Leadership begins with relationships — and that was the heart of the Atafa o le Moana youth retreat. Sixteen young Pacific leaders gathered for a weekend of reflection, laughter, and bonding, creating space to reconnect with themselves, each other, and the shared purpose that brings them together.

At the University of Auckland’s Fale Pasifika, Tapasā hosted Indigenous Leadership: Governance Across the Pacific - a transformative talanoa exploring the ancestral leadership systems of Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and Niue. The gathering brought together an intergenerational mix of people, from emerging youth leaders to established community figures, all united by one purpose: to reconnect with the ancient wisdom that has always guided our people.

The energy inside the room at August’s Pasifika Governance Networking Night was electric — the kind that comes when a community shows up ready to learn, share, and reimagine what leadership can look like. Co-hosted by Whau Pasifika Trust and Tapasā, the evening carried a clear message: Pasifika voices belong in governance spaces, and together, we can make sure they’re heard.

The Wayfinders of the Pacific Club is creating space for Pacific youth to see themselves as scientists, innovators, and cultural leaders - bridging ancestral knowledge with modern tools to shape the future of STEM. 

The first gathering of the Atafa o le Moana cohort opened with something deeper than just a warm welcome — it was a reconnection.

In a vibrant celebration of culture, courage, and community, Atafa o le Moana officially launched its inaugural youth cohort last Friday night — marking the beginning of a powerful journey for 20 young Pacific leaders committed to systems change, cultural revival, and intergenerational transformation.

Tapasā played a part in the warm day, offering something special—free professional family photoshoots beneath a stunning tapa-patterned backdrop. With soft studio lighting and 10 edited images gifted to each family, it was a chance to honour the faces and bonds that shape our lives.

Kayla Schwalger, Creative Director of Tapasā, has been appointed as the Head Māori and Pacific Peoples (MPP) Liaison for the Aotearoa Youth Declaration 2025, UN Youth New Zealand’s flagship civics education conference.

Watch the video here What happens when communities reclaim their own narratives? When Pasifika voices are empowered to tell their own...

Powerful community work has the potential to inspire change, but to truly unlock its impact, it needs to be seen and heard. Across the Pacific—and right here in Aotearoa—countless Pasefika grassroots initiatives are changing lives. But without the tools to capture and share that impact, many of these efforts remain unseen. Tapasā believes that storytelling is more than just content creation—it’s a form of justice, advocacy, and community mobilisation.

The Science of Indigenous Movement Event was Tapasā's first collaboration event of 2025

Co-founders Kayla and Ruta For the past few years, Tapasā has been like a vaka navigating uncharted waters—built on passion, guided by...