PANEL: Talanoa and Tauhi Vā: Culturally Grounded Approaches for Effective Practice with Pacific Peoples
Tracks
Ballroom 2 - In-Person & Virtual via OnAIR
| Monday, October 12, 2026 |
| 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM |
| Ballroom 2 |
Overview
Dr Hilda Port
Dr Grace Fatetutulu
Chanae Ihimaera
Ross Laufoli
Auckland University Of Technology
Dr Grace Fatetutulu
Chanae Ihimaera
Ross Laufoli
Auckland University Of Technology
Three Key Learnings
1. Relational wellbeing is foundational – Pacific and Indigenous perspectives understand wellbeing as rooted in relationships with self, family, community, and spirituality, shaping how care is experienced and delivered.
2. Culturally grounded approaches strengthen practice – Practices such as talanoa and other Indigenous research and engagement models enhance trust, connection, and effectiveness in therapeutic settings.
3. Systems must be Culturally Responsive – Mental health services are more ethical and effective when they are culturally responsive, shaped by Indigenous knowledge systems, and developed in partnership with Pacific communities.
Presenter
Dr Grace Faletutulu
Senior Lecturer
Auckland University Of Technology
PANEL: Talanoa and Tauhi Vā: Culturally Grounded Approaches for Effective Practice with Pacific Peoples
Presentation Overview
This panel brings together expertise in Indigenous and Pacific-led approaches to health across clinical, research, and community settings. Guided by the principle ‘nothing about Indigenous Peoples, without Indigenous Peoples’, the discussion centres Indigenous knowledge and culturally grounded practice in Aotearoa.
Dr Port draws on her experience as a registered counselling psychologist, senior lecturer, and Pacific researcher to discuss how culturally grounded practice transforms mental health and wellbeing for Pacific peoples. She will highlight how Pacific psychology and relational frameworks such as tauhi vā and talanoa shape how clinicians connect, engage, and support healing in culturally safe ways.
She will emphasise the need for culturally responsive mental health services grounded in Indigenous worldviews, recognising wellbeing as relational, collective, and spiritual. She will also highlight how these approaches can transform systems toward more culturally safe and effective care for Pacific peoples.
Dr Faletutulu extends the discussion through a Pacific mental health lens, focusing on family systems, identity, and collective wellbeing. She explores how culturally embedded therapeutic approaches improve engagement, reduce inequities, and support healing pathways for Pacific families across diverse service settings.
Chanae Ihimaera examines the intersection between oral health inequities and broader determinants of wellbeing. She will discuss how culturally safe, community-informed practice can improve prevention, trust, and access, particularly for Pacific communities who experience systemic barriers within health systems.
Ross Laufol presents “Understanding the Space between: Using Talanoa and the Fa’afaletui Model to Understand How Pacific Health Models Shape the Therapeutic Relationship.” He highlights how these Pacific approaches inform practice and training, supporting more ethical, effective, and culturally grounded care.
Together the panel demonstrates Indigenous and Pacific knowledge systems are foundational to health. Presenters highlight how centring Indigenous voices strengthens clinical practice and health equity across Aotearoa.
Dr Port draws on her experience as a registered counselling psychologist, senior lecturer, and Pacific researcher to discuss how culturally grounded practice transforms mental health and wellbeing for Pacific peoples. She will highlight how Pacific psychology and relational frameworks such as tauhi vā and talanoa shape how clinicians connect, engage, and support healing in culturally safe ways.
She will emphasise the need for culturally responsive mental health services grounded in Indigenous worldviews, recognising wellbeing as relational, collective, and spiritual. She will also highlight how these approaches can transform systems toward more culturally safe and effective care for Pacific peoples.
Dr Faletutulu extends the discussion through a Pacific mental health lens, focusing on family systems, identity, and collective wellbeing. She explores how culturally embedded therapeutic approaches improve engagement, reduce inequities, and support healing pathways for Pacific families across diverse service settings.
Chanae Ihimaera examines the intersection between oral health inequities and broader determinants of wellbeing. She will discuss how culturally safe, community-informed practice can improve prevention, trust, and access, particularly for Pacific communities who experience systemic barriers within health systems.
Ross Laufol presents “Understanding the Space between: Using Talanoa and the Fa’afaletui Model to Understand How Pacific Health Models Shape the Therapeutic Relationship.” He highlights how these Pacific approaches inform practice and training, supporting more ethical, effective, and culturally grounded care.
Together the panel demonstrates Indigenous and Pacific knowledge systems are foundational to health. Presenters highlight how centring Indigenous voices strengthens clinical practice and health equity across Aotearoa.
Biography
Chanae Ihimaera
Lecturer
Auckland University Of Technology
PANEL: Talanoa and Tauhi Vā: Culturally Grounded Approaches for Effective Practice with Pacific Peoples
Presentation Overview
This panel brings together expertise in Indigenous and Pacific-led approaches to health across clinical, research, and community settings. Guided by the principle ‘nothing about Indigenous Peoples, without Indigenous Peoples’, the discussion centres Indigenous knowledge and culturally grounded practice in Aotearoa.
Dr Port draws on her experience as a registered counselling psychologist, senior lecturer, and Pacific researcher to discuss how culturally grounded practice transforms mental health and wellbeing for Pacific peoples. She will highlight how Pacific psychology and relational frameworks such as tauhi vā and talanoa shape how clinicians connect, engage, and support healing in culturally safe ways.
She will emphasise the need for culturally responsive mental health services grounded in Indigenous worldviews, recognising wellbeing as relational, collective, and spiritual. She will also highlight how these approaches can transform systems toward more culturally safe and effective care for Pacific peoples.
Dr Faletutulu extends the discussion through a Pacific mental health lens, focusing on family systems, identity, and collective wellbeing. She explores how culturally embedded therapeutic approaches improve engagement, reduce inequities, and support healing pathways for Pacific families across diverse service settings.
Chanae Ihimaera examines the intersection between oral health inequities and broader determinants of wellbeing. She will discuss how culturally safe, community-informed practice can improve prevention, trust, and access, particularly for Pacific communities who experience systemic barriers within health systems.
Ross Laufol presents “Understanding the Space between: Using Talanoa and the Fa’afaletui Model to Understand How Pacific Health Models Shape the Therapeutic Relationship.” He highlights how these Pacific approaches inform practice and training, supporting more ethical, effective, and culturally grounded care.
Together the panel demonstrates Indigenous and Pacific knowledge systems are foundational to health. Presenters highlight how centring Indigenous voices strengthens clinical practice and health equity across Aotearoa.
Dr Port draws on her experience as a registered counselling psychologist, senior lecturer, and Pacific researcher to discuss how culturally grounded practice transforms mental health and wellbeing for Pacific peoples. She will highlight how Pacific psychology and relational frameworks such as tauhi vā and talanoa shape how clinicians connect, engage, and support healing in culturally safe ways.
She will emphasise the need for culturally responsive mental health services grounded in Indigenous worldviews, recognising wellbeing as relational, collective, and spiritual. She will also highlight how these approaches can transform systems toward more culturally safe and effective care for Pacific peoples.
Dr Faletutulu extends the discussion through a Pacific mental health lens, focusing on family systems, identity, and collective wellbeing. She explores how culturally embedded therapeutic approaches improve engagement, reduce inequities, and support healing pathways for Pacific families across diverse service settings.
Chanae Ihimaera examines the intersection between oral health inequities and broader determinants of wellbeing. She will discuss how culturally safe, community-informed practice can improve prevention, trust, and access, particularly for Pacific communities who experience systemic barriers within health systems.
Ross Laufol presents “Understanding the Space between: Using Talanoa and the Fa’afaletui Model to Understand How Pacific Health Models Shape the Therapeutic Relationship.” He highlights how these Pacific approaches inform practice and training, supporting more ethical, effective, and culturally grounded care.
Together the panel demonstrates Indigenous and Pacific knowledge systems are foundational to health. Presenters highlight how centring Indigenous voices strengthens clinical practice and health equity across Aotearoa.
Biography
Ross Laufoli
Student
Auckland University Of Technology
PANEL: Talanoa and Tauhi Vā: Culturally Grounded Approaches for Effective Practice with Pacific Peoples
Presentation Overview
This panel brings together expertise in Indigenous and Pacific-led approaches to health across clinical, research, and community settings. Guided by the principle ‘nothing about Indigenous Peoples, without Indigenous Peoples’, the discussion centres Indigenous knowledge and culturally grounded practice in Aotearoa.
Dr Port draws on her experience as a registered counselling psychologist, senior lecturer, and Pacific researcher to discuss how culturally grounded practice transforms mental health and wellbeing for Pacific peoples. She will highlight how Pacific psychology and relational frameworks such as tauhi vā and talanoa shape how clinicians connect, engage, and support healing in culturally safe ways.
She will emphasise the need for culturally responsive mental health services grounded in Indigenous worldviews, recognising wellbeing as relational, collective, and spiritual. She will also highlight how these approaches can transform systems toward more culturally safe and effective care for Pacific peoples.
Dr Faletutulu extends the discussion through a Pacific mental health lens, focusing on family systems, identity, and collective wellbeing. She explores how culturally embedded therapeutic approaches improve engagement, reduce inequities, and support healing pathways for Pacific families across diverse service settings.
Chanae Ihimaera examines the intersection between oral health inequities and broader determinants of wellbeing. She will discuss how culturally safe, community-informed practice can improve prevention, trust, and access, particularly for Pacific communities who experience systemic barriers within health systems.
Ross Laufol presents “Understanding the Space between: Using Talanoa and the Fa’afaletui Model to Understand How Pacific Health Models Shape the Therapeutic Relationship.” He highlights how these Pacific approaches inform practice and training, supporting more ethical, effective, and culturally grounded care.
Together the panel demonstrates Indigenous and Pacific knowledge systems are foundational to health. Presenters highlight how centring Indigenous voices strengthens clinical practice and health equity across Aotearoa.
Dr Port draws on her experience as a registered counselling psychologist, senior lecturer, and Pacific researcher to discuss how culturally grounded practice transforms mental health and wellbeing for Pacific peoples. She will highlight how Pacific psychology and relational frameworks such as tauhi vā and talanoa shape how clinicians connect, engage, and support healing in culturally safe ways.
She will emphasise the need for culturally responsive mental health services grounded in Indigenous worldviews, recognising wellbeing as relational, collective, and spiritual. She will also highlight how these approaches can transform systems toward more culturally safe and effective care for Pacific peoples.
Dr Faletutulu extends the discussion through a Pacific mental health lens, focusing on family systems, identity, and collective wellbeing. She explores how culturally embedded therapeutic approaches improve engagement, reduce inequities, and support healing pathways for Pacific families across diverse service settings.
Chanae Ihimaera examines the intersection between oral health inequities and broader determinants of wellbeing. She will discuss how culturally safe, community-informed practice can improve prevention, trust, and access, particularly for Pacific communities who experience systemic barriers within health systems.
Ross Laufol presents “Understanding the Space between: Using Talanoa and the Fa’afaletui Model to Understand How Pacific Health Models Shape the Therapeutic Relationship.” He highlights how these Pacific approaches inform practice and training, supporting more ethical, effective, and culturally grounded care.
Together the panel demonstrates Indigenous and Pacific knowledge systems are foundational to health. Presenters highlight how centring Indigenous voices strengthens clinical practice and health equity across Aotearoa.
Biography
Dr Hilda Port
Senior Lecturer
Auckland University Of Technology
Talanoa and Tauhi Vā: Culturally Grounded Approaches for Effective Practice with Pacific Peoples
Presentation Overview
This panel brings together expertise in Indigenous and Pacific-led approaches to health across clinical, research, and community settings. Guided by the principle ‘nothing about Indigenous Peoples, without Indigenous Peoples’, the discussion centres Indigenous knowledge and culturally grounded practice in Aotearoa.
Dr Port draws on her experience as a registered counselling psychologist, senior lecturer, and Pacific researcher to discuss how culturally grounded practice transforms mental health and wellbeing for Pacific peoples. She will highlight how Pacific psychology and relational frameworks such as tauhi vā and talanoa shape how clinicians connect, engage, and support healing in culturally safe ways.
She will emphasise the need for culturally responsive mental health services grounded in Indigenous worldviews, recognising wellbeing as relational, collective, and spiritual. She will also highlight how these approaches can transform systems toward more culturally safe and effective care for Pacific peoples.
Dr Faletutulu extends the discussion through a Pacific mental health lens, focusing on family systems, identity, and collective wellbeing. She explores how culturally embedded therapeutic approaches improve engagement, reduce inequities, and support healing pathways for Pacific families across diverse service settings.
Chanae Ihimaera examines the intersection between oral health inequities and broader determinants of wellbeing. She will discuss how culturally safe, community-informed practice can improve prevention, trust, and access, particularly for Pacific communities who experience systemic barriers within health systems.
Ross Laufol presents “Understanding the Space between: Using Talanoa and the Fa’afaletui Model to Understand How Pacific Health Models Shape the Therapeutic Relationship.” He highlights how these Pacific approaches inform practice and training, supporting more ethical, effective, and culturally grounded care.
Together the panel demonstrates Indigenous and Pacific knowledge systems are foundational to health. Presenters highlight how centring Indigenous voices strengthens clinical practice and health equity across Aotearoa.
Dr Port draws on her experience as a registered counselling psychologist, senior lecturer, and Pacific researcher to discuss how culturally grounded practice transforms mental health and wellbeing for Pacific peoples. She will highlight how Pacific psychology and relational frameworks such as tauhi vā and talanoa shape how clinicians connect, engage, and support healing in culturally safe ways.
She will emphasise the need for culturally responsive mental health services grounded in Indigenous worldviews, recognising wellbeing as relational, collective, and spiritual. She will also highlight how these approaches can transform systems toward more culturally safe and effective care for Pacific peoples.
Dr Faletutulu extends the discussion through a Pacific mental health lens, focusing on family systems, identity, and collective wellbeing. She explores how culturally embedded therapeutic approaches improve engagement, reduce inequities, and support healing pathways for Pacific families across diverse service settings.
Chanae Ihimaera examines the intersection between oral health inequities and broader determinants of wellbeing. She will discuss how culturally safe, community-informed practice can improve prevention, trust, and access, particularly for Pacific communities who experience systemic barriers within health systems.
Ross Laufol presents “Understanding the Space between: Using Talanoa and the Fa’afaletui Model to Understand How Pacific Health Models Shape the Therapeutic Relationship.” He highlights how these Pacific approaches inform practice and training, supporting more ethical, effective, and culturally grounded care.
Together the panel demonstrates Indigenous and Pacific knowledge systems are foundational to health. Presenters highlight how centring Indigenous voices strengthens clinical practice and health equity across Aotearoa.
Biography
Dr Hilda Port is a counselling psychologist, Senior Lecturer, and Pacific researcher with over a decade of clinical experience working alongside Māori and Pacific communities in mental health and wellbeing. Her practice is grounded in culturally responsive, relational approaches that honour Indigenous values, spirituality, and collective care. As an academic in Aotearoa, she advocates for Māori and Pacific student success, embedding Indigenous knowledge into psychology training. Her research focuses on Pacific wellbeing, kava-related practices, and Indigenous methodologies. Across her clinical, teaching, and research work, Dr Port is committed to advancing Indigenous-led approaches that strengthen equity and community wellbeing.
