Tuakana Vaka - Leadership Through Service
The Tuakana Vaka is a vital pou for Tula’i Ngaue. They facilitate our curriculum, lead activities and games, and guide cohort talanoaga. As past students, each Tuakana has returned to give back to the community that once grew them as leaders. Junior Tuakana Chris Lusaipau reflects on why he wanted to return as a Tuakana:
“This programme not only made me a better person overall but also helped me build my self-confidence and me being the older brother figure to the younger year levels at my school. I think that i can assist our pacific youth to grow into role models for the youth who come after them.”
To prepare for their role, our Tuakana undertook culturally grounded training and excursions. For the first time in our Tula’i journey, we were able to take the majority of our Tuakana to Paihia, Waitangi in the Bay of Islands for an Induction and Leadership excursion. There, they experienced a Waka Tour, participated in a Treaty of Waitangi workshop, and visited the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. These activities deepened their cultural understanding as Tangata Tiriti while also strengthening bonds among the Tuakana. The excursion was both a joyous experience and a significant milestone in their leadership journey. Check out some of the Instagram Stories here.
In addition to this excursion, our Tuakana experienced:
Monthly training on identity, culture, Te Tiriti, debates, and innovation.
Health and cultural development through the Malie Project.
Fellowship and bonding opportunities.
Those who have served for three years also attended a special Leadership Excursion to Wellington, honouring their mana and service to Tula’i Ngaue.
The Tuakana Vaka continues to grow as a cornerstone of Tula’i Ngaue and our wider organisation. As this year’s vaka ends, we give thanks for their passion and tautua, and look forward to welcoming a new intake in 2026.
Tautua nei mo sou manuia a taeao – serve now for a better tomorrow.
Fa’afetai tele lava, malo ‘aupito to our 2025 Tuakana: Faina Uota, Kulisi Maka, Tepurotu Utia, Tiana Poliko, Shana Taupo, Elijah Amituanai, Tuvale Mauu, Akosita Kaho, Junior Lito, Delamere Faitala, Willy Tufui, Chris Lusaipau, Ben Solia, and Samarah Misiaga.
