BOOK A KAVA SESSION FOR YOUR END OF YEAR GATHERING. WE STILL HAVE SPACE FOR NOV-DEC 2025!

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BOOK A KAVA SESSION FOR YOUR END OF YEAR GATHERING. WE STILL HAVE SPACE FOR NOV-DEC 2025!

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    What we Offer

    The team specialises in designing and delivering culturally-responsive training programs that bridge Western and Pacific worldviews.

    Through the innovative KAVAX platform—a talanoa-based methodology for addressing sensitive topics—the team have successfully facilitated workshops for leading organisations including Shopify, Tamaki Regeneration Company, AUT, Auckland Council, APRA, Te Whatu Ora, Hapai te Hauoara, Mental Health Foundation New Zealand, The Prenatal Collective, ACE Alternative Education, and the Pasifika Bank Network.

    The team's expertise spans qualitative research design, community engagement, data collection and analysis, and comprehensive report writing.

    Previous projects include the Mental Health Foundation's research on 'Mental Distress for Māori and Pacific People', Uptempo under The Southern Initiative at Auckland Council, The Centre for Social Impact - Foundation North, and the Human Rights Commission's Pacific Pay Gap inquiry.

    We provide comprehensive strategic advisory services to organisations seeking to integrate Pacific perspectives into their operations and policy frameworks.

    Our expertise includes organisational development, cultural integration strategies, and policy analysis through a Pacific lens.

    The Kumete Group team is available for public speaking engagements, and facilitation services that bridge Western and Pacific worldviews with cultural expertise and authenticity.

    With expertise spanning Pacific research, climate change, community engagement, and organisational psychology, our team delivers transformative presentations that honour Pacific perspectives. Whether you need a keynote speaker, facilitator, or MC, we bring both academic rigour and practical field experience to your event.

    Contact us to discuss your next speaking or facilitation opportunity.

    Past Organisation Partners

    meet the team

    'Anau mesui-henry

    Managing Director | Senior Advisor Pacific | Research & Evaluation

    ‘Anau Mesui-Henry is a Pacific leader, researcher, and cultural consultant with experience in delivering transformative community initiatives and strategic advisory services.

    As Director of Kumete Group Limited and creator of the KAVAX initiative, ‘Anau combines academic rigor, cultural expertise, and practical business acumen to organisations seeking to engage respectfully and effectively with Pacific communities, and authentic Pacific perspectives and solutions.

    Achievements

    - Award Recognition: Sunpix Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Pacific Enterprise Award (2022), and inaugural Wearemanaaki Vaka Pasefika Business Award (2021)

    - Academic Contributions: Research presentations at international conferences in Tanzania and Tonga, and chapter contributor to ICT4D development literature

    - Health Innovation: Health Research Council project team member developing culturally-informed PTSD therapy approaches using traditional kava practices

    Qualifications

    - Current, PhD student, Te Whare Wānanga o Aotearoa, Waikato University

    - Master of Business Information Systems (First Class Honours), Auckland University of Technology

    - BCom in Information Systems & Commercial Law, University of Auckland

    - Bilingual fluency in Tongan and English

    Todd m. henry

    Director | Visual Storyteller | Climate Change & Pacific Research Specialist

    Todd M. Henry is an internationally recognised photographer, researcher, and Pacific specialist with deep expertise in climate change adaptation, disaster risk management, and culturally-responsive visual storytelling.

    As Co-Director of Kumete Group Limited and PhD candidate at AUT University, Todd combines academic rigor with practical field experience to deliver transformative research, documentation, and advisory services for organisations working in Pacific communities and climate-sensitive contexts.

    Achievements

    - Award Recognition: Sony NZ World Photographer of the Year National Award (2019) and Runner-up NZ Geographic Photographer of the Year (2018)

    - Academic Excellence: AUT University Vice Chancellor's Doctoral Scholarship Award recipient and Deep South National Science Challenge Scholarship Award recipient (2018)

    - Media Impact: Co-producer of internationally distributed documentary film and published contributor to over 50 publications worldwide

    Qualifications

    - PhD Candidate (Climate Change & Pacific Studies), Auckland University of Technology

    - Master of Environment & Society, University of Waikato

    - Postgraduate Diploma of Science - Environmental Management, University of Auckland

    - BS (Hons) Anthropology & Elementary Education, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania (Summa Cum Laude)

    malcolm andrews

    Senior Advisor Pacific | Research & Evaluation | MC

    Malcolm Andrews is an influential powerhouse both locally and across the Pacific, utilising his comprehensive range of experience to spearhead initiatives that deliver critical solutions to issues affecting our Pasifika community.

    Drawing from extensive humanitarian research throughout his academic pursuits, Malcolm contributes an innovative perspective to Kumete Group Limited, where his role as Wellbeing Manager provides a platform for training others in Pacific cultural competency, strategic disaster planning, and nurturing partnerships between diverse groups.

    Achievements

    - Research Activities: Strong contribution to numerous academic papers researching vital interests of the Pacific community, including health education, social activism, and the living wage.

    - Voice of the Community: Provides a strong vocal platform for our community, as Co-producer of the Pacific Media Network Radio Station (PMN 531pi), Cultural Advisor to Auckland Blues Super Rugby Franchise, and as a Professional Master of Ceremonies.

    Qualifications

    - Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology Candidate (Humanitarian & Indigenous Psychology) at University of Otago

    - Master of Arts with Distinction in Psychology (Industrial & Organisational Psychology I/O) at Massey University

    - Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Psychology) at Massey University

    - Bachelor in Health Science (Health Promotion & Psychology) at AUT

    - Bilingual fluency in Fijian and English