KiRikiti revival increasing physical activity efforts in Te Awa Kairangi
Photo: Wellington Sāmoa Kirikiti Association
In the heart of Te Awa Kairangi and across Wellington, Porirua and the Hutt Valley, Kirikiti, the traditional Samoan form of cricket is making a powerful comeback and organically addressing underlying conditions that contribute to chronic disease in Pacific communities. With support from Healthy Families Hutt Valley, the Wellington Samoa Kirikiti Association is using sport as a vehicle for systemic change, ensuring that health and wellbeing remain at the centre of their cultural revival efforts.
For many Pacific communities, chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity are disproportionately high. These health challenges are often linked to deeper systemic issues including limited access to healthy food, reduced opportunities for physical activity and social and economic barriers that prevent long-term wellbeing. Healthy Families Hutt Valley works to uncover these root causes and collaborate with communities to create sustainable solutions.
Pacific Systems Innovator, Mele Tonga-Grant says that through their engagement with Wellington Samoa Kirikiti Association, they’ve recognised the potential of Kilikiti as a powerful platform for community-led health initiatives.
“Our vision is for a future where movement is weaved into daily life through safe, accessible and culturally relevant spaces. By embedding systems change thinking into this revival, we’re enabling a shift from short-term interventions to long-term sustainable solutions that improve health outcomes for generations to come.
“It’s community-led change where culture, sport and health intersect to create lasting, meaningful transformation for Pacific and Māori communities in the Hutt Valley and beyond.”
Photo: Wellington Sāmoa Kirikiti Association
Kirikiti has also claimed a space for cultural and physical wellbeing for the pacific community. With the leadership of Shana and Dr Sadat Muaiava and the collaboration of church groups and community leaders, Kirikiti has become a bridge connecting people to their cultural heritage while improving access to physical activity.
Healthy Families Hutt Valley has supported this movement by providing strategic advice, funding guidance and systems-thinking frameworks to ensure that the revival of Kirikiti is sustainable. This includes:
Encouraging active participation across generations to promote physical activity as a cultural norm.
Supporting nutrition-focused initiatives within Kirikiti events, ensuring that food offerings align with health and wellbeing goals.
Strengthening community leadership to drive health-conscious decision-making at the grassroots level.
Kirikiti at the Basin
Wellington’s prestigious cricket grounds, the Basin Reserve will be thriving on Saturday 1 March as an action-packed day full of Kirikiti takes place, including give it a go sessions for kids, cultural performances and pacific food.