YAB 2.0 Launched

Tula'i is proud to re-introduce the new and improved Tula'i Youth Advisory Board initiative, YAB 2.0. In the past, YAB meetings were merged into the Malie Project (MP) workshops, usually at the beginning or end of a session. From 2026 onwards, the YAB will officially be its own distinguished entity, YAB meetings will run independently from other Tula’i programmes.

At the end of 2025, we opened applications for the YAB to 18–24-year-old, Pacific Island leaders looking to make a difference in their community, across Tāmaki Makaurau. On the 20th of February 2026, six of the ten successful applicants attended the first YAB event, which was an introductory and governance training day. The training day began with whakawhanaungatanga and team bonding activities before moving into talanoa around the heart behind the YAB. All members shared about their upbringing, background, reasons for applying and their hopes for their time on the board.

The second half of the day was dedicated to board and governance training which was facilitated by the amazing Steve Matai'a. To close the day, the newly elected co-chairs, Kulisi Maka and Faina Uota, were announced and led their first YAB meeting. During the meeting the YAB selected their new secretary - Ava Vea and new treasurer – Wesley Paongo.

Throughout the year, YAB members will continue to connect and share, bringing their unique ideas and culturally diverse perspectives to influence Tula'i initiatives and culture. The YAB board meetings will encourage our young Pasifika to lead and share their knowledge about topics important to Tula’i and Pasifika youth. Their lived experiences and individual insights are valued in this space and will help to ensure that Tula'i remains relevant and inclusive, positively influencing Tula’i, Pasifika youth and our West Auckland Pasifika community.

We are super proud of our YAB members and are expectant for the meaningful talanoa and influential mahi they will bring to life as a team. Watch this space!