Moana (Pasifika/Pacific) Community Fono

On Tuesday evening this week, Trinity hosted a successful Moana (Pasifika) Community Fono, bringing together representatives from the University of Otago, Dunedin Hospital, and Otago Polytechnic to promote the wide range of courses, services, and support available for our Moana students. Over 70 people were in attendance.

The inspiring evening was organised by Jenny Bennett from the Health Sciences Division at the University of Otago, who also arranged the catering and guest speakers. Mrs Nicholson and Mrs Mortimer also proudly shared the outstanding academic achievements from our senior students in 2025, celebrating the success of our Moana learners which received a warm applause from the community. They also acknowledged the supportive environment of Te Kāika Moana provided by the staff.

Guest speakers included:

• Jenny Bennett - Pacific Health Science Academy Programme, Otago University

• Kym Makenesi - Pasifika Mapu o le Kaha'u (Pasifika Young People of the Future) Programme Coordinator, Dunedin Hospital

• Carolyn Lotawa - Senior Lecturer, Otago Polytechnic

• Petelo Sinamoni - Pacific Outreach, Pacific Islands Centre, Otago University

Our Pacific Food caterers - Rachel Faitala-Malae of Sweet Revelations.

The evening was a valuable opportunity for students and whānau to connect with pathways and support networks that encourage future success in education and careers.