Powering Up: How Failoa Famili Turned Vision into Voltage

Failoa Famili's strategy session with PEP in May 2024

A lot can happen in a year. Especially when purpose meets bold action.

In May 2024, we at PEP were invited to facilitate a strategy session for Failoa Famili, a Wellington- and Auckland-based charity that walks alongside Pasifika families and communities. Like many strategy sessions, ideas flew—some practical, some ambitious, and one that lit up the room:

What if Failoa created its own power company?

It was the kind of idea that’s easy to dream about but hard to commit to. Infrastructure. Regulation. Scale. It could’ve been filed away under “maybe one day.”

But Failoa didn’t wait.

The soft launch of Failoa Energy on May 28, 2025

Instead, they ran with the vision. And one year later, on May 28th, 2025, we were honoured to attend the soft launch of Failoa Energy—a bold new social enterprise dedicated to delivering affordable power and wraparound support to Pasifika communities across the motu.

Failoa Energy isn’t just about electricity—it’s about empowerment. It’s about communities having more control, more choice, and more hope. It’s about lighting up homes and futures.

We’re incredibly proud to have been part of that early conversation. Congratulations to CEO Naomi Saluni Tavau, her leadership team, their families, and all those who helped bring this dream to life. We also remember with deep aroha the late Karen Daniels, former Chair of Failoa Famili, whose legacy continues to guide this kaupapa.

Your courage to act has sparked something extraordinary.

This is just the beginning—and we can’t wait to see what lights up next.