This momentous occasion unfolded during the annual F.I.N.E Festival, a celebration of Pacific Rainbow+ communities, symbolising the successful completion of a three-year research endeavour funded by the New Zealand Research Council. The Manalagi project was proudly led by Seuta'afili Dr Patrick Thomsen. 

Seuta'afili explains the driving force behind the project.   

“Over three years, the Manalagi Project was founded on the idea that we would create a research space, that was culturally safe and responsive, allowing Pacific Rainbow Plus peoples to be able to express to the research team their unique health and wellbeing needs.”   

“At its core, Manalagi is a research project which means we are here to uplift the stories and knowledge of Pacific Rainbow+ across Aotearoa New Zealand.”   

The project unfolded in three phases, spanning eight cities, incorporating community consultations that informed a national survey, and engaging in individual talanoa with community members and allies throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.   

The Manalagi Community Research Report emerged from a critical need for data on the health, social, and well-being experiences of the Pacific Rainbow+ community in New Zealand, blossoming from its humble inception to address urgent concerns.

Seuta'afili touches on its growth over the years.  

“Since Manalagi's inception, we have now been able to expand Manalagi into a multi-module project that now entails a NZ on Air funded television series, a co-collecting project and residency with Te Papa, a research partnership with the Ministry of Social Development, and an upcoming book publication to name a few.”     

Phylesha Brown-Acton, Manalagi Associate Investigator emphasises the impact of the research project and encourages others to utilize this resource.  

“The significance that this research plays into the well-being and the aspirations of the future of our people is ten-fold. It has the potential to open doors, there is now a baseline for people who wish to find gaps and interrogate this research and to look at other areas around particular groups.”  

The PMA is proud to have supported the Manalagi Community Survey report through the Knowledge Hub, and looks forward to contributing to its continued development and growth.  

The full report can be viewed and downloaded via The Manalagi Project website.