From April 4th to April 6th a number of our Pasifika students participated and competed as part of the inaugural Tupaia Tapasa Quest held at the University of Waikato.

The inaugural Tupaia Tapasa Quest was a fabulous showcase of Pasifika culture and excellence through oratory, kilikiti, and performance. The three-day competition gave our students opportunities to embrace and celebrate their rich cultures through a variety of activities. Our ākonga were outstanding ambassadors in every way, shining as orators, sportspeople, and performers, and embodying our school values throughout the occasion.

We are beyond proud to announce that our students were awarded multiple awards across the competition, taking out:

2nd place - Best Costume

1st place - Best Choreography

1st place - Skill and Performance

1st place - Sportsmanship

1st place - Group Dynamic

1st place - Junior Girls Kilikiti

1st place - Senior Girls Kilikiti

1st equal - Leadership through service

Runner Up (Junior) - Oratory

Winner (Junior) - Oratory

1st Equal (Senior) - Oratory

Overall winners of the event - Hamilton Girls' High School

A massive well done and congratulations to all of our students involved, and a very sincere thank you to all the teachers and families who worked behind the scenes to prepare and support the girls.

It was an honour to attend the event as a member of the HGHS Senior Leadership Team, and a real privilege to see the rich cultural diversity which we cherish so proudly on display outside of our place.

Special acknowledgement is extended to Whaea Mere Meha-Uelese for her involvement as a primary organiser of the overall event, and also for her unwavering support and commitment to our Pasifika students.