Creating Space to Take Action: Tula’i Drop-In Centre 2025
The Tula’i Ngāue Drop-In Centre is an initiative developed by the 2023 cohort. Born from a collective of student ideas, the Drop-In was created as a safe and interactive space for Tula’i alumni to gather for fellowship, support, and games once a month.
This year, the Drop-In has expanded beyond its original purpose to also deliver key initiatives developed by our current cohort. As part of the Community Innovation element of Tula’i Ngāue, students design and lead projects that can be rolled out during our monthly Drop-Ins.
So far, we have proudly delivered two initiatives across three cohort groups. Our first Drop-In, held in July, featured a Homeless Support project called The Roots of Heilala. Team Heilala explained that “The Roots of Heilala is essentially about supporting our community’s most vulnerable, in which we come together to provide essentials.” Students brought donations of goods, which were passed on to local homeless support services. The event drew 68 attendees and was a great success.
In August, our Fiti Pua and Teuila teams launched a Study Centre to provide a culturally relevant space for Pasifika students to study with the help of supportive and empowering tutors. With guidance from Tuakana and peers in university spaces, students received valuable academic support. The Drop-In welcomed 55 attendees, including 19 who sought one-on-one and group study help.
Looking ahead, we are excited to host our next two Drop-Ins at the New Lynn Community Centre:
September 26 – Careers Expo (Tagimoucia and Tiare group initiatives)
October 30 – Pathways Support
To make these Drop-Ins successful, we invite you to partner with us. You can support by:
Joining our Careers Expo as a stallholder (Universities, Tertiary Institutions)
Sharing your expertise as a facilitator in your area of mahi
Encouraging young people to attend and benefit from these opportunities
Together, we can continue to strengthen this space for Pasifika youth — creating pathways, building connections, and empowering the next generation of leaders.
