The annual Pasifika Voices competition was recently  held at The King’s and Queen’s Performing Arts Centre. Set up six years ago by a Queen’s student, it aims  to give a platform for and showcase the presenting talents of Pasifika young people. Speeches were performed in  English, Samoan, Tongan and Tuvaluan with participants hailing from Waitaki Girls, South Otago, Kings’, Queens, Otago Boys’ and Otago Girls’ and Columba HIgh schools.  

The junior speech topic was "Growing Up in a Pacific Island Household: Our Experience".  Elspeth Matthews, a Year 10 ākonga of Samoan descent, spoke with passion and humour about her homelife, sharing with the audience  the joy of dance,singing, kai  and community. 

It is always challenging to speak in front of an audience and Elspeth did it with confidence, and clarity.  Malo lava.

Helen Almey

Deputy Principal - Community