Students share their experiences at Tula'i 2026

Talofa lava, Kia ora, Malo e lelei, Kia orana, Fakalofa lahi atu, Ni sa bula vinaka,Taloha ni and Warm Pacific Greetings.  

Tula’i Ngāue is a 15 week program designed for Year 12–13 Pasifika students who show leadership potential and would benefit from an extra step of support, confidence-building, and cultural grounding. The overarching learning objective is to build a strong foundation in Pacific value systems that provide a safe space to explore their leadership capabilities and capacity. 

Shout out to our 2024 Rutherford Alumni Tiana Poliko who is in her second year of being a leader for Tula’i and studying Bio-Engineering at the University of Auckland. 

At the Tula’i program I learned about the attributes of being a Pasifika Leader. I got to meet new people from different schools like Kelston Girls, Waitakere College and Kelston Boys. I learned that this program is about being ourselves, and staying true to our Culture and Identity - Christine Valenibuli 12RBW.  

We had a guest speaker, Matt Manukuo the Media and Communications Officer (Competitions) at Oceania Football Confederation, an ex Avondale College Head Boy who spoke to us about his close experience to death (brain tumour). What his motivational speech taught me that God gave us all a purpose and everything happens for a reason - Sulu Lagi 13TNN. 

It was a really great experience to learn how to be a good leader, and how to  incorporate the attributes of being a Pasifika Leader.  In our group performance we showed how we respond to certain events when it comes to leadership - Raijeli Cagivinaka 12TND.  

My experience of the Tula’i leadership program was very good. Being able to meet new people. I learnt that stepping out of my comfort zone actually feels way better than you think - Tevita Mafi 12TBN. 

My experience during Tula’i today was very interesting and different from anything I’ve ever experienced, because at Tula’i I was more comfortable and normal with myself easily with everyone there and everyone was positive and not distant with anyone - Phil Chan-Tung 13RRA. 

My experience at Tula’i’ was at first very awkward as I was put with people I didn’t know and I was put outside my comfort zone by having to socialize with new people but I made new friends and also it was a positive experience that made me more comfortable with new people - Khalil Williams-Stehlin 12TBN. 

My experience at Tula’i was very fun but nerve raking, especially meeting new people and creating new connections. It made me come out of my comfort zone and be more confident with my peers - Zariah Tino 12MSC. 

My experience at Tula’i was great even though at first everything and everyone was a bit awkward and kept to themselves . But throughout the day everyone came out of their comfort zone and socialised which created a friendship between everyone - Lote Tuliakiono 12TND. 

Mr Talamaivao Pacifika Development Liaison & Mathematics Teacher