Le Va’s Futures that Work: Raising the bar on the road to success

As Pasifika, we often achieve through the support of our wider village. Being a part of Le Va reminded me that there are many people invested in seeing us succeed.

Matanoko McDonald is no stranger to hard work and high achievements, balancing training and competing internationally in Olympic weightlifting with studying and working full-time in mental health.

A New Zealand-born Cook Islander, whose grandmother and great grandparents were born on Palmerston Island, Matanoko recently qualified by merit to represent the Cook Islands at the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

With characteristic humility, she acknowledges, “It is an honour to represent our people and showcase the strength of Pasifika on the world stage.”

Matanoko is also currently completing her final year of a Master of Applied Social Work at Massey University and writing a research report focused on Pacific mental health, an area she hopes to continue contributing to in her future work.

Matanoko says that receiving Le Va’s Futures that Work Pacific Mental Health and Addiction Scholarship during her studies made a significant difference, “It eased some of the financial pressure and allowed me to focus more fully on my learning and placement experiences.”

As for many students, balancing study, work and personal commitments has been challenging at times. Throughout Matanoko’s postgraduate journey, she has worked full-time in mental health and completed social work placements, all while training and competing internationally in Olympic weightlifting.

Le Va’s support helped Matanoko deal with some of the challenges that come with holding so many responsibilities all at once. “As Pasifika, we often achieve through the support of our wider village, being a part of Le Va reminded me that there are many people invested in seeing us succeed,” she says.

Matanoko encourages other Pacific people to apply for Le Va’s Futures that Work scholarship: “The scholarship provides meaningful support and can make a real difference throughout your studies. We need more Pasifika people in helping professions, and opportunities like this help create pathways for us to succeed and give back to our communities.”

For anyone considering a career in mental health and addiction, her message is clear: “Go for it! If you are passionate about supporting others and being part of change in your community, it is a career where you can make a real difference.”

Le Va congratulates Matanoko on her outstanding achievements in her studies and career, and wishes her the best of luck in her Commonwealth Games bid at Glasgow 2026 – Kia Manuia!

Learn more about Le Va’s Futures that Work Scholarship.