Kupega o Moana: Third Annual Ofania Symposium

The annual Ofania Symposium, hosted by Kupega o Moana, was held at Whirinaki Whare Taonga in Upper Hutt on 1 July 2026. It brought together parents, practitioners, community leaders, educators, health professionals and service providers from across the region to explore the shared vision of prioritising pēpē moana and strengthening the village that surrounds them.

Inspiring speakers and meaningful talanoa

Through inspiring keynote speakers, meaningful talanoa and shared lived experience, the symposium highlighted the importance of working together to support the wellbeing, identity and resilience of our children and whānau.

A highlight of the symposium was the keynote address by Chief Children's Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad, who spoke about the importance of aroha, safety and wellbeing for mokopuna. She continued to champion the importance of having a strong village around our children, reminding attendees that children's voices matter and should always be heard and included in decisions that affect them.

Dr Achmad shared that Tākai, New Zealand's national positive parenting platform, will be reinstated and go live in September 2026. The platform supports children, families and whānau during the first 2,000 days of a child's life and aims to help prevent child harm.

The day also celebrated the strength of our communities through creativity, connection and culture. Participants engaged with community organisations, explored practical resources, experienced the Niutupu Pulapulaola and Tāoga Kupega creative spaces, and celebrated the launch of Lole the Brave Little Laumei—a new children's resource designed to help tamariki and parents talk about emotions, courage and wellbeing in a safe and engaging way.

Amplifying Pacific Voices

Now in its third year, the Ofania Symposium continues to grow as a significant gathering that amplifies Pacific voices, promotes innovation and strengthens collaboration across the sector. The event was made possible through the leadership of Kupega o Moana and the support of partners including Le Va, and their shared commitment to improving outcomes for Pacific children and families.

Congratulations to Kupega o Moana for delivering an exceptional Ofania Symposium.

Chief Children's Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad at Ofania 2026

Kupega o Moana at Ofania 2026