2023 Inaugural Ta’ita'i le Moana, Leaders Leading
Leaders Day On Friday the 11th August, Ben Bentley 12CS, Sione Fihaki 12DU, Kisharn Haupapa-Dunn 12HO, Elizabeth Iosefo 12HO, Troy Kuka 12TL, Ioana Leaana 12HO, Timothy Mafi 12CH, Eric Pita 12GH, Ona Sabetian 12MI, Isabella Taliauli 12CH, Maryanne Toloke 12CA, Genesis Va’alelei 12DU, Savannah Tupo 12DW, Tiana Poliko 12TL, Jonathan Pau 12TL and myself, a group of Pasifika and Māori students gathered in the international village, alongside a handful of ex-prefects from various schools around Auckland, such as the Head Boys from Avondale, De La Salle, Mangere and Otahuhu Colleges. They were hosting a full-day programme called ‘Ta’ita'i le Moana, Leaders leading leaders’, and Rutherford College was the first school to go through the programme which was really exciting for all of us.
It was very heartwarming to see the familiar face of our very own Andre Fa’aoso in the room, as he was leaving that same weekend to his full scholarship in the United States to one of their top Universities, YALE! Seeing him back at Rutherford again was an uplifiting reminder that we, young people, are capable of anything and everything if we put in the hardwork and determination.
Mak, Nathaneal, Tofiga, Charmander, Mena and Andre, led us through their modules and workshops - addressing all aspects that come with being leaders and the kind of mindset, attitude and behaviour that should be developed and maintained. We touched base on topics like mental health, emotional regulation, purpose/vision, relationships, holistic wellbeing and identity. The workshops were filled with educational experiences and sound advice, and were very in-depth and personal - but still very enjoyable, relatable and entertaining. It felt amazing to be a part of a programme for young people, by young people; who were already starting to do great things in the world with their lives and inspiring us to do the same or even better. Thank you to Mr. Talamaivao for putting this into action, and to the coordinators from LeVa for starting up an amazing programme.
Malo Aupito, ‘Tua ‘Eiki ‘ofa atu! Malo ‘Aupito Vainiaku Tupou 12GR
