Inspiring growth for the next generation
IG for Pasifika Term 2, 2026!
The Summit - Term 2 2026
After three exciting, fun and full‑on months, we have wrapped the 8th round of Inspiring Growth in Young Pasifika (IG). This round was very special, as we piloted new content designed to strengthen our young Pasifika leaders’ cultural knowledge and shape their leadership through treasured Tula’i and Pacific values.
We began the IG journey with The Summit, where we welcomed our 60 new candidates and teachers from each school. Our students spent the day connecting with young leaders from other West Auckland intermediate schools, working through leadership activities and talanoa about their identity and different cultures. While the students were having a blast, our teachers enjoyed a ‘foufou‘ making workshop facilitated by the beautiful Jess Atutolu Tulisi. This was more than a workshop it was a space for connection with other like‑minded educators and community leaders.
Next, we held our Village Connect, a space for Tula’i staff to talanoa with our new IG cohort and their families. It is always special meeting the village behind our young people and to answer any burning questions they might have as their young people begin their IG journey.
Our in‑school IG sessions ran from Week 2 to Week 8. In the first week, Fuimaono Vaitofiga, Drewzilla and Wesley hit the ground running with the first IG sessions for Term 2. With Lorenna and Vanessa joining Wesley for the rest of the term in schools. These sessions included a mixture of talanoa, group activities, games, quizzes, prizes and plenty of fun. It was beautiful hearing our young people share their thoughts and perspectives, especially the stories of cultural knowledge passed down from their parents and grandparents. Together we explored how they could use those skills and stories in their leadership journey and later in life.
In Weeks 9 and 10, our students took part in high ropes and indoor rock‑climbing/parasailing excursions facilitated by the incredible team, Dean, Sarai, and Nathan - from Adventure Specialties Trust. These activities encouraged our students to work together, to help one another and pushed our young people outside of their comfort zones.
To conclude the programme, we celebrated our 60 graduates with their loved ones, laughter, and heartfelt tributes, including 11 speeches and 5 performances from our amazing students. It was a night to remember, with all graduates dressed up and proud to celebrate the end of their IG journey.
We are so proud of our graduates and grateful to have crossed paths with them and their families. We look forward to seeing them continue to grow and shine as they move into new adventures and new seasons.
