At Vaka Tara Collective, every story we tell begins with people. The places that shape them. The communities that uplift them. And the connections that carry us forward. Today, we are proud to share the next chapter of that purpose with the launch of The Lomani Initiative, a program created to honour the heart of who we are and the vanua that grounds us.
A New Way to Give Back
Over the years, our work has brought us into the homes, villages, organisations and stories of people across Fiji and the Pacific. We have seen first-hand the incredible impact being driven by charities, NGOs, women’s groups, youth networks, grassroots initiatives and family-owned businesses working quietly yet powerfully to strengthen their communities.
The Lomani Initiative was created to stand alongside them.
This 12-month pro bono program is our way of giving back to the organisations who give so much of themselves, by offering the kind of support that strengthens their voices, builds confidence in their systems, and helps them share their impact with the world.
Why ‘Lomani’?
Lomani means love, compassion and care. It is also the name of our son — and the inspiration for this initiative. As he grows, we want him to see that caring for community is both an honour and a responsibility. Naming this program after him reflects our hope to contribute to a stronger, more vibrant future for him and for generations to come.
It is a reminder that legacy is not something we wait to build. It is something we create every day through the stories we tell, the people we serve and the choices we make.
A Rebrand Rooted in Purpose
The Lomani Initiative also marks a natural progression in our journey as Vaka Tara Collective. Formerly Pate Creatives, we evolved our identity in 2025 to better reflect our purpose: storytelling grounded in culture, built with intention, and shaped by the communities that continue to trust us with their stories.
Our name carries meaning from the Pacific:
- Vaka — movement, journey, a vessel for creation
- Tara — to build, touch, construct with care
Together, Vaka Tara speaks to creating with meaning and moving with purpose.
The Lomani Initiative is an extension of that philosophy.
What This Means for Our Community
Through the initiative, we will walk alongside selected organisations for up to 12 months, helping them strengthen the foundations they already have, elevating their stories, sharpening their messages, improving their systems and offering support where it can make the most difference.
It is not about doing the work for them.
It is about giving them tools, visibility and confidence to keep doing the work they already do so well.
Applications Now Open
We welcome expressions of interest from charities, community groups, NGOs, women’s collectives, youth-led initiatives and small family-owned businesses with a community purpose. If your organisation is committed to strengthening your vanua, uplifting people or protecting culture, we would love to hear from you.
Applications are open until 31 December 2025.
You can learn more or submit your expression of interest at www.vakatara.co/lomani or connect with us at bula@vakatara.co.
