Pasifika in the Bay Trust

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Pasifika Festival in the Bay

Fa’afetai Tele Lava! What an Incredible Pasifika Festival in the Bay

Talofa and a huge thank you to everyone who came together to make Pasifika Festival in the Bay such a beautiful celebration of pride, culture, and unity. From the incredible performances and delicious food to the laughter, colours, and smiles, our whānau truly shone.

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Cook Islands Language Week
Celebrating Te Reo Māori Kūki ‘Airani in New Zealand
Rising Hibiscus 🌺 returns for Term 3!
Join us for inspiring guest speakers, honest conversations, strong sisterhood vibes — and a hearty breakfast to fuel the day
Laura Tongalea-Nolan Inspires Rising Hibiscus Students with Mental Health Insights
On 23 July 2025, Laura Tongalea-Nolan visited Rising Hibiscus, sharing her journey in addiction and mental health, strategies for managing anxiety, and encouraging Pacific student success.
Pasifika Tertiary Family Evenings 2025
Empowering Pasifika Families with University Pathways – Join Us in Tauranga & Hastings This July
Pasifika Festival in the Bay 2025
A Celebration of Culture, Community & Kai – Join Us 1st November at Ōtūmoetai College!
Getting Ready for for Pasifika Festival in the Bay 2025!
Our dedicated festival committee held their first planning meeting for the 2025 Pasifika Festival in the Bay, bringing together key team members to ensure next year's celebration will be another memorable community event.
NZEI Te Riu Roa Pasifika Fono 2025
‘Takanga 'Enau Fohe’ – Strength in Unity: A call for collaboration in Pacific education, where shared effort leads to greater success and lasting impact.
Tapasā
Mel sat down to dive deep into the importance of cultural awareness and connection in education for our Pasifika community right here in the Bay!
Pacific Language Week 2025
This year, Bislama, the national language of Vanuatu will be included for the first time.
FREE Homework Programme
Join the Homo Haia Homework Hub, our free after-school programme dedicated to empowering Pacific learners in Years 9–13.
Proudly flying the Pasifika in the Bay Trust flags in Katikati
Homo Haia Homework Hub
Join us at the Homo Haia Homework Hub in the Bay of Plenty for a vibrant Pacific learning environment where NCEA students thrive with expert guidance.
Pasifika Festival In the Bay: A Local Pacific Celebration
Experience the Spirit of the Pacific with Family, Food, and Festivities
Rising Hibiscus
Join the Rising Hibiscus Pasifika Programme for a celebration of Pacific culture with engaging activities, leadership showcases, and personalised academic mentoring. Thrive with RH!

Festival Performances 2025

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Pasifika Festival in the Bay 2025

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About
Pasifika in the Bay Trust

We are dedicated to Pacific Education Excellence. Our team of experienced educators and community leaders work with teachers and teacher educators to create innovative programmes that align with the Ministry of Education’s Action Plan for Pacific Education 2020-2030. Together, we are passionate about empowering the next generation of Pacific leaders.

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Our Programmes and Events
Explore Education, Culture, & Celebration.

HOMO HAIA
HOMEWORK HUB

NCEA Support: A Supportive Pacific NCEA Study Environment.

Check out the Homework Hub

Pasifika Speech AND
Languages Competition

Growing Pacific Orators: Celebrating And Sustaining Our Pacific Orators And Languages.

Join the Speech Competition

Tapasā
PLD

Bespoke Tapasā PLD For Educators of Pacific Leaners.

Learn about Tapasā PLD

TALANOA AKO

Programme for Parents of Pacific Learners: Parents learn tips, tricks, stats and facts about the Education system.

Explore Talanoa Ako

Pasifika Festival
In the Bay

Performing Arts: Celebrating Pacific Identities, Languages and Cultures.

Experience the Pasifika Festival

Rising Hibiscus

Creating Pacific Y9 – Y13
Community: Growing leadership with Academic Mentoring.

Join Rising Hibiscus

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News, Resources and Events

Pasifika Festival in the Bay 2025 poster featuring dancers in traditional Pasifika attire with event details: November 1, 2025 at Ōtūmoetai College, Tauranga.

What an Incredible Pasifika Festival in the Bay!

Pasifika Festival in the Bay 2025 — Site Map & Location (Ōtūmoetai College, Tauranga)

Pasifika Festival in the Bay – Site map & Location

Pasifika Festival in the Bay 2025 poster featuring dancers in traditional Pasifika attire with event details: November 1, 2025 at Ōtūmoetai College, Tauranga.

Pasifika Festival in the Bay 2025

Pasifika Speech and Languages Competition 2025 event poster with details of date, venue, and participating Pacific languages

2025 Pasifika Speech & Languages Competition in the Bay

Cook Islands Māori dancer in traditional attire celebrates Te Reo Māori Kūki ‘Airani, with text highlighting Cook Islands Māori Language Week 2025, 3–9 August, and Ministry for Pacific Peoples.

Celebrating Cook Islands Māori Language Week: ‘Ātui’tui’ia au ki te raurau a tōku matakeinanga

Rising Hibiscus returns for Term 3!

Your lecture changed my life and thinking about Pacific Education
TEACHER EDUCATOR 2022
Lots of new knowledge, fun activities, having people who had lived the things we were talking about, giving us lots of follow up information
TEACHER
I loved learning new things each session like taking new opportunities, meeting a lot of new people and learning about their careers” Student.
TEACHER
I really enjoyed her way of bringing her own personal experience and family into the classroom, that got me interested
STUDENT TEACHER
I could see that she has a very strong passion to make future teachers aware of Pasifika learners
STUDENT TEACHER
It was great to have Mel bring her story and experience to give context to Tapasă - much more interesting than reading through the document
STUDENT TEACHER
I highly recommend this PL. For ALL teachers of Pacific Island students. The learning is extremely important for all of us. Awesome learning for primary, intermediate and secondary teachers
SECONDARY TEACHER
Meitaki Atupaka Mel. I learnt so much over the day. The content was informative, promoting personal reflection and engaging discussions from many perspectives. It would be great to see more kaiako join us next time
PRIMARY TEACHER

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Our strength is our people.
Meet the hearts behind our mission.

Mel Cottingham, Chairperson of Pasifika in the Bay Trust - A passionate advocate for Pacific initiatives with a diverse background in education and governance.

MEL COTTINGHAM
Chairperson

New Zealand born British/Niue

Alva Talopau, Treasurer of Pasifika in the Bay Trust - A dedicated financial expert and advocate for empowering Pacific youth with deep roots in Niue.

ALVA TALOPAU
Treasurer

Niue Born and Raised

LINDA BROWN
Board Member

SA LUATUA
Board Member

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