Eva Ma Le Koko: The Thursday Village Reconnecting Samoan Elders in Aotearoa
Every Thursday in South Auckland, laughter, prayer and Pacific music fill the room as a group of Samoan elders gather—not just to pass time, but to reconnect with each other and with the cultural rhythms of home.
The programme is called Eva Ma Le Koko, a space created specifically for Pacific seniors to socialise, move, and share fellowship in an environment rooted in culture and faith.
“Eva Ma Le Koko was born out of a deep love and calling to honour our Pacific Tina & Tama matutua—many of whom spent their lives serving their families, churches, and communities, often in silence and without recognition,” says co-founder Romana Fetu.
In Samoan, eva means to go out or be in the company of others, while koko refers to the traditional hot cocoa drink often shared during moments of storytelling and connection. “Together, Eva Ma Le Koko symbolises joyful movement, togetherness, and the comfort of gathering with others over something familiar and meaningful.”
Romana says the idea came from witnessing the loneliness many elders were facing in Aotearoa, separated from the village life they once knew. “We knew we had to do something—to build a space where they could reconnect, laugh, move, and be celebrated.”
Each Thursday session features everything from gentle island-style Zumba to arts and crafts, siva (cultural dance), and storytelling. Guest speakers—from health professionals to community leaders—also visit to share useful knowledge and support. There are excursions too, including a recent visit to the Auckland Museum to explore Pacific galleries together.
But at the centre of it all is spirituality. “Faith plays a vital role in our lives as Pasefika people—it’s what brings us together. Our ancestors prayed for a better future for us, and our seniors are the living answers to those prayers,” Romana says. “Through this program, we honour their legacy with love, dignity, and joy.”
The space isn’t just meaningful to organisers—it’s changing lives. For many of the elders, this weekly gathering is now the highlight of their week.
Kalala Vitale says they enjoy the programme because of “the fellowship with other elderly.” Oli Lopesi loves the “fun activities, food, singing and dancing,” while Karoline Lima adds, “It’s a great atmosphere and I never knew there was a group for elderly.”
“The warm welcome from everyone” was another highlight mentioned, along with the chance to make genuine friendships. Oli Lopesi says if they weren’t at Eva Ma Le Koko every Thursday, they’d be “staying home and playing cards on my own” or “sleeping the day away.”
Kalala Vitale shared, “Coming to Eva Ma Le Koko I’ve made friends and look forward to it every week.” For many, it has been the first time in a long time they’ve felt socially connected: “Being social again has been great, where I’ve just been at home majority of the time especially when my kids and grandkids are at home and school.”
Romana says the goal is simple: to rebuild the village around our elders.
“Having a space like Eva Ma Le Koko gives our matua the opportunity to be in the company of others who understand their journey. It gives them a place where they can speak their language, share their memories, move their bodies joyfully, and feel a sense of belonging and pride.”
She adds, “In every step of Zumba, every shared laugh, every siva rehearsal, and every prayer—we honour them. We stand on their shoulders, and through Eva Ma Le Koko, we say: Fa’afetai, Fa’afetai, Fa’afetai Tele lava. This is your time to be celebrated.”
And this April, the community is invited to join that celebration.
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✨🌺 360 Tautua Trust – Eva Ma Le Koko presents: SIVA MAI!🌺✨
Wonderful watching the Tinā ma Tāmā working hard, preparing a special performance for their big celebration next Saturday! SIVA MAI! 🎶💃🏾 Special mention to the beautiful Meaalii Lauitiiti for her amazing heart of service and talent! A great example of Tautua in action – we appreciate you! SIVA MAI is open to all amazing Pacific seniors, carers and families. Come and experience an unforgettable night of laughter, song, and dance!
📅 When: Saturday, 12 April 2025 ⏰ Time: 4:30pm – 9:00pm 📍 Where: Te Puke Otara Community Hall 🎟 Tickets: $10 | Supper: $10 📞 Get your tickets now: 021 062 5823 📧 Email: admin@360tautua.org