Pasifika in the Bay Trust

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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

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Pasifika Speech and Languages Competition 2026

Live Friday 26 June 2026, 9:30am
Auditorium Hall

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.

Check out the Homework Hub

Pasifika Speech AND
Languages Competition

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

Join the Speech Competition

Tapasā
PLD

Bespoke Tapasā PLD For Educators of Pacific Leaners.

Learn about Tapasā PLD

TALANOA AKO

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

Explore Talanoa Ako

Pasifika Festival
In the Bay

Performing Arts: Celebrating Pacific Identities, Languages and Cultures.

Experience the Pasifika Festival

Rising Hibiscus

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

Join Rising Hibiscus
Live Friday 26 June 2026

Watch the Pasifika Speech and Languages Competition live

Celebrate Pacific voices, language, culture, and confidence as students take the stage at St Peters in the City, Tauranga. Choose the stream you want to follow and join the event online.

  • Starts 9:30am
  • Registrations 9:00am
  • Finishes 2:30pm
  • Recorded for NCEA
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Choose your live stream

Auditorium Stream Opening, Pacific Speeches, English Impromptu, Prize Giving, and Closing. Hall Stream Follow the English Speeches live from the Hall.

The room pages are ready now. The live Zoom embed can be added into each room page when the meeting link is available.

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.

Learn more

Festival Performances 2025

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more Pasifika Festival performances!

Pasifika Festival in the Bay 2025

32 Videos

Latest updates
News, Resources and Events

Pasifika Speech and Languages Competition 2026 Live Stream

Talanoa Ako 2026 – Free Workshops for Pacific Families

Free Homework Programme for Pacific Learners

Pasifika Festival in the Bay 2025 poster featuring dancers in traditional Pasifika attire with event details: November 1, 2025 at Ōtūmoetai College, Tauranga.

What an Incredible Pasifika Festival in the Bay!

Pasifika Festival in the Bay 2025 — Site Map & Location (Ōtūmoetai College, Tauranga)

Pasifika Festival in the Bay – Site map & Location

Pasifika Festival in the Bay 2025 poster featuring dancers in traditional Pasifika attire with event details: November 1, 2025 at Ōtūmoetai College, Tauranga.

Pasifika Festival in the Bay 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

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

Mel Cottingham, Chairperson of Pasifika in the Bay Trust - A passionate advocate for Pacific initiatives with a diverse background in education and governance.

MEL COTTINGHAM
Chairperson

New Zealand born British/Niue

Manuel Efaraimo

MANUEL EFARAIMO
Board Member

LINDA BROWN
Board Member

SA LUATUA
Board Member

Pasifika In The Bay Board Member

Ulima Tofi
Board Member

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