Pasifika voices rang out loud in Balclutha last week, as high school students from across Otago gathered for a festival of speech-making.
Nearly 60 students took part in the annual competition, which was hosted by South Otago High School (SOHS) last Wednesday at Te Pou Ō Mata-Au — the Clutha District War Memorial & Community Centre in its first time outside Dunedin.
Themes included ‘‘Empowering our Pacific students to succeed’’ and ‘‘The importance our families play in our education’’.
Five-minute speeches were conducted in English and Pacific island languages, and judged by a mixed panel.
Host school organiser and SOHS deputy principal Gemma Tuhega said about 10% of its roll of 500 comprised students from Pasifika families.
‘‘We’re so privileged to host this amazing event this year as we have a thriving Pasifika community here in Clutha.
‘‘The competition provides such a fantastic opportunity for the region’s Pasifika students to be seen and heard, and proud of who they are.
‘‘It’s all about uplifting our students and embracing their culture.’’
Speeches were enthusiastically delivered and received, and touched on themes of hard work and sacrifice, respect, faith, love, unity and ambition.
The event was the brainchild of former Otago Girls’ High School pupil Tiare Makanesi, who was inspired to establish it in 2018 when she was just 15 years old.
Introducing the event, Ms Makanesi said Pasifika Voices was more than just a competition.
‘‘We want our young people to be seen not just in sports and culture, but to be heard for their intelligence, ideas and voices. It’s a statement that Pasifika students’ stories and voices matter.’’
Waitaki Girls’ High School will host next year’s event.
