Ofa Puleiku, Head Student, Pasifika and Māori leader and Euriel Mudu, Pasifika Leader were recognised for their cultural leadership and service. It was also a pleasure to see 2017 Head Student Isobel Prasad covering the event for Metro News.

Samoan Language week celebrations wrapped up with the sPACPAC Pasifika Emerging Leaders’ Breakfast, which drew around 100 students, staff and whānau to the Christchurch City Council’s Civic Office. Twenty schools in the Canterbury region nominated two of their Pacific student leaders to participate. It was hugely inspiring to see so many Pacific students who held head boy, head girl, student council, mentoring, sport and cultural leadership roles. A special mention was made of Cashmere Head boy, Okirana (Oki) Tilaia, who was at the forefront of the city-wide student vigil and remembrance services in the wake of the March 15 incident. Councillor Anne Galloway welcomed students and their families on behalf of the Mayor, while electoral officer Jo Daley delivered a keynote speech encouraging Pacific students to be involved in shaping the city’s future. Gary Williams,  Education Manager, was on hand to represent the Ministry of Education and present leadership certificates to students.