Young Pasifika leaders walking back to the future

Published: August 3, 2026

In late July, Le Va’s Atu-Mai violence prevention team was invited to facilitate an I AM workshop as part of ‘Walking backwards to the future’, a youth leadership event bringing together Pasifika students from Dilworth School and St Cuthbert’s College.

Around 80 Year 13 students representing both schools gathered for this student-led event designed to celebrate Pasifika identity, strengthen leadership and encourage collaboration. What unfolded was a powerful reminder of what happens when young people are trusted to lead.

The idea for the event came from the students themselves. Young Pasifika leaders from both schools saw the value in bringing peers together to learn from each another and build lasting connections.

Their vision reflected the power of youth leadership, creating opportunities for others to thrive through collaboration and shared experiences, strengthening the future of their communities along the way.

Through meaningful talanoa, the Atu-Mai team invited students to explore the ties between cultural identity, values and leadership: looking at where they come from and how to carry those foundations with confidence.

The ‘I AM’ workshop’s central message was simple but powerful: the language young people use about themselves shapes their identity, confidence, and aspirations. Positive affirmations became a reminder that the words we speak can influence how we see ourselves and the leaders we are becoming.

Throughout the day, students engaged with maturity, respect and openness. Their willingness to reflect, contribute and encourage one another demonstrated the strength that exists when young people are given safe spaces to explore identity and leadership together.

The theme ‘Walking Backwards to the Future’ captured a message that Le Va holds close: understanding where we come from gives confidence in where we are going. By embracing culture, language, values and identity, our young people are better equipped to lead with purpose and contribute positively to their schools, families and communities.

Le Va extends its gratitude to Mattie Naseri, the student leaders, Dilworth School, St Cuthbert’s College, and Puni Lavea from Sisters United for their and investing in a generation who are already leading.