It feels like we’re at the beginning of a journey together! A huge thank you to those students, families and staff who have jumped in with enthusiasm and kindness to help establish our Pasifika o Te Puna Wai group.

We have enjoyed a lunchtime session of tika, a dart throwing game, during Niuean language week with the darts skilfully crafted by Chris Smith. At the end of October, we held an evening for Pasifika aiga to share thoughts and ideas about how the school could best support Pacific-background students. It was a great opportunity to meet and hear from students and whānau, to enjoy the beautiful pese led by Fa’atu Fili and members of Kapa haka, and to share Samoan food from Le Tautua Atunu'u Takeaways and Bakery. And what a treat at Senior Prizegiving to see our Kapa haka perform their siva, again so ably led by Fa’atu Fili and Chantelle Rakich.

Looking ahead to 2021, we are looking forward to new opportunities to engage with Pacific cultures, including attending Polyfest in March and having weekly interval meetings as a chance to connect. Keep an eye out! We look forward to reconnecting in the new year.

For those Pasifika students heading out to new adventures in 2021, a sincere thank you for your contributions to the College, and for the encouragement you have offered as we look to build for future students. Congratulations for sticking through this challenging year, and especially to prize and scholarship winners who have had efforts and achievement acknowledged. We wish you all the very best in your next endeavours.