KAVAX: Voices of our Disabled Kainga

This KAVAX:Tā Valivali will integrate our usual method of collective sharing, storytelling, and creative art making.

What is KAVAX?

KAVAX is a Pacific transformative talanoa platform and engagement tool that cultivates neutral vā (space) for honest dialogue on sensitive issues impacting Pacific people.

We integrate collective storytelling, traditional practices, and creative expression (painting) to surface community truths that conventional consultation often misses.

KAVAX creates a space for people to speak what they cannot say in formal settings — making it a critical tool for policy-makers and agencies seeking a genuine Pacific voice on complex issues.

Tā Valivali — integrating painting as another channel for making sense of lived experience. No art skills required; this is therapeutic expression, not performance.

About this Session

This is a space for Pacific peoples with a disability to share and talanoa about their workplace experiences. What does thriving with a disability at work look like?

We're going to explore three questions:

• What are we actually experiencing in the workplace?
• What does thriving with a disability at work look like for us?
• What do we need our managers to know?

This is an open talanoa — a conversation where your voice shapes what happens next. Whether you're employed, looking for work, supporting a family member, or navigating the system yourself, your experience belongs in this space.

This session is part of a KAVAX series. What we learn here will feed into ongoing work to improve the experiences of disabled people in the Pacific at work and within the disability support system.

Why this matters now?

• Pacific peoples have a 21% disability rate (age-adjusted) — same as Māori, both above the 17% national rate

• Disabled workers earn $618 less per week than non-disabled workers

• Only 39.8% of disabled people aged 15-64 are employed, vs 80.3% of non-disabled people

• Many Pacific disabled workers don't disclose their disability at work for fear of job loss or career limits

But data doesn't tell the full story. YOU DO.

In 2024, over 1,000 Pacific disabled people and their aiga shared their experiences through Whaikaha's talanoa process. They said workplaces still put up barriers. They said families carry the load when systems fail. They said thriving means more than just having a job — it means being seen, supported, and able to bring your whole self to work.

This session continues that talanoa. This time, we're focusing on the workplace — because employment is not just income, it's dignity, identity, and the ability to provide for your whānau/aiga/famili/family.

ACCESSIBILITY
We're committed to making this session accessible:
• Venue is wheelchair accessible
• Quiet space available if you need a break
• Alternative participation formats (written, one-on-one check-ins) available
• Dietary requirements catered for — let us know when you register
If you have specific access needs not listed here, contact us at [email protected] and we'll work with you to make it happen.

While the event is free, due to space please register and secure a spot around the kumete!

All are welcome, light kai and kava will be provided

Info: Welcome, karakia, and a run through of the night!

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Four Shells Kava Lounge