At Orewa College, we celebrate and embrace our Pasifika identity and culture

Pasifika Culture

Embracing identity and belonging

We embrace the richness and diversity of Pasifika cultures at Orewa College. Students are encouraged to celebrate their identity, share their stories, and build strong connections with others. A strong sense of belonging and pride is fostered through shared experiences, cultural expression, and community.

Hibiscus Tuakana

Working together across our community

Orewa College has strong ties with Hibiscus Tuakana, a combined Polynesian cultural performing arts group representing students from Orewa College and Whangaparāoa College on the Hibiscus Coast. The group celebrates and sustains Pasifika language, culture, and heritage for students across the region.

Students showcase a range of Pasifika traditions, including Samoan Siva, Fijian meke, Tongan tau'olunga, and Niuean performances. Hibiscus Tuakana regularly performs at Polyfest and local community events, and has achieved success at competition level, including placing second on the Diversity Stage at Polyfest in 2024.

At the Fiafia in 2026, Orewa College, together with Hibiscus Tuakana and Whangaparaoa College, presented their Polyfest 2026 performance, before performing once more on the Tongan stage. 

Polyfest

Performing and representing with pride

Students take part in Polyfest, celebrating Pacific culture through performance, music, and dance. In 2026, for the first time, Whangaparāoa College and Orewa College will come together to take the Tongan stage, marking an exciting and significant milestone for our students and community.

Pacific Development Programmes

Students are involved in Pacific development programmes that support leadership, cultural understanding, and future pathways. These opportunities help students grow in confidence, expand their thinking, and explore future study and career options.

Young Free and Pacific

Celebrating heritage and leadership

Orewa College’s Year 11 to 13 Pasifika students attended the Young, Free, and Pacific Youth Conference in Auckland, returning with a stronger sense of identity and connection. The conference brought students together to explore Pacific culture, leadership, and shared experiences in Aotearoa. Through workshops, music, and discussion, students engaged with ideas that reinforced pride in who they are.

The day also strengthened confidence and belonging, with many students valuing the chance to connect with others who share similar backgrounds. The supportive environment encouraged open expression and reflection, leaving a lasting impression. For many, the experience deepened their understanding of culture and community, while shaping how they see themselves as young leaders.

Pilot Programme

Learning through culture and connection

Pilot provided a hands-on way to learn about culture through a series of interactive workshops. The day began with an icebreaker before moving into activities focused on health, art, and trade, each encouraging connection and teamwork. Highlights included learning about diet, exploring ancestral journeys through art, and negotiating resources in a fast-paced trading challenge.

The experience also pushed personal confidence, from meeting new people to working through challenges with others. Taking part in group chants and reflecting on the day brought everything together. It left a lasting impact, broadening future aspirations and offering a clearer sense of possible study and career pathways.

Pasifika Opportunities

Ways to get involved

Students can take part in a range of Pasifika opportunities, including:

• Polyfest performances
• Hibiscus Tuakana cultural group
• Pacific development programmes
• Young, Free, and Pacific Youth Conference
• Pilot programme experiences

Contact

Find out more about Pasifika at Orewa College

For more information about Pasifika opportunities, please contact:

Teacher in Charge: Jo Hayward
Email: [email protected]