EMPOWERING THE PACIFIC!

A large group of students and teachers posing for a picture on the beach, with the ocean and sky in the background. Pacifc Youth Leaders.

SPACPAC Canterbury creates vibrant connections in the Pacific community, paving the way for incredible opportunities and success stories to flourish. Let's embrace the wave of empowerment together!

The SPACPAC collective creates opportunities for the Pacific community to connect and engage with the education community of schools, providers, institutions, local and central government within Canterbury. Together they will build and plan for Pacific young people and student success, valuing their identity, language, and culture. In turn increasing engagement in learning and inspiring stronger pathways to tertiary education and careers. 

SPACPAC aims to sow the seeds of Pacific success so that we can REAP the rewards of the future by focusing on: 

  • Reconnecting our education community with our Pacific community. 

  • Education aspirations, collaboration, and success. 

  • Accelerating achievement using our Pacific identities, languages, and cultures. 

  • Pathways that lead to tertiary education, careers, and business ownership. 

Unleash your creativity, stand out, and make your mark. Your unique story adds color to the diverse tapestry that is SPACPAC Canterbury. Dive in and be part of something extraordinary!

Meet Our Governance Board

  • A man with spiky, wet-looking black hair smiling at the camera, wearing a white shirt with black buttons and a black lanyard, standing in front of a plain, light-colored wall.

    Riki Welsh

    Chair Person

  • A woman with curly black hair smiling at the camera, wearing a black top.

    Selau Ifopo

    Vice-Chair Person

  • A woman smiling outdoors with greenery in the background.

    Allamanda Fa'atoese

    Treasurer

  • A young man wearing a suit with a Rolleston College badge, holding a gold trophy and wearing medals, standing in front of a decorated wall with red and green floral arrangements.

    Lincoln Mumuta

    Trustee

  • Smiling woman with short dark hair, wearing earrings and a pink patterned top, against a gray background.

    Maria Herbert

    Trustee

  • Woman wearing a flower crown, smiling, and looking down, in a bright indoor setting.

    Nora Taylor

    Trustee

  • Smiling man in a gray suit jacket and white shirt, sitting indoors with green plants and decorative wooden panels in the background.

    Siatua Evalu

    Patron

  • We offer various programmes and initiatives, including:

    • Education & Leadership:
      - Leadership development
      - Student recognition
      - Public speaking & storytelling
      - Youth entrepreneurship

    • Community & Careers:
      - Career pathways & networking
      - Cultural celebration
      - Leadership forums
      - Creative arts & expression

    • Support for Educators & Schools:
      - Pacific teacher engagement & recruitment
      - Student achievement & NCEA support
      - Workshops

    • Community Involvement:
      - Opportunities to volunteer
      - Collaboration with government & community partners

  • Our services are primarily aimed at the Pacific community in Canterbury. However, we welcome anyone who shares our goals of community empowerment and development to participate in our programmes.

  • There are several ways to get involved:

    • Volunteer - Help out at our events or join one of our committees.

    • Donate - Financial contributions go directly towards supporting our programs.

    • Partner - We welcome collaborations with businesses, educational institutions, and other organisations.

    • Attend - Participate in our workshops, events, or programmes.

  • We run various educational initiatives, including mentorship programs, scholarship opportunities, and academic workshops. These are designed to support students in their academic journeys and help them reach their full potential.

  • You can stay informed by subscribing to our mailing list, following us on social media, or regularly checking our website.

  • Our funding comes from a combination of government grants, donations from the community, and partnerships with local businesses and organisations.

  • We are always open to forming new partnerships! If your organisation is interested in collaborating with us, please reach out through our Contact Us page or email us directly.

FAQs