More than 70 Pasifika students from across Hawke’s Bay have come together for the third season of Le Lumana’i Siva Academy.
The programme uses cultural and performing arts to help young people connect with their culture and celebrate their identity.
Run through Pasifika mental health and addictions service Mapu Maia, Le Lumana’i Siva Academy has been operating in Hawke’s Bay for the past three years.
Its latest season wrapped up with the Season three showcase, bringing students, tutors, families and the wider Pasifika community together after months of preparation.
Founder and Director Annie Kaio says Le Lumana’i was created to give young Pasifika people in Hawke’s Bay opportunities to learn and express their culture.
“For us, this is bigger than putting on a show,” Kaio says.
“It is about ensuring our Pasifika youth in the regions are given the same opportunities to experience cultural excellence, celebrate their identity and have spaces created specifically for them to thrive.”
During the showcase, Kaio shared the Samoan saying, “O mea e lelei mo Upolu, e lelei fo’i mo Savai’i.”
She says the message reflects what they are trying to achieve through the academy, ensuring opportunities available to Pasifika communities in larger centres like Auckland and Wellington are also available in places like Hawke’s Bay.
Le Lumana’i also focuses on strengthening cultural identity and wellbeing, preserving language and creating a sense of belonging for young people.
For Kaio, a proud Fa’afafine of Samoa, that includes making sure young people can see different forms of Pasifika leadership.
“I hope that my visibility can inspire young people who may feel different or who may not always see themselves represented in leadership,” she says.
