Tula’i Ngāue Pasifika Youth Leadership Programme

Tula’i Ngāue, meaning to rise and take action, is a Pasifika Youth Leadership Programme for Year 12 & 13 Pasifika Secondary Students in West Auckland.

in 2026, we were proud to host over 70 students across ten West Auckland Secondary Schools.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective is to build a strong foundation in Pacific values, identity and leadership, creating a safe and supportive space for young Pasifika to discover their strengths, develop their leadership potential and grow their sense of purpose.

AIM

We aim to nurture a Pacific worldview that empowers young people to lead with confidence, humility and purpose, while recognising their responsibility to their families, communities and future generations.

oUTCOMES

Through Tula’i Ngāue, young people will develop the confidence, knowledge and practical skills to:

  • Understand and draw strength from their Pacific identity values & skills

  • Communicate confidently

  • Take initiative and work collaboratively with others.

They will be equipped to use their voice, advocate for themselves and their communities, and turn their ideas into meaningful action, becoming positive role models who lead with purpose, service and a commitment to creating positive change.

RECIPROCAL RELATIONSHIPS

The Tula’i Ngāue movement is dependant on the alofa and tautua of countless individuals who dedicate and invest resources, knowledge, space, time and leadership to grow our next generation of Pasifika leaders.

We are incredibly grateful to Auckland Council, the Whau, Henderson/Massey, & Waitakere Local Boards, Foundation North, the Ministry of Social Development, the Lotteries Grants Board, SkyCity Auckland Community Trust, and JR McKenzie Community Trust for their investment in to our young people.

Tula’i Ngāue is predominantly run by our amazing Tuakana Vaka, who facilitate and add instrumental value to our programme by providing insight, creativity and youth leadership. Our Tuakana Vaka consist of past Tula’i Ngāue students, who undergo immense training and mentorship- you can learn more about the Tuakana Leadership journey here.

We are also blessed to have Kaitiaki Mentors who are Tula’i alumni and/or external supporters, all who are from various youth organisations and tertiary institutions. They guide and nurture our Tuakana leaders by providing extra mentorship.

our supporting schools

Tula’i Ngāue proudly supports all ten public West Auckland Secondary schools.

Pictured below in order is:

Avondale College, Green Bay High School, Henderson High School, Kelston Boys High School, Kelston Girls College, Liston College, Massey High School, Rutherford College, St Dominic’s Catholic School, and Waitakere College.

"Indigenous peoples who live in the diaspora, those that are separated from ancestral pathways of knowing, land connection, language acquisition find health, emotional stability and wellness when returning to the source of who they are, and what they believe." — Keonilei Lealiifano