In New Zealand, the mental health crisis is an urgent and growing concern, particularly within the Pacific community. According to recent data from Stats NZ, the suicide rate remains alarmingly high, with Pacific youth facing rough mental health challenges. It is against this backdrop that Tala’aga, a counselling service that is part of the Pacific Business Trust community, plays a vital role in providing culturally relevant mental health support.

Tala’aga Counselling, founded after the second long COVID-19 lockdown in late 2021, began when its founder received a call for help. A young boy, unable to find a suitable fit in traditional counselling services, reached out in desperation. This was the start of what has become a deeply impactful counselling service that bridges the gap between Pacific culture and mental health care.

One of the key challenges in addressing mental health within the Pacific community is the reluctance to openly discuss emotional struggles. Pacific people often avoid conversations about what’s troubling them, due to cultural pride, fear of embarrassment, and the expectations placed on them by family and church. Tala’aga is uniquely positioned to help Pacific people unpack their feelings in a culturally safe space where they feel heard and understood.

The founder of Tala’aga draws on his own life experiences to connect with clients. Growing up, he was the person people naturally gravitated to for comfort, guidance, and understanding. His journey into formal counselling began in 2016 when, after much encouragement and reflection, he pursued a counselling degree, balancing study with the challenges of providing for his family. Despite the difficulties, including moments when his family had to scrape together change just to buy bread, he completed his studies, driven by a sense of purpose far greater than a degree.

Since officially launching in 2022, Tala’aga has evolved significantly. What started as a private part-time service has grown into a contracting business with a reputation for understanding the unique needs of Pacific clients. Tala’aga’s approach focuses on identity and the power of storytelling. The service is based on the Pacific concept of "Talanoa," which involves open, respectful dialogue, allowing individuals to share their stories in a way that is free from judgment.

One of the biggest challenges Tala’aga addresses is the deep-seated pride and shame that often prevent Pacific individuals from seeking help. In a community where the expectations from family, church, and society can weigh heavily, Tala’aga helps clients process their grief, trauma, and mental health challenges in a way that is culturally sensitive and safe.

The need for services like Tala’aga cannot be overstated. According to Stats NZ, only 4% of Pacific people are likely to seek mental health support, yet the need is much higher. Tala’aga’s success is evident in the fact that clients return for ongoing support, often after feeling disconnected from more traditional, Westernised approaches to counselling.

As part of its mission, Tala’aga also works to encourage more Pacific men to enter the counselling field. Currently, only a small number of qualified Pacific male counsellors exist—far too few to meet the needs of the community. The founder sees Tala’aga as a voice for the Pacific community, challenging mindsets and encouraging the well-being of its people. With more Pacific counsellors, Tala’aga believes it can make a meaningful difference, especially by addressing mental health prevention through outreach to churches and communities.

For those looking to start a career in mental health, the founder of Tala’aga offers this advice: "Find out what aspect of mental health you're passionate about, understand your purpose, and build a trustworthy team." Counselling is not just a profession; it is a calling, deeply tied to the responsibility of supporting and challenging others through life’s difficulties.

As part of the Pacific Business Trust community, Tala’aga is an example of how Pacific businesses can make an impact, not just economically, but socially and culturally. Tala’aga is more than a counselling service; it is a pillar of support for those in need, offering a space where Pacific people can feel safe to talk, laugh, cry, and heal.

Through Tala’aga, we see the importance of culturally aware mental health services that understand the unique needs of Pacific people. With more support and awareness, Tala’aga and other similar services can continue to change lives, one conversation at a time.