Tōfā Mamao Collective

About Us

Tōfā mamao means navigating the future guided by the past.

We are a grassroots collective of tagata sa’ilimalo (Pacific disabled people, their families/nofo-a-kainga, and carers/supporters/tautua soifua in Aotearoa). As a proudly independent national non-profit led entirely by tagata sa’ilimalo, we play a unique role in advancing the voice of lived experience from a Pacific and collectivist worldview

Tagata Sa’ilimalo is our vision

Tagata Sa’ilimalo (tagata = people or person, sa’ilimalo = pursuit of success) is a new vision of Pacific disability in Aotearoa New Zealand and also a term of identity to replace “Pacific disabled people, their families, and carers/supporters.”

Tagata Sa’ilimalo is an aspirational vision of the pursuit of success underpinned by sheer determination and sustained by the collective vitality of Pacific peoples.

We are tagata sa’ilimalo: people pursuing success

Tagata sa’ilimalo are one and many. Tagata sa’ilimalo refers not only to an individual, but also to the family and community who surround them.
As members of a family collective, tagata sa’ilimalo both give and receive support. As members of the Pacific community, tagata sa’ilimalo participate in a network of people and organizations connected by shared values.

Soalaupule is our vision in action

Soalaupule (shared authority) is the name of our vision in action. Soalaupule is a group decision-making process in which participants share both the decision and accountability for the outcomes. Soalaupule allows self-determination while intertwining the lives of everyone who takes part.