Vave’s approach to health is deeply personal. Having lived with long-term health conditions in the past, he knows firsthand the challenges of change and how powerful it can be. Through a consistent commitment to nutrition, movement, and faith, Vave has turned his life around and now helps others do the same.

“For me, health is everything,” he says. “It affects how we show up for ourselves, our families, and our communities. I knew I had to make changes, or else I’d be facing the same struggles at 50. So I started small. Better habits, daily movement, eating well, and now I try to live that every day, both at work and at home.”

In his role at Etu Pasifika Auckland, Vave doesn’t just coach, he walks alongside people. He’s part of a team that meets the community where they are, creating safe spaces for people to grow, ask questions, and build better futures together.

“Many of us come from backgrounds where we didn’t have support or made bad choices. But we use those experiences now to shape something better. We want to be the ones who carry the ball and pass it on, to lift others up.”

Faith also plays a big role in Vave’s approach. Whether it’s starting the day with prayer or encouraging others to seek wisdom, he believes true health is holistic.

“Every day is a fresh start. Surround yourself with good people, lean into your faith, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. No one’s perfect, but we can grow together.”

This World Health Day, Vave’s story reminds us that health isn’t just about avoiding illness, it’s about living with purpose, lifting others, and choosing change, one step at a time.

Vave opens up about why health means so much to him and how this programme is his way of helping others transform their lives. Watch full video here - Chainbreaker Fitness 7