Hutt Valley Samoa: Leading Systems Change From Within

Hutt Valley Samoa Rugby League joined Healthy Families Tangata Moana Healthy Organisations kaupapa, tailored governance workshops to help local Pacific organisations build their skills and knowledge to enhance the wellbeing of families and communities.  That experience planted the seeds for transformation with the signing of the Hutt Valley Samoa Rugby League Trust Deed and the launching of their inaugural strategic plan 2025-2030.   

Becoming a legal entity represents a shift in power and enhances opportunity to move toward self-determination and community-led governance. Hutt Valley Samoa’s vision is “to thrive as Samoa leaders of the Hutt Valley, of Aotearoa and the world” with a mission to provide intergenerational heritage and health active programmes that enrich the lives of Samoa young people, their families and communities; guided by the values of fa’asinomaga (identity), āiga (family), and tautua (service from the heart).  It’s a change that embeds Samoan ways of working into the structures that support community wellbeing.   

Tarsh Taulelei, Chairperson for Trust acknowledged this achievement reflected four years of dedication and lays a strong foundation for a sustainable future.  “We are deeply indebted to lead facilitator Analiess Enoka Robertson (ACE Aotearoa), Mele Tonga-Grant and Vaioleti Lui (Healthy Families Hutt Valley) and Adrien Tavite the designer of our strategic plan for making this possible for us”.  ‘Becoming a charitable trust with our strategic vision and pathway strongly position our trust to make a lasting impact across Te Awa Kairangi families of Samoa heritage'.

This is anchored in our mantra of the Hutt Valley Samoa Trust - We are heart, we are family, we are Samoa for our young people of today and beyond. 

We are heart, we are family, we are Samoa!

With the 2025 Samoa mo Samoa tournament, their impact of systems change continues to be evident. This festival continues to bring together Samoan clubs and families from across the region, blending rugby league with culture, and traditional ceremony. It’s a declaration of identity, unity, and belonging.

Hutt Valley Samoa’s journey is a powerful reminder that systems change begins within, when communities are resourced and recognised to lead their own futures. From strengthening their organisational foundations to celebrating fa’a Samoa on the field, they are redefining what Tangata Moana-led wellbeing looks like across Te Awa Kairangi and beyond.

To read the full strategic plan for Hutt Valley Samoa, click on the link here