We have had a busy time in the Pasifika community over the past week.

Fono

On Wednesday 19th May we held our first Fono for Pasifika students and their families and supporters. It was an opportunity to meet with the Pasifika Advisory Board, and the various people working with Pasifika students. It was an entertaining social evening with a mix of speeches, songs, school data and exploring ideas for the future support of students, and lastly sharing a meal.

The Pasifika Advisory Board is a strong link between the school and the Pasifika community offering advice to the school Board of Trustees. Members are Celia Hepburn, Neva Vaitupu, Cynthia Matai, Finau Taungpeau, Jope Tudreu and Gemma Tuhega.

Rector Nick McIvor spoke to the community and Assistant Principal Barbara May presented results and attendance data. David Jenkins is the Pasifika Dean and spoke about the supports and opportunities we have in the school for Pasifika students. The discussion part of the evening was animated and gave rise to a wonderful list of ideas collected by Advisory Board members.

The Advisory Board will meet soon to explore the ideas collected from the community and make plans for more community engagement and development. Many thanks to all who attended.

Vaka Building Project

On Monday 17th May, six Year 10 boys began working on a Vaka Project on site in Caversham with members of the Pacific Trust Otago. The intention is to construct a Vaka using Cook Island techniques, and to have the project videoed at each step to capture the traditional techniques and knowledge during construction. Asher Cockburn, Malachi Laufiso, Taufa Makanesi, Dada McBride-Tahiri, Kobe Ria and Manaia Wereta were welcomed to the project and very much enjoyed their first experience.

Pacific Trust Otago Scholarship Presentations

On Friday 14th May, it was a pleasure to attend the presentations of the generous Pacific Trust Otago Scholarships to seven King’s boys. Christian Fogavai, Steve Salelea, Orlando Tuhega-Vaitupu, Semisi Taungapeau, Luke Salisbury, Leyton 'Aluesi and Jayden Penese were all recipients of generous financial support. The boys were presented with a beautiful lei and certificate. Dr Xavier Walker, Trust CEO and Reverend Latu all gave inspiration with their words of advice and encouragement.

Pacific on Campus Experience

In conjunction with the Dunedin Tertiary Open Days on 23rd and 24th of May, six Year 13 boys have been awarded Scholarships from Otago University Pacific Islands Centre. Christian Fogavai, Trevor Elisara, Steve Salelea, Mahonri Auva’a, Fatai Koloi and Elijah Tu’i are looking forward to the campus experience. The boys will spend three days staying on campus with Pasifika students from around New Zealand. They will be focused on making friendships, celebrating Pacific culture, and exploring the wide range of opportunities and mentorship offered at the University.