OUR MISSION

A world leading social support agency that supports our people, their families and communities to become self-reliant positive contributors in their society.

Project 2026 - Wellness and Healing Retreat, Bua Bay, Fiji

OUR INITIATIVES

Outreach

PV is committed to providing an outcome-based social support and development programme which is person-centred and tailored to a person’s individual needs and goals.

Using our iTaukei (indigenous Fijian) biopsychosocial model we help individuals, groups and businesses continuously improve their capability to realise their goals and strategic objectives.

New Zealand initiatives:

* Ko Au (Who Am I?) Programme - our flagship service for young people and families. We also provide a similar programme tailored to organisations and corporate development.

* Future Leaders Academy Self Leadership, Pacific Student Leaders Programmes (in partnership)

* Recognised Seasonal Employees (RSE) Scheme Workers Pastoral Care Provider

* Pasifika Suicide Prevention - Partnership with LeVa (NZ) 2021-2023

Fiji initiatives

* Duavata Policing Program -Partnership with Fiji Police Force Community Policing HQ

* Financial Literacy training - contact us to discuss! Most recent delivery was to Youth Leaders in 13 zones of Lami, Suva in collaboration with Fiji National Sports Commission

South Pacific initiatives

* Train the trainer workshops - equipping mentors in Rarotonga to provide pastoral care with their mentees who migrated from Fiji to work in the toursim sector

* Cook Islands Corrective Services - probation, rehabilitation and reitegration partnership - implementing our Ko Au programme in Rarotonga (Launching from Sept 2024)

* He Manawa Tītī Programme, MFAT New Zealand - Guest Speaker, and Positive Vibrations internship for 8 emerging leaders across Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu and Fiji. This programme fell under MFAT NZ Short Term Training Scholarhips Programme, and was offered as part of New Zealands Dawn Raids apology.

Elite Performance

Our elite performance services started as talent management incorporating support and care across every aspect of an athlete's lifestyle. This has evolved to include professional development across many roles and sectors – developing athletes, coaches, and teams. With our agents lived-experience we are committed to doing whatever it takes to help you reach your highest level of personal and professional success.

New Zealand initiatives:

* Waipa Youth Sports Club, (Waikato, NZ) New Zealand

* Emerging Athletes Mentoring (NZ, Australia, Fiji, UK)

* Player Management (Rugby Union, Rugby League, Football, Hockey, Volleyball, Basketball)

* NZ Fiji School Boys Sevens team, at the Global Youth Sevens sponsorship (Auckland NZ, 2023)

Fiji initiatives

* Raiwaqa Rugby Club

* Suva Touch Association (20 clubs)

* Fiji National Sports Commission Collaboration

* Fiji Police HQ Netball team sponsorship (Taveuni, Vanua Levu, Fiji 2023)

Vocational Pathways

Vocational Pathways is a tool that helps you to see how your strengths, interests and achievements relate to future study options and job opportunities.
We provide a 6-week vocational pathway training programme, followed by 6 months mentoring by our change agents to support sustainable employment outcomes.

Our programme is delivered through our Waqatabu model, an iTaukei biopsychosocial approach to change.

New Zealand initiatives:

* Employment Placement Services for Ministry of Social Development, Wellington (2023 - 2024)

* Individualised Work Preparation Programme - tailored to your individual needs and aspirations for your career (2021 ongoing) - our flagship service, supporting young people and unemployed to find and secure employment.

Fiji initiatives

* WATCH THIS SPACE - New programmes in Fiji, coming in 2024

We are exploring opportunities to deliver our programmes in Fiji, to support you and/or your friends and family with achieving their employment aspirations.

Contact us to discuss how we can partner further!

Media and Events

A social conscious venture of unifying conceptual thinking about our traditional journey as a people from the Pacific through mediums of creativity: podcasts, music, film, social events and apparel. 

Current projects:

* COMING SOON - New community engagement projects coming 2024/2025

* Vakabauta Events, Auckland New Zealand (launched June 2024) - scroll down to see more about this social enterprise below.

* 'On Fiji Time' - South Pacific holiday packages. Full of cultural immersion with a mix of fun events and relaxation. Feature events include: Super Rugby games in pacific islands, concerts with prominent local artists, boat charter, community volunteering and amazing food! (launched March 2024)

* Drua Ciri Clothing - our flagship conscious roots clothing label. By purchasing our clothing you are helping us provide our social support services to others.

Previous projects:

* Pride of Gypsies collaboration - specialist consultant lashing crew services on the Chief of War, a Jason Momoa feature film (Whangamata, NZ 2023)

* Film Making Masterclass - Partnership with Admit One Ltd. (Wellington, NZ 2022-2023)

Farm to fork

Partnering with iTaukei (indigenous Fijian) farmers to establish sustainable business models for the widespread distribution of their produce.

Current projects:

* Fiji Ministry of Agriculture, Youth in Povery Collaboration

* Subsistence farming - creating pathways between theory and technical

Previous projects:

* Brokering markets & clients for locally grown produce - Partnership with Rodan Imports Ltd. (NZ)

* Yaqona (Kava) sales and distribution (NZ supplier)

OUR TEAM

Jope Berwick, Founder & Executive Director (Wellington, NZ)

Jope is committed to giving back to both his mother land of Fiji and home land of NZ. He endeavours to do this by sharing his expertise to benefit the youth while nurturing his iTaukei indigenous culture, and the bi-cultural traditions he has grown to appreciate as a migrant to Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Jope’s vision for PVI is drawn from experience working in diverse sectors – Tertiary, Not-for-profit, Justice & Corrections, Health & Disability, Defence, and Social Development.

The iTaukei framework for delivering our services is based on learning Jope gained through his studies in Bachelor of Health Science in Psychology at AUT University, and Graduate Diploma in Youth Development from Wellington Institute of Technology, New Zealand. Coupled with his extensive experiences with youth.

Culture and faith are important to Jope, right since childhood and throughout his life journey. The problems we keep hearing about with our Pacific peoples are nothing new. Jope believes that the beginning is where all the stones lay - to create secure foundation for our young people and families.

As an advocate for behavioural change for our young to first be modelled by their elders, Jope would like to challenge all men, old & young - to play their part as the warriors of old in a new battle.

Anna Berwick, Co-founder & Managing Director (Wellington, NZ)

Anna is an experienced & trusted advisor, and a strong change agent who makes transferring between strategy and operations look easy. She brings her passion for culture and its significance in Aotearoa to the board table and amongst her professional relationships.

PVI has been a platform where Anna has implemented her service design, system change and management expertise to assist the shared vision to become a reality. Anna holds a Bachelor of Health Science in Psychology from AUT University, New Zealand. 

Currently Anna works as Head of Governance and Strategy at Te Papa Tongarewa the National Museum of New Zealand. Prior to this she has had a long career in Health leading the NZ Governments Health & Disability System Reforms Programme for the Ministry of Health, and then the establishment of Te Aka Whai Ora the Māori Health Authority as an independent statutory entity. With previous roles with ACC designing and managing national contracts for injury treatment and rehabilitation services, Te Uru Rākau/Forestry NZ supporting NZ’s commitment to global goals on climate change, the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet supporting New Zealand’s Governor General realise their strategic priorities for Aotearoa New Zealand.

In Memoriam (Aug 2024): Aselai Varo, Director & Strategic Advisor (Nadi, Fiji)

Aselai Varo was a visionary leader whose journey began with a dream at 13, envisioning a family ministry grounded in his faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ. His life’s mission was to influence and uplift the people of Fiji, guiding them to make better choices.

As a dedicated civil servant, Aselai worked as a ‘Field Officer’ with the Ministry of Agriculture, leading community projects in the Western Division’s rural areas. His deep connection to these communities shaped his future work.

After retiring in 2017, Aselai became a cornerstone of Positive Vibrations International. His passion, networks, and empathy were instrumental in building the organisation. Aselai understood the challenges faced by indigenous communities and worked tirelessly to address their needs.

Under his leadership, PVI’s operations in Fiji thrived. He ensured that our vision reached the most vulnerable communities, bringing hope and positive change through specialised volunteers.

Aselai’s legacy at PVI is enduring. His faith, leadership, and dedication continue to inspire us, and we remain committed to carrying forward the mission he so passionately believed in. We are forever grateful for his profound impact on our organisation and the communities we serve.

Jacqui McCann, Director Waipa (Waikato, NZ)

Angelo Smith, Cultural Navigator and Indigenous Affairs Advisor (Lautoka, Fiji)

Meiron Ibrahim, Ethnic Innovation Advisor, Australasia & Pacific (Sydney, Australia)

Emosi Uluilakeba, Programme Development Lead, Pacific (Suva, Fiji)

Jalesi Young, Regional Lead Pacific, Fiji (Suva, Fiji)

Stevie Heatley, Media & Development Lead (Auckland, NZ)

Vonnie Thaggard, Marketing & Publication Relations Advisor (Auckland, NZ)

Gemma Elborne, Media & Productions Officer (Auckland, NZ)

OUR SUPPORTERS AND PARTNERS