About Us

Kahiau Wellbeing was born out of deep personal pain and an unwavering passion to make a difference. After losing our daughter Tatyana to suicide, we were confronted with the silence, stigma, and lack of culturally safe spaces within our Pasifika communities to talk about mental health. Her passing became our purpose.

“Kahiau” is a Hawaiian word meaning to give generously without expecting anything in return — and that is the heart of everything we do.

We created this trust to honour her memory and to prevent other families from facing the same loss. Our dream is to open Tatyana’s Space — a permanent, culturally grounded safe space where anyone can come to be heard, supported, and uplifted. Until then, we deliver free workshops, youth and women’s programmes, wellbeing events, and provide hands‑on support to individuals and families navigating mental distress, disability, and everyday challenges.

What makes Kahiau unique is our blend of lived experience, cultural grounding, and professional support work. We provide:

• Disability support

• High‑needs behavioural support

• Mental health and wellbeing support

• In‑home and community support work

• Advocacy and system navigation

• Respite and whānau support

• Culturally safe Talanoa and creative healing programmes

We don’t just offer services — we offer connection, dignity, and understanding. Our approach honours Pasifika values, faith, and family systems. We walk alongside people, not in front of them.

Our vision is bold and deeply rooted in our lived experience. In the coming years, we aim to grow into a leading Pasifika‑led wellbeing and support organisation, providing wraparound care for individuals, whānau, and communities across Aotearoa.

We envision a strong team of lived‑experience leaders, support workers, cultural facilitators, and mental health practitioners — all dedicated to helping our people thrive.

At our heart, Kahiau stands for hope, safety, strength, and healing. We want our Pasifika people to know: you are not alone, and there is always a safe place for you here.