Christchurch Pacific Rainbow+ charity Moana Vā wins two national awards

Moana Vā Navigators of Pacific Pride, a small Christchurch charity creating safe spaces for Pacific Rainbow+ communities, won two categories at the 2026 New Zealand Rainbow Excellence Awards.

It won the Community and Advocacy Award and the Pride Pledge Non-Commercial Sector Award, and came second for the Pride Pledge Supreme Award in a field that included some of Aotearoa’s largest organisations. Pride Pledge hosted the awards in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

Founded by Chair Vui Suli Tuitaupe, Moana Vā works with Pacific Rainbow+ MVPFAFF+ and LGBTQIA+ communities, their families and allies. Its advocacy, wellbeing programmes, cultural activities and community connection work create culturally grounded and safe spaces.

“We don’t have their resources, budgets or staffing, but clearly our little charity is making a mighty big impact!” said General Manager Lana Shields.

Moana Vā is a recipient of Le Va’s Pasifika Suicide Prevention Community Fund.

“This recognition sends a powerful message that grassroots Pacific Rainbow+ voices matter, and that you don’t need a big budget to make a big difference,” Shields added.

The awards night came a day after the Chair and General Manager spent six hours in the rain on Thursday 15 October, directing traffic and putting up gazebos for the charity’s Taste of the Pacific Night Market in Ōtautahi Christchurch. Shields also took out Best Dressed on the night.