Le’o ‘Oe Kalifanafana is a radio programme for the Tongan community, on every Thursday 7.30-8.30pm. The programme was established in 2000 as a response to the needs of Tongan people in the Wellington region. The previous Government had a pacific initiative called the ‘Pacific Capacity Building’ programme. This reflected the desire for Pacific communities to take up ownership and leadership of the poor outcomes of Pacific peoples, particularly in areas such as education, health, crime, and other related factors such as housing and economic development. The Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs led the project in consultation with key Government agencies to ensure Pacific strategies were in place to address these issues. A programme of action was developed in eight regions throughout New Zealand. One of the key milestones was the dissemination of information to Pacific peoples in their own languages. Le’o ‘Oe Kalifanafana was established to communicate Government initiatives and programmes to Tongan families. The programme encourages people to access these opportunities, while developing and sustaining skills that will be useful in the long term. Le’o ‘Oe Kalifanafana recognises the importance of improving not only social and economic status of Pacific people, but also the cultural and spiritual aspects of life. The radio programme features current issues relating to social and economic development, news of Government programmes and services, news and current affairs from Tonga, a special children’s programme, and Christian life teachings.