FAQs

  • Le Lā-'Afa provides services across three core areas:

    Research

    • Fieldwork coordination

    • Stakeholder engagement

    • Data collection

    • Interviews and focus groups

    • Surveys

    • Transcription and translation

    • Data compilation and research support

    Consultancy

    • Governance and organisational development

    • Policy development and review

    • Strategic planning

    • Monitoring, evaluation, and learning

    • Stakeholder engagement

    • Community development and facilitation

    Translation and Cultural Responsiveness Development

    • Pacific language translation and interpretation

    • Cultural supervision and advisory support

    • Community engagement approaches

    • Cultural responsiveness development

    • Adapting programmes, policies, and services for Pacific communities

    We also provide Access and Navigation Support, helping individuals and grassroots communities access employment, education, funding, leadership, and development opportunities through practical digital and technical support.

  • We are not a traditional consultancy focused solely on reports or strategic advice. Our role is to connect capabilities, people, knowledge, relationships, and opportunities in ways that help organisations, communities, and individuals achieve meaningful outcomes.

  • We work with government agencies, NGOs, civil society organisations, education providers, health and wellbeing services, justice sector organisations, community groups, researchers, development partners, and funding organisations across Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific.

  • Our experience spans community development, governance, health and wellbeing, education, social services, youth development, research, policy, organisational development, leadership, gender equality, disability inclusion, and social change initiatives.

  • We avoid a one-size-fits-all approach. Every engagement is shaped to context. We align the scope, pace, and delivery approach to your needs, priorities, stakeholders, and operating environment.

  • Ūpega is the Samoan word for a fishing net. Our Ūpega Model draws on a trusted network of advisors, practitioners, cultural experts, community leaders, and specialist consultants to bring together the right expertise for each piece of work.

  • Yes. Through our networks and partnerships, we support projects across Pacific Island Countries and Territories, as well as Pacific communities in Aotearoa New Zealand and diaspora settings. We can also assist organisations seeking to engage effectively with Pacific communities and stakeholders.

  • Absolutely. We can provide support across specific stages of the research process, including stakeholder engagement, fieldwork coordination, interviews, focus groups, surveys, transcription, translation, data compilation, and research administration.

  • Yes. Translation, interpretation, cultural guidance, and responsiveness can be embedded across research, engagement, communications, programme delivery, and implementation activities to ensure outputs remain meaningful, respectful, and accessible to diverse Pacific communities.

  • This service is designed to help individuals and grassroots communities access opportunities that may otherwise be difficult to reach due to digital, technical, informational, or administrative barriers.

    Support may include online applications, CV and cover letter preparation, scholarship applications, funding applications, employment opportunities, digital navigation, and accessing relevant programmes and services.

  • It all starts with a conversation. We will be happy to explore your expectations and see how we can bridge with our services.

  • Yes. We offer an initial consultation to get a sense of the outcomes you seek. This helps determine whether Le Lā-'Afa is the right fit and what level of support would be most useful.

  • Yes. Le Lā-'Afa offers a complimentary 30-minute discovery consultation for prospective clients.

    The purpose of this conversation is to:

    • Understand your ‘ask.’

    • Learn more about your organisation, community, or initiative.

    • Explore whether Le Lā-'Afa is the right fit for your needs.

    • Discuss potential approaches and next steps.

    • Answer general questions about our services and delivery model.

    The complimentary consultation is intended as an introductory discussion and does not include detailed technical advice, project design, proposal development, research, policy advice, or strategic recommendations.