Pasifika Leadership on Boards: A Night of Courage, Connection, and Collective Power

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.

With more than forty attendees, the night was a celebration of connection and collective strength. Over plates of food and laughter, seasoned leaders and emerging changemakers sat side by side, sharing stories and strategies about navigating the often-intimidating world of governance.

Among the panel was 15-year-old Uelese Motusaga of the Whau Youth Board, who admitted that stepping into board spaces can feel daunting but urged others to choose courage anyway. “Say yes, even when you’re scared,” he said, his words sparking quiet nods of recognition around the room. “Every effort we make matters for our people and youth bring creativity and energy to these governance spaces that work well with the more experienced members.”

The room was filled with youth who took his message to heart. Many reflected that what resonated most was the reminder that governance is a journey - one that takes time to learn and grow in but also that fear should never keep them silent. “If you are scared, do it anyway,” became the sentiment they carried home, a call to stand tall and advocate even when the path feels unfamiliar.

For Leilani Faaiuaso, a youth advocate in her early twenties balancing corporate work with multiple governance roles, strength comes from knowing she’s never alone. She reflected on the importance of her family’s support, saying, “I wouldn’t be able to stand in these spaces without my village. I come from a family of champions, and they are behind me to remind me that I don’t have to carry this alone... and that keeps me coming back stronger.”

That sense of possibility and purpose was echoed by Sara-Jane Elika, CEO of Elika Consulting Group, who brought an international lens to the conversation. She shared her journey of stepping into governance unexpectedly, turning what she once saw as volunteer work into a career. While she celebrated the progress made for Pasifika and youth representation, she was clear: there’s still more room to grow, more spaces to claim, and more opportunities to lead change globally.

Guided by moderator Sisifa Gigi Lui, the conversation was raw and real, weaving stories of courage, cultural pride, and the shared responsibility to create space for the next generation of leaders and a collective commitment to lift one another higher.

The Whau Pasifika Governance Networking Nights, run monthly and are quickly becoming a cornerstone for Pasifika people to learn, connect, and grow. Tapasā is so grateful to have co-hosted this month's gathering and it has been a powerful reminder that leadership is never a solo journey - it’s a collective voyage, guided by ancestral wisdom and driven by a shared commitment to uplift our people.