Tālofa, Mālō e Lelei and Bula

Thriving as Pasifika means honouring where I came from

This guiding principle shapes the Pasifika experience at Hastings Boys' High School. We honour the richness of Pacific cultures and the important role they play in shaping our school community. We want every Pasifika student to thrive academically, culturally, and as a good Ākina Man.


Our programmes are founded in a strong family and community connection, supported by our Pasifika Dean and staff. Our young men are nurtured to grow as capable learners, committed to service, and to stand with pride and contribute meaningfully both within the school and in their communities.


In the Classroom


Our Pasifika Studies support students to build confidence and capability across a range of languages, recognising the importance of language in strengthening identity, culture, and connection. Alongside our English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) support for English Language Learners, students have opportunities to engage with the Samoan language as part of their learning journey.

Through this programme, we aim to create an inclusive environment where language diversity is valued and celebrated. By supporting both the development of English and the maintenance of students’ home languages, we help our young men connect more deeply with their learning, their culture, and the wider school community.



Talanoa Ako

Talanoa Ako is a Pacific-led initiative in New Zealand designed to empower Pacific parents, families and communities with the knowledge, skills and confidence to actively support their children’s education.

​​​​​​​Talanoa Ako takes place as a breakfast club and academic achievement initiative. The well-attended sessions ground our Pacific boys in cultural identity, values, and vision. ​​​​​​​




Tama Ākina


Hastings Boys' High School Pasifika Cultural Group

Tama Ākina brings our young men together to celebrate and share the cultures of the Pacific through song, dance, and cultural experiences.

“O le ala i le pule o le tautua” — the way to leadership is through service. This Samoan proverb is the foundation of everything we do. Through this lens our boys learn the values of respect, integrity, diligence and empathy. They watch, listen, serve and contribute, building the confidence and skills they need to lead within Tama Akina, the school, and their wider communities.

We hold high expectations around commitment, discipline and performance. These expectations challenge the boys to strive for their best both on and off the stage. The group represents our school throughout the year at events such as the Super 8 Cultural competition, Hawke's Bay Polyfest, contribution schools performances, and the Tagata Moana Festival in Wellington.



Mentor Programme

​​​​​​Providing support and tutoring for Senior Pasifika Boys


​​​​​​​Through our literacy learning program using biblical studies and the SOAP method, we are helping our students read with deeper understanding and interpret scripture in ways that support informed decision‑making on their faith journey. This approach has also proven to be an effective strategy for improving literacy.




Pacific Parent Fono



Creating a strong, connected network that supports our students and their aiga throughout the year

We regularly hold parent fono throughout the year as an important way of strengthening the partnership between our school and our Pacific families. 

These gatherings provide a supportive space for open communication, where we can share practical strategies and tools to help our boys succeed academically and within their communities. The fono allow us to respond to the unique cultural values, languages, and lived experiences that shape our Pacific community.​​​​​​​