Our World

Nafanua Consulting specializes in the connection of culture, academia and sports, focusing on leadership and community development. Nafanua Consulting expertise is in using professional and community sport as a vehicle for positive change. We have now expanded our services to help a wide range of sectors and partners by utilising our international and local partnerships, Indigenous and Pacific approaches. Find out more below, about some of our exciting projects, and how we are changing lives.

NRL Pacific Cultural
Leadership Camp
New South Wales, Australia Since 2011

The NRL Pacific Studies Cultural leadership camp launched in 2011, empowers and inspires Pacific players across the NRL to become cultural leaders within their clubs and across the game. Partnering with academics from Pacific Studies at the Australian National University College of Asia and the Pacific the program includes sessions on Pacific history, culture, religion and spirituality, leadership and health.

The first of its kind in professional sport globally, the camp continues to help strengthen ties between the governing body and its Pacific athletes, administrators and communities to help ensure that a culturally comfortable environment is created across the whole of game.

This innovative study tour was established in 2013 under the National Rugby League (NRL) and The Australian National University’s (ANU) Pacific Sports Leadership and Development Program. The award is available to two NRL players of Pasifika heritage that have excelled and demonstrated long term commitment to rugby league, academia and Pasifika outreach. The award is in partnership with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), one of the most reputable US institutions in regard to Pacific Islander Studies and Pasifika outreach.

This academic, cultural and sports exchange deepens Pacific relationships and engagement with transnational Pacific communities.

In addition to a UCLA program involving sports and class attendance, award winners also support local outreach and sports clinics with Los Angeles high schools and grassroots rugby clubs with all genders.

Pasifika Academic Excellence Award- UCLA Study Tour
Los Angeles, California 2013-2018

Pacific Regional Leadership Program
Noumea, New Caledonia 2015

In 2015 selected Pacific leaders from NRL clubs and head office participated in a Leadership and Development Workshop hosted by the Pacific Community (SPC). Focusing on Sports-for-Development the workshop was designed to provide leadership capacity and capability building for participants within the context of the Pacific region. The camp is an extension of the NRL Cultural program which started in 2009 and continues to this day.

Pasifika Film Festival
Australia, NZ, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, USA

Nigel served as co-director from 2015-2020. He oversaw the entire operation from film selection criteria to media and communications across different cities and countries. Pasifika Film Fest (PFF) was created in Sydney, Australia with the intention of providing a platform for Pacific filmmakers to showcase their stories to local audiences. However, with an overwhelming response to the inaugural festival, PFF has grown from strength to strength with demand from both filmmakers and local audiences. Increasingly, Pacific filmmakers, writers, directors and actors are committed to sharing their Pasifika stories, utilising both the power and beauty of our culture and the intricacies of contemporary issues. PFF continues to evolve and expand while remaining dedicated to nurturing and empowering Pasifika creatives worldwide.