Our Pasifika Celebration Evening was a true celebration of our school community, bringing together award recipients and their āiga in an atmosphere filled with pride, joy, and Pasifika flair. 

The evening honoured our Pasifika students' achievements across academics, sports, and cultural activities; a celebration not just of their success, but of the strength, perseverance, and resilience they demonstrated throughout the year. It was a powerful reminder of what our students can achieve when supported by their families.

The Year 13 Special Awards included:

• Benine Vavia - Top Pasifika Profile Award 
• Anita Mo’unga - Pasifika Service to School Award
• Maddison Meredith - Pasifika Arts and Cultural Award
• Ielemia Ielemia - Komiti Pasifika Choice Tautua Award
• Anita Mo’unga - Top Pasifika Academic Award
• Belle Ah Van - Pasifika Sportsperson of the Year Award
• Niudamu Koroiavuso - Top Pasifika in Vocational Pathway

A truly unforgettable highlight was seeing our Year 13 graduates take the stage alongside members of their āiga to receive their graduate certificates. Standing together with their families, this moment proudly honoured five years of dedication, growth, and collective achievement within our school community.

A huge thank you to Te Whatu Ora and the Moana Connect team for funding $20,000 in scholarships to support and celebrate our students. 14 students received FOU Medical Science Academy Scholarships, recognising their achievements in Academic Excellence, Leadership and Service. Congratulations to our Year 13 recipients, who each received $2,500: Anita Mo’unga and Kalita Tautaiolevao for Leadership and Service, and Leikamia Lito and Sulu Tema for Academic Excellence. We are proud of their achievements and contributions to our school and community. 

With immense gratitude, we also celebrate our Nu'u Toa "Talanoa Ako" Parent Award winners: Ainette Esati, Ma'amu Saipele, Felaugaaiga Sufia, and Angela Mapa. These dedicated Pasifika parents have shown up for our Wednesday evening workshops, showing commitment to their children's educational journey through active participation in NCEA, literacy, and numeracy workshops throughout the year. Mālo 'aupito for your endless support and for empowering our next generation.

To each of our award winners and to all our Pasifika students, your determination and resilience are a constant source of pride. You are not just students at Waitākere College; you are the heartbeat of our Pasifika community, and you carry the hopes and dreams of your āiga with grace and strength.

To our graduating class of 95 Year 13 Pasifika students: as you step into your futures, carry your āiga's blessings and the unwavering support of your Waitākere whānau. Pursue your dreams with passion and courage. Remember the mafana, the warmth and belonging that have surrounded you here, and carry that spirit of fealofani wherever you go.

You are our NU’U TOA, our village of warriors and we are so very Proud of you all! 

Fa'afetai lava. Mālō 'aupito. Fakafetai. Meitaki ma'ata. Faakaue lahi. Fakafetai lahi lele. Vinaka. Kam rabwa.

📸View the entire album of photos here