Recently, a student lead group of Pasifika students submitted a proposal to the Board of Trustees (BOT) to allow the ie faitaga (Pacific formal lavalava) to become part of Christchurch Boys’ High School uniform.

The proposal was presented to the School Board meeting last month and the decision was made for an amendment to the current school policy to permit Pasifika students to wear the ie faitaga only for special occasions and times of personal importance to a student and their families.

The ie faitaga is the Pacific Island traditional form of dress trousers. In the old days, the most prestigious lavalava was made with fine mats, woven of pandanus leaves or from siapo (tapa cloth) pounded from paper mulberry or wild hibiscus bark. Now, these articles are held in high regard for ceremonial events.

Today, Business people, politicians, high chiefs, churchgoers and now many schools (including Christchurch secondary schools) tend to wear tailored linen lava lavas, which extend mid-calf, often with pockets and buckles, created in solid colours. This item of clothing identifies and links them to their Pacific culture.

The Pasifika students saw the opportunity to campaign for the ie faitaga to be part of the schools uniform as a way of honouring and embracing their Pacific Island culture. They are proud to be Pacific Islanders and wearing the ie faitaga makes them feel comfortable and gives them a “sense of belonging”. The students believe the introduction of an official school lavalava shows the school recognises and validates cultural diversity.

“We are very grateful for the support given by the Board and the school. This is embracing all Pacific students and their heritage and we can identify with that. It brings the school brotherhood together”