Wellbeing Starts With Me: A Pacific Leader’s Story of Growth, Connection, and Confidence

When you think of health and safety on a large infrastructure project, you probably picture high-vis vests, steel-toe boots, and strict protocols. But for Fuiva Pikula, a Health and Safety Leader at The Link Alliance, protecting people is about more than just physical safety—it’s about their whole wellbeing.

Recently, Fuiva completed a Wellbeing Programme delivered by Zeducation, made possible through Project Ikuna and proudly funded by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited. What he learned didn’t just impact his work—it changed the way he shows up for his coworkers, his wife, and himself.

A Personal Journey That Started with Self-Awareness

“I signed up because I wanted to learn more about myself,” Fuiva shared. “This course taught me how to understand my character. I wanted to grow stronger—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally.”

Through the programme, Fuiva discovered that wellbeing isn't just about eating right or managing stress. It’s about communication, confidence, and learning how to care for yourself so you can care for others.

Leading With Confidence—On and Off the Site

One of Fuiva’s biggest breakthroughs came in how he now approaches safety conversations at work.

“It’s in my nature not to tell someone older than me what to do,” he explained. “But the wellbeing course gave me the confidence to speak up—for their safety. Now, I can say, ‘Please stop there. Be careful. That could affect you.’ And they listen.”

That’s a massive win not just for Fuiva—but for The Link Alliance. Safety culture grows stronger when workers at every level feel empowered to act.

Strengthening Bonds at Home

The impact didn’t stop at the job site.

“The wellbeing course helped me in my personal life. I can speak to my wife, and she can speak to me. She’s the boss,” he laughed. “It works out because we communicate.”

That’s the kind of quiet, meaningful change employers often don’t see—but it’s exactly the kind of change that creates more balanced, engaged, and resilient workers.

A Message to Others: “Take the Leap”

Fuiva encourages others in the Pacific and wider workforce to say yes to opportunities like this.

“There are two charities,” he said with a smile, referring to the wellbeing and leadership sessions. “Just take the leap. This course boosts your confidence and helps you understand who you are as a person.”

When asked what wellbeing means in his language, he responded with a single Tongan word: ‘Ofa.

“Ofa. It means I love you. Be careful. Be safe. I’ll see you soon.”

Why It Matters

This is what Project Ikuna is about: real change for real people. Through targeted, culturally responsive training programmes like those offered by Zeducation, we’re not just preparing Auckland’s workforce for the future—we’re strengthening families, growing leadership, and creating a culture of care in the workplace.

We’re proud to partner with Tātaki Auckland Unlimited to make programmes like this possible for businesses across the city.

Because when someone like Fuiva learns to take care of himself and others—the ripple effect reaches far beyond the site gate.

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Interested in learning more about these types of life changing programmes for your workforce? Contact Us Today!