Pasifika Week: Celebrating Unity and Culture

On Thursday, August 7th, our Skills Institute Wiri and Manukau campuses came together for an extraordinary celebration of Pasifika Week 2025.

Each class from our courses was assigned to represent one of the beautiful islands across our Pacific Ocean. From the rich traditions of Samoa and Tonga to the unique culture of Kiribati and our very own Aotearoa, students immersed themselves in learning, celebrating and embodying our different Pacific heritages.

Students showcased their talents through traditional dances that told stories of their assigned islands, harmonic choir performances and creative performances that brought laughter and joy to everyone present. The diversity of these celebrations demonstrated not just artistic talent, but a deep appreciation and respect for the cultures being honored.

One of the most stunning highlights was the runway show, where representatives from each course took center stage to model traditional costumes and cultural wear from their islands. The catwalk became a canvas of colors, patterns, and designs that told the stories of Pacific heritage through fabric and artistry.

It perfectly captured the beauty of our supportive and energetic community atmosphere. Each step down the runway was taken with confidence and pride, showcasing not just the beauty of traditional dress, but the students' respect for the cultures they were representing.

 

 

Our amazing panel of judges—Pingi Maka (Head of Sales - Vocational), Kim Naidoo (Communications Content Specialist), and Caroline Afoa (Pasifika Engagement and Success Lead)—noted how incredible it was to see students from diverse ages, genders, and ethnicities come together to show community and love for each other's cultures.

This beautiful display of unity and cultural appreciation represents the very core of what Skills Institute stands for—an inclusive community where diversity is celebrated and everyone belongs.

List of 2025 Pasifika Event Winners:

Fashion Walk
🥇 Healthcare Level 4 – Kiribati
🥈 Nail Technology Level 4 – Tonga
🥉 Police & Defence – Samoa

Performance
🥇 Nail Technology Level 4 – Tonga
🥈 Healthcare Level 2 – Aotearoa
🥉 Hospitality – Fiji

Overall Winners
🥇 Healthcare Level 2 – Aotearoa
🥈 Nail Tech Level 4 – Tonga
🥉 Hospitality – Fiji

Special recognition goes to our Student Support Team: Erykah Vatau, Tatriana Turaga, Kardenya Ng-Wun, Tavai Faasavalu and Nelvin Singh—who led the charge with outstanding energy, leadership, and support throughout the entire week.

Our tutors deserve enormous gratitude for ensuring students were engaged and involved every step of the way. They helped create a space where students felt connected, included, and celebrated—exactly what events like these are meant to achieve.

 

 

No celebration is complete without delicious food, and our Cookery team—Alex Tran, Armando Campana and students—delivered an authentic taste of Pasifika that had everyone coming back for more. Our Hospitality students delivered impeccable service throughout the event, demonstrating the professionalism and skills they're developing in their studies.

What made Pasifika Week 2025 truly special was how it went far beyond being just an event. It created a beautiful environment where our learners felt seen, valued, and uplifted. This speaks directly to the heart of what we stand for as an institute, fostering an inclusive community where cultural diversity is not just acknowledged, but actively celebrated and cherished.

The passion, purpose, and cultural pride that our team and students brought to every aspect of the week exemplifies the values that make Skills Institute such a special place to learn and grow where our rich cultural tapestry is embraced and celebrated.

 

Check out more photos from our Facebook page to find the captured highlights from the day!