Someone in their corner: Ila & Junior's journey

The Fono's Kahu Taurima service walks alongside Pacific families during pregnancy and early parenthood, offering wraparound support that goes beyond healthcare to address housing, employment, and connection to community.

In July 2025, Kahu Taurima key worker Ofeira and Registered Nurse Sharon welcomed Ila, her husband Junior, and their two young daughters into the programme. Referred by Niu Life Midwives, Ila was in her second trimester with their third child and still settling into life in Aotearoa.

During their first appointment, the team sat down with the family to really understand their situation. Ila was under good midwifery care and taking her pregnancy vitamins, but without a Community Services Card, every scan meant paying out of pocket.

The household was crowded. Ten people total, five kids and five adults, all waiting on social housing. Their youngest wasn't yet enrolled with Plunket, and Ila was still getting her head around how the Well Child system works here. She was navigating pregnancy while learning a new healthcare system in a new country.

The practical needs were clear and immediate. The kids needed pajamas. The house needed furniture and beds. Junior needed work.

A team in their corner

The Kahu Taurima team went to work. They sorted the scan payments so Ila could focus on her pregnancy instead of the cost. Through regular check-ins, they helped the family understand and access everything they were entitled to from WINZ.

They also helped Junior explore employment options. With support and guidance, he's since found full-time work, bringing stability to the household.

Then came the practical support that would transform their living situation. Through the Kindness Collective, pajamas arrived for all five children. Fields Church came through with beds and essential furniture, a delivery that moved everyone involved.

"I tried not to cry," the volunteer told the team afterwards. "We didn't give a lot, but it was something. We will keep them in prayer and stay in touch. God is good. He always looks out for the vulnerable. Praise the Lord for the work you do."

When it was all done, Ila sent a simple text. "Thank you Ofeira, we appreciate you both with your friends as well – they dropped all the things… Have a great evening."

With Ofeira Taulealeausumai, Kahu Taurima Kaiawhina

But for this family, Kahu Taurima wasn't just about beds or scan payments. It was about having someone in their corner while they found their feet in a new country. Someone who understood the challenges of being far from home, navigating unfamiliar systems, raising young children while pregnant, and trying to build a stable life.

The programme provided what they needed at every level. Healthcare support through the pregnancy journey. Information and education about how things work in Aotearoa. Connections to community resources. Transport to appointments when needed. And perhaps most importantly, people who took the time to understand their whole situation, not just their medical needs.

As Ila and Junior welcomed their newest addition, they had more breathing room, more support, and a community they could lean on. Their children have beds to sleep in. Junior has steady work. The family has a clearer path forward.

Kahu Taurima is free for pregnant Pacific women or those with children under 5 in the Waitematā or Counties Manukau districts. To enquire about joining, text 8849 or email kahu.taurima@thefono.org