18 Dec, 2025
The Fono Family Day 2025
On Saturday 6 December, more than 1,300 people came together at the Due Drop Events Centre for The Fono Family Day, a free celebration of community, wellbeing, and family fun.
Health and wellbeing took centre stage, with families lining up for free dental checks, immunisations, and health screenings. Our Healthy Life service hosted a mindfulness corner for quiet reflection, while babies were gently soothed in pepe fofō sessions, and Smokefree activities sparked conversations about healthier lifestyles. Even the NZ Police and NZ Defence joined in, letting kids hop into a patrol car, try-on uniforms, and snap photos.
Families enjoyed delicious food, live entertainment, and games, with the Kids Zone buzzing all day. Highlights included the Youth Challenge "5 Minutes for $5000", won by Gateway International Ministries Youth, plus energetic performances like Extreme Hip Hop with Phat Boi Official, Brush Time with our very own Aunty Tia, and Oceania Career Academy's lively Saw it, Nailed it! Competition.
Throughout the day, the energy never dropped. The most popular stalls were Healthy Minds, Medical, and Dental Care, with families eager to access free health services right in their own community. Hourly spot prizes and raffles kept excitement high, and the giveaways proved to be one of the most loved parts of the event. The biggest buzz came from two TV prizes generously donated by Mercury Energy.
Special thanks to MCs John‑Paul Foliaki and Lyncia Muller, whose energy, humour, and warmth kept the crowd engaged from start to finish.
What Families Told Us
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Families loved the event and are asking for more Family Days across South Auckland. They appreciate the mix of fun and accessible health services that make these events so valuable.
Our event survey showed just how much the day resonated with attendees. Every single person who responded rated their experience as meeting or exceeding expectations. The top highlights included prizes, games, food, information stalls, stage entertainment, and free health services.
The numbers tell a powerful story. On a scale of 1 to 5, attendees rated their likelihood of using The Fono's services at 4.49. An impressive 97% said the event increased their awareness of The Fono and its services, and 66% want to stay updated about future services and events.
When asked what we could do better, many said the event was "perfect as is." Others shared ideas that show there's real appetite for growth. People want more events in different areas, more activities for children and young people, additional health services, stronger community outreach, and even larger venues. There were also plenty of lighthearted suggestions for more entertainment, food stalls, and prizes.
These insights show both the strength of the Family Day and the hunger for more opportunities to connect.
The Fono Family Day was more than a gathering. It was a celebration of community, wellbeing, and togetherness. By blending entertainment with essential health services, The Fono continues to build safe, vibrant, and connected Pacific communities.
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