Lay summary
Building a strong relationship between a rural Pacific community and academic researchers is crucial for increasing the reach and impact of a newly formed community organisation. This initiative is dedicated to fostering collaboration between an emerging Pacific community service (Pasifika O Wairarapa) and academic researchers with the ultimate goal of informing the development of multisectoral Pacific policies. Drawing from previous engagement with the organisation, it was evident that the rural population growth fuelled by both immigrants and locals poses unique challenges. Our approach will be shaped by community-based participatory action research and complemented by the inclusive and dialogue-driven talanoa (dialogue) format.