Rising Hibiscus Pasifika Programme Returns for Term 3, 2026!

We are thrilled to announce the return of the Rising Hibiscus Pasifika Programme for Term 3, 2026! This vibrant community initiative is back to bring our students together for breakfast, wellbeing, mentorship, and inspiring Pacific voices.

Starting Wednesday, 29th July, students are invited to kickstart their mornings at 7:00 AM with a delicious breakfast, meaningful cultural activities, and powerful guidance from our Pacific community.

This year, the programme features two exciting streams held on alternating Wednesdays:

📍 All Welcome Sessions (TGC Common Room)
Open to all students. Come along for a hearty breakfast, cultural activities, and motivating speakers!

Wednesday, 29th July
Wednesday, 12th August
Wednesday, 26th August
Wednesday, 9th September
Wednesday, 23rd September

📍 Year 11-13 Mentoring (Elena’s Room)
Exclusively for senior students. Dive deep into academic mentorship and leadership development.

Wednesday, 5th August
Wednesday, 19th August
Wednesday, 2nd September
Wednesday, 16th September

Our goal is simple: to empower Pacific learners through holistic support, cultural connection, and academic achievement. Whether you are new to the programme or a returning senior, we cannot wait to welcome you with open arms and warm kai.

Got questions or want to get involved?
For more information, feel free to reach out to us or check out our community page:

📧 Email: mel@pasifikainthebay.co.nz
📧 Email: ewhinney@tgc.school.nz
🌐 Website: www.pasifikainthebay.co.nz
📱 Facebook: facebook.com/PasifikaBOP

Mark your calendars, set your alarms for 7:00 AM, and get ready for an unforgettable term of growth, connection, and community. We can’t wait to see you there!

Ngā mihi nui,
Pasifika in the Bay Trust & Tauranga Girls’ College

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Mel Cottingham

Chairperson | New Zealand born British/Niue

Mel is the chairperson of the Pasifika in the Bay Trust. She loves all things Pacific, in particular working with amazing people to initiate and deliver successful Pacific programmes and events. Mel enjoys her dream job, reading, hanging out with her nieces and nephews, travelling with friends and family, and is adamant to snowboard until she can’t. She is currently thinking about taking up golf.

Current Masters in Education (Victoria University of Wellington), TeachNZ Study Award

Grad Dip Teach Prim, Level 6 Te Aupikitanga ki te Reo Kairangi, Bachelor of Management Studies

New Zealand Institute of Directors Courses including Governance Essentials, Risk Essentials, Finance Essentials, Strategy Essentials

Experience in Tertiary and Primary – Kura Auraki, Reorua, ESOL

Lived Experiences in the Cook Islands, Tuvalu, Niue, UK and South Korea

Nieces and Nephews in Early Childhood Centre, Primary, Secondary Boarding and University

Mel is the chairperson of the Pasifika in the Bay Trust. She loves all things Pacific, in particular working with amazing people to initiate and deliver successful Pacific programmes and events. Mel enjoys her dream job, reading, hanging out with her nieces and nephews, travelling with friends and family, and is adamant to snowboard until she can’t. She is currently thinking about taking up golf.

Current Masters in Education (Victoria University of Wellington), TeachNZ Study Award

Grad Dip Teach Prim, Level 6 Te Aupikitanga ki te Reo Kairangi, Bachelor of Management Studies

New Zealand Institute of Directors Courses including Governance Essentials, Risk Essentials, Finance Essentials, Strategy Essentials

Experience in Tertiary and Primary – Kura Auraki, Reorua, ESOL

Lived Experiences in the Cook Islands, Tuvalu, Niue, UK and South Korea

Nieces and Nephews in Early Childhood Centre, Primary, Secondary Boarding and University

ALVA TALOPAU

Treasurer | Niue Born and Raised

Alva is the Treasurer of the Pasifika in the Bay Trust with over eighteen years of experience as a business owner in the financial services industry. Together with her husband Alex, they’ve raised three high achieving young adults. Alva is passionate about supporting and empowering young people to reach their full potential. Alva loves playing board games, spending time with family and friends, baking, cooking and makes a mean chop suey.

Current Masters in Education (Victoria University of Wellington), TeachNZ Study Award

Grad Dip Teach Prim, Level 6 Te Aupikitanga ki te Reo Kairangi, Bachelor of Management Studies

New Zealand Institute of Directors Courses including Governance Essentials, Risk Essentials, Finance Essentials, Strategy Essentials

Experience in Tertiary and Primary – Kura Auraki, Reorua, ESOL

Lived Experiences in the Cook Islands, Tuvalu, Niue, UK and South Korea

Nieces and Nephews in Early Childhood Centre, Primary, Secondary Boarding and University

ANNETTE LABAN

Secretary | New Zealand born Samoa/Tokelau/German

Annette is the Secretary for Pasifika in the Bay Trust and hails from the islands of Samoa and Tokelau, with German ancestry. She is a trained Primary School Teacher, with a Bachelor of Business Studies majoring in Marketing, and recently completed her Masters in Education. Her passion is to actively seek new ways to support Pacific people and is excited about creating her own opportunities. She enjoys catching up with family and friends, arts and crafts and loves the outdoors.

Current Masters in Education (Victoria University of Wellington), TeachNZ Study Award

Grad Dip Teach Prim, Level 6 Te Aupikitanga ki te Reo Kairangi, Bachelor of Management Studies

New Zealand Institute of Directors Courses including Governance Essentials, Risk Essentials, Finance Essentials, Strategy Essentials

Experience in Tertiary and Primary – Kura Auraki, Reorua, ESOL

Lived Experiences in the Cook Islands, Tuvalu, Niue, UK and South Korea

Nieces and Nephews in Early Childhood Centre, Primary, Secondary Boarding and University

EMMA PACKHAM

Trustee | New Zealand born Kiribati/British

Current Masters in Education (Victoria University of Wellington), TeachNZ Study Award

Grad Dip Teach Prim, Level 6 Te Aupikitanga ki te Reo Kairangi, Bachelor of Management Studies

New Zealand Institute of Directors Courses including Governance Essentials, Risk Essentials, Finance Essentials, Strategy Essentials

Experience in Tertiary and Primary – Kura Auraki, Reorua, ESOL

Lived Experiences in the Cook Islands, Tuvalu, Niue, UK and South Korea

Nieces and Nephews in Early Childhood Centre, Primary, Secondary Boarding and University

Rising Hibiscus Pasifika Programme Returns for Term 3, 2026!

Want to keep up with our blog?

LATEST FROM THE PASIFIKA IN THE BAY

Celebrate 10 Years of Culture & Community at the Pasifika Festival in the Bay!

Unlock Your Academic Potential with the FREE Homo Haia Homework Hub (Term 3, 2026)

Rising Hibiscus Pasifika Programme Returns for Term 3, 2026!

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