motivational Interviewing, for Māori practitioners.

At its core, this resource bridges Pacific ways of being with Motivational Interviewing, a communication approach that supports people in exploring their own reasons for change. Rather than offering advice or instructions, it gently guides individuals to reflect on what matters most to them and why making positive changes could be meaningful in their lives.

The resource tailors Motivational Interviewing to Pacific cultural values and concepts, encouraging respectful and empowering conversations about health and wellbeing that affirm individuals' identities and foster a sense of community.

HFŌ Manager Geni Ah Tong, drawing on her experience with Ara Poutamu (Department of Corrections), has played a key role in co-creating and co-designing the resource. Her contributions include cultural insights, contextual guidance and coordination with the graphic designer at Sport Canterbury, HFŌ’s lead provider, to ensure the resource visually resonates with Pacific peoples.

“It’s been a massive piece of work,” reflects Ah Tong.

“It is the first resource of its kind, so that’s why I’m excited to be a part of this with Dr Britt and Dr Vakamacawai. It could be a game-changer if it’s used well.”

This resource will provide practitioners with practical tools and training, along with the cultural understanding needed to integrate Pacific knowledge into their work. This approach offers a more comprehensive, respectful and effective way to support health and wellbeing, helping to prevent chronic disease by promoting early and meaningful engagement.

Motivational Interviewing is most effective when practitioners work within its core principles of partnership, acceptance, compassion and empowerment, which is where the resource makes a difference. It supports culturally aligned implementation, encouraging regular reflection and practice.

“One-off training is not enough to learn Motivational Interviewing so that it can be implemented in everyday practice,” Ah Tong says. “Motivational Interviewing’s success is closely tied to proper implementation, which is where the resource comes in.”

Looking ahead, the working group is focused on finalising the resource and identifying organisations to partner with for piloting and implementing a train-the-trainer programme. Ah Tong says an evaluation will also be undertaken to measure impact and guide future improvements.

“The overall aim is to make the document available in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally, sharing this culturally grounded approach to Motivational Interviewing with a global audience.”

Article added: Friday, October 24, 2025