Empowering Futures - My experience with TupuToa

By Regan Wineera

Picture this: vibrant energy, fresh ideas, and boundless enthusiasm. That's what I experienced on Monday, the 12th, as part of the PCF team. We hosted a booth and Manaaki interns from other Universities at the TupuToa Summit.

It was a day of pure excitement as panels sparked dynamic discussions and attendees eagerly engaged with speakers, roamed around the booths, and connected with organizations like KPMG, Air New Zealand, and VSA (Volunteer Services Abroad). The insights shared by speakers were eye-opening, offering a glimpse into future possibilities.

The TupuToa Summit was a dynamic gathering, pulsating with the optimism of young Māori and Pasifika minds, all looking ahead with hope and determination.

In just one pumping day, interns explored a multitude of topics, from governance to financial literacy, expanding their skill sets and opening doors to promising career opportunities in the corporate world. It was an empowering experience, offering pathways that may have seemed out of reach before.

Our Manaaki Interns engaged in invaluable conversations, from mental health workshops with LeVa to discussions with VSA about leveraging their skills in the Pacific. Meanwhile, our team and corporate partners dedicated time to job enrichment and skill training, aligning their internships with their academic pursuits.

The summit reached its crescendo with a spectacular gala dinner, where nearly 1000 attendees came together to celebrate. With live music, inspiring speakers, and captivating traditional dances, it was a fitting finale to a 2-day filled event with innovation and inspiration.

The TupuToa Events wasn't just an event—it was a catalyst for change, igniting passion and paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.

Lucky Me!

www.vsa.org.nz

www.leva.org.nz