The Tupaia Challenge is a three-day cultural event hosted by the University of Waikato, celebrating Pacific heritage and youth.

The event is inspired by Tupaia, the legendary high priest, artist, diplomat, politician, orator, and celestial navigator, who was known for his extraordinary knowledge of the Pacific Islands and his mastery in traditional navigation - using the sea, swells, currents, winds, and stars. 

The challenge consists of three parts: Oratory, a speech competition divided into language categories; Kilikiti, a Samoan cricket competition with junior and senior divisions for boys and girls; and Cultural Performances, showcasing dances from different Pacific cultures. 

With Hamilton Girls' High School winning the overall title in 2024, expectations were high for this year’s challenge. Preparation began early in the year, with trials for oratory, kilikiti, and cultural performances ensuring participants had enough time to perfect their skills. 

Students interested in oratory received the theme, Honouring Our Heritage and Ancestral Legacy, and were encouraged to deliver speeches in their native languages. Kilikiti trials were led by our student captains.  Performance stage leaders were nominated for cultural performances based on their experience and commitment during previous years.

Samoan Stage leaders: Cecilia Totogiaoga (Pasifika Prefect), Jordyn Mataoa, Paea Satini, Sharna Asiata

Fijian Stage leaders: Faariah Begum (Pasifika Arts Prefect), Tia Radidi

Cook island stage leaders: Marion Bennion-Lindsay, Mikki Hugo, Yantamee Toko

Tongan Stage leaders: Mele Vaka, Kolinia Malua  

Kiribati stage leader: Sharol Metai

Leaders choreographed and taught routines, held auditions, and fundraised for costumes. Weeks of dedication saw students practising early mornings, lunch breaks, and late evenings to refine their performances. 

When the Tupaia Challenge arrived, excitement filled the air. On Day One, the Oratory Competition showcased many powerful speeches, with Menani Venue winning the Fijian Junior division, Raiteni Beniteti taking first place in the Kiribati Junior category, and Angela Lakoperitania winning in the English/Bilingual Junior division. 

Day Two featured the Kilikiti competition, with Hamilton Girls' High School securing first place in both the junior and senior girls' divisions after a fun day of lively chanting and fast-paced matches. 

Day Three, the final day, was the cultural performance showcase, with schools such as Fraser, Hillcrest, Hamilton Boys' High, St John’s, Maungakōtukutuku, and Sacred Heart Girls’ College competing. Hamilton Girls' High School performed last, receiving overwhelming applause from the audience. The results saw the HGHS Cook Islands, Kiribati, and Fijian stages winning first place. The Samoan stage secured second place, and the Tongan stage finished third. The event was a testament to the students' hard work, dedication, and passion, leaving everyone feeling proud and deeply connected to their Pacific heritage. 

Meitaki maata to Ms Tiai and Whaea Mere for supporting us, as well as the following people for the support with our stages: 

Nia Toa, Wendy Williamson, Jo Satini, Ana Mulipola, Lesieli Malua, Melisa Fotu, George Bennion-Lindsay, Theda Tairea, Lynda Lakua