Two initiatives led by SPACPAC (sPacifically Pacific in Canterbury) and NMWC (Nelson Marlborough West Coast) collectives, running workshops to empower our Pasifika students in leadership.

On the 13th and 14th of February, Mrs Alipia travelled down to Christchurch with three of our students; Funaki Lousiale (Manutaiko/Deputy Head Girl), Ginaietta Vili (Manutaki Pasifka) and Jeasinah Alipia (BoT Student representative) to attend the SPACPAC Pasifika student leadership summit. This was held at the New Brighton Community centre where the backdrop of the ocean became a key inspiration for our students, a reminder of our Pacific wayfinders and how we came to be in Aotearoa. The day was met with many Pasifika student leaders from schools in Christchurch, Ashburton, Timaru and Marlborough. Student Leaders who held portfolios varying from Pasifika prefects, Sports prefects, Ako prefects, to Head Students. It was a time for students to build meaningful relationships and connections, to understand who they were as young Pasifika people and their contribution as leaders to their schools. Workshops were run by various members of the SPACPAC team and no summit could be complete without a tummy-filled lunch and a photo on the beach. 

Mrs Sia Alipia

Travelling down to Christchurch to attend the sPACPAC leadership summit was an amazing experience. The workshop was filled with different activities that allowed me to meet other Pasifika student leaders, as well as gain a better understanding as to how to make my voice heard in my position. One thing I have to took away from this opportunity is that you don't need a title to be a leader. Jeasinah Alipia (Year 11, BoT Student Rep)

Talofa Lava my name is Ginaietta Vili. On 14th of February myself, our Deputy head girl, and our student BoT representative travelled to Christchurch for the Pasifika SPACPAC Leadership retreat. Something I brought back from that whole experience was that I learnt to become a stronger and independent leader. A saying I got from the workshop was “o le ala i le pule ole tautua” which means the “pathway to leadership is service”. I know now that to be an effective leader, I need to be able to serve my community and do this well. Leadership does not always happen straight away, it takes time to find out what kind of leader you want to be. Ginaietta Vili (Yr 13, Pasifika Manutaki)

Malo e lelei, the SPACPAC Pasifika leadership summit was an awesome experience to meet other Pasifika student leaders from other high schools in the Canterbury region. It was good to be there with our brother school, MBC. To see how many students who were leaders was humbling, in that it showed me that anything is possible. I met up with some other students who I went to a church youth camp with at the beginning of the year. It’s always nice to meet up again and make new friends at these events. My takeaway is to never forget who you are and to always be brave to step out of your comfort zone. Funaki Lousiale (Year 13, Manutaiko/Dept Head Girl)