Mind and mana: empowering Māori and Pacific mental well-being

Assina Te Paa-Kolio is a Māori (Ngāti Whātua ki Kaipara, Ngāpuhi, Te Aupouri, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Tūwharetoa) and Sāmoan (Falelatai, Nofali’i, Pu’apu’a) rangatahi, with a passion for health promotion and mental health.

It was not just a professional choice, but a calling rooted in her life’s journey.

“Health promotion is so important, especially for Māori and Pacific peoples,” Assina says. “For me, I’d like to provide equitable access for our people, educate, and share knowledge.”

Her commitment stems from her past. Growing up, Assina faced health challenges and witnessed the systemic barriers and discrimination that both her and her mother would endure.

“Mum was such a hard worker – she held down four jobs at one point just to support me."

“I had health issues as a small child, showing signs of being overweight at an early age. It was hard to hear her being blamed for my health, not knowing the complexities of our family values and the sacrifices she made to keep a roof over our head.

“Health promotion involves being a culturally safe space for people like me, and I’m yet to have that experience, but hope that will change for others.”

These early experiences left a lasting impression on Assina. When she discovered the Māori and Pacific Admission Scheme (MAPAS), it became a beacon of hope.

Since high school, Assina followed MAPAS closely, watching livestreams of graduations and drawing inspiration from the stories of Māori and Pacific students who had walked the path before her.

“I always knew I wanted to be a part of MAPAS. It’s been a pillar of support for me because, as a Māori and Pacific woman, my own health and needs are understood. This isn’t a place where I have to explain myself – I’m in a room full of like-minded people.”

Mental health is another area where Assina’s journey is deeply personal. While her parents created a loving and happy home, her father struggled with his own mental health, leading to hospital visits that shaped her understanding of these issues.

“I was so shocked learning the impact mental health actually had on my parents because they were so happy, I had a good upbringing,” she says. “But it just goes to show how deep it goes, and it’s very common for our people to suffer in silence or try to hold it all together.”

Her studies helped her unravel the complexities of mental health, particularly how it affects Māori and Pacific communities.

“My degree helped me understand the different layers of mental health, how it affects our people, and also how I can contribute to society and the health system—and more so, my parents.”

As she reflects on her journey, Assina acknowledges the role her family’s struggles and triumphs have played in shaping her path. Her father’s deep connection to Sāmoa, the homeland he left for what was once seen as the land of milk and honey, is a central part of her story.

“It was always a joy to hear my dad and my uncle speak Sāmoan to each other, like home away from home,” she says.

But her uncle passed away near the end of her studies, which marked a period of profound grief and reflection on her own mental health. “That was a journey in itself," she says.

But her loss became part of her motivation. “This isn’t just my degree, but theirs too,” she says. “And it doesn’t stop there – I’ll be doing my postgrad as well.”

Through her work, Assina hopes to honour the sacrifices of her parents and the legacy of her family while contributing to a more equitable health system for Māori and Pacific peoples.

Her journey is one of resilience, the power of education, and the enduring strength of whānau and community.