Congratulations to Alatua Tiatia and Tavu Likiliki, who won awards at the SPACPAC Youth Awards on Tuesday 22 September 2026!

"SPACPAC is a Canterbury-based organisation and educational program which supports our Pacific community and youth," says Tavu.

"They aim to help give recognition and support to the growing Pasifika community in Canterbury. They created the SPACPAC Youth Awards to acknowledge, celebrate and encourage Pasifika excellence and success within the community."

Tavu won second place in the Mana Community Leadership division, and Tua won first place in the Measina Creative division.

Tavu's leadership as one of our head students and in Polyfest, along with her involvement in music, kapa haka and other extra-curricular activities, led to her achievement.

Tua's creativity in the filmmaking space set him apart from others, with his short film winning the 'Aimata Award (New Zealand Secondary Schools Pacific Art Award) earlier this year.

He is also one of our 2026 head students and excels in a range of pursuits including basketball, textiles, and entrepreneurship – he was a participant in the Young Enterprise Entrepreneurs in Action event in Wellington.

Tavu's advice for Pasifika rangatahi is to "put your name down for everything, and give it all a go!"

"Take all opportunities offered to you, and do everything with your all. All good things come back to you eventually."

Congratulations to Tua and Tavu for these achievements!