Talofa, Mālō e Lelei, Bula, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Kia Orāna!

Welcome to Pasifika in the Bay - proudly serving and celebrating all our Pacific communities across the Bay of Plenty

Our dedicated board of trustees stands united in 2026, championing culture, connection, and opportunity for Samoan, Tongan, Fijian, Cook Island, Niuean, Tokelauan, and all Pasifika whānau

Partner With Us for Pasifika Festival in the Bay 2026

We are seeking dedicated partners to champion our cultural celebration. Become a key supporter of our community’s most vibrant day.

Our Programmes and Events
Explore Education, Culture, & Celebration.

HOMO HAIA
HOMEWORK HUB

NCEA Support: A Supportive Pacific NCEA Study Environment.

Pasifika Speech AND
Languages Competition

Growing Pacific Orators: Celebrating And Sustaining Our Pacific Orators And Languages.

Tapasā
PLD

Bespoke Tapasā PLD For Educators of Pacific Leaners.

TALANOA AKO

Programme for Parents of Pacific Learners: Parents learn tips, tricks, stats and facts about the Education system.

Pasifika Festival
In the Bay

Performing Arts: Celebrating Pacific Identities, Languages and Cultures.

Rising Hibiscus

Creating Pacific Y9 – Y13
Community: Growing leadership with Academic Mentoring.

About
Pasifika in the Bay Trust

We are dedicated to Pacific Education Excellence. Our team of experienced educators and community leaders work with teachers and teacher educators to create innovative programmes that align with the Ministry of Education’s Action Plan for Pacific Education 2020-2030. Together, we are passionate about empowering the next generation of Pacific leaders.

Festival Performances 2025

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more Pasifika Festival performances!

Pasifika Festival in the Bay 2025

32 Videos

Pasifika Festival in the Bay 2025 | Highlights at Ōtūmoetai College

6:08:12

Ōtūmoetai College Kapahaka

10:13

11:08

Tauranga Special School

10:54

Merivale School

11:59

Te Kura O Maarawaewae

15:37

Arataki Primary School

7:12

Bellevue School

7:42

Tauranga Girls College

8:59

Te Puke Intermediate – Pasifika Festival in the Bay 2025

11:55

7:27

Te Puke High School

11:42

Te Puke Primary

13:42

Talents Of The Pacific Academy

8:15

Tga Moana Cook Island Group

15:17

Tga Intermediate

12:28

Mount Maunganui

10:49

Tga Primary School

19:26

15:51

Pasifika Pearls Of Greenpark

15:28

Tangi O Le Lupe Beth College

12:11

Te Kura O Manunui

7:07

St Mary's Catholic School

14:44

6:08

Papamoa College Juniors

8:39

Te Manawa O Papamoa

6:25

Omokoroa Point School

10:34

Papamoa College Senior Pasifika

11:04

Katikati College

11:08

12:18

Otumoetai Intermediate

8:56

Otumoetai College Pasifika

5:10

Latest updates
News, Resources and Events

What an Incredible Pasifika Festival in the Bay!

November, 2025

Pasifika Festival in the Bay – Site map & Location

November, 2025

Pasifika Festival in the Bay 2025

September, 2025

2025 Pasifika Speech & Languages Competition in the Bay

August, 2025

Celebrating Cook Islands Māori Language Week: ‘Ātui’tui’ia au ki te raurau a tōku matakeinanga

August, 2025

Rising Hibiscus returns for Term 3!

July, 2025

Your lecture changed my life and thinking about Pacific Education

TEACHER EDUCATOR 2022

Lots of new knowledge, fun activities, having people who had lived the things we were talking about, giving us lots of follow up information

TEACHER

I loved learning new things each session like taking new opportunities, meeting a lot of new people and learning about their careers” Student.

TEACHER

I really enjoyed her way of bringing her own personal experience and family into the classroom, that got me interested

STUDENT TEACHER

I could see that she has a very strong passion to make future teachers aware of Pasifika learners

STUDENT TEACHER

It was great to have Mel bring her story and experience to give context to Tapasă - much more interesting than reading through the document

STUDENT TEACHER

I highly recommend this PL. For ALL teachers of Pacific Island students. The learning is extremely important for all of us. Awesome learning for primary, intermediate and secondary teachers

SECONDARY TEACHER

Meitaki Atupaka Mel. I learnt so much over the day. The content was informative, promoting personal reflection and engaging discussions from many perspectives. It would be great to see more kaiako join us next time

PRIMARY TEACHER

Gallery
Explore our gallery to see more!

Our strength is our people.
Meet the hearts behind our mission.

MEL COTTINGHAM
Chairperson

New Zealand born British/Niue

ALVA TALOPAU
Treasurer

Niue Born and Raised

LINDA BROWN
Board Member

SA LUATUA
Board Member

Ulima Tofi
Board Member

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