Talofa lava and warm Pasifika greetings to our Old Boys and wider school community.

It has been an exciting and rewarding journey as we continue to strengthen, support and inspire our Pasifika students at New Plymouth Boys’ High School. Our focus remains on building meaningful relationships, celebrating identity and culture, and empowering our young men to recognise the valuable role they play within our school and wider community.

Pasifika Fono Evenings

Our Fono evenings continue to strengthen engagement between students, families and staff through shared kai, talanoa and meaningful connections. Hearing from Pasifika leaders across Taranaki provides valuable insights and inspiration, empowering our young men to embrace their identity, build confidence and realise their potential.

Maualaivao Albert Wendt Award

Named in honour of Albert Wendt (at school 1953-1957), one of the Pacific’s most influential writers and a significant voice in Pasifika literature, this award celebrates the importance of cultural identity, leadership, service and pride in who we are. Through his writing, Wendt has helped bring Pacific stories, perspectives and experiences to a wider audience, making an enduring contribution to the recognition and understanding of Pasifika people and their identities.

The Maualaivao Albert Wendt Award recognises a senior Pasifika student who demonstrates outstanding leadership, service, diligence, hard work and respect. These qualities reflect the values we strive to nurture in our young men at New Plymouth Boys’ High School — encouraging them to lead with humility, serve others, work hard and remain proud of their heritage.

Super Eight Pasifika Festival

Our students proudly represented NPBHS at the Super Eight Pasifika Festival, achieving an impressive third place. The festival was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our cultures, showcase our talents and strengthen our sense of identity and belonging.

Community Service

Our young men have enjoyed visiting local rest homes, spending time with residents and sharing performances and cultural experiences. These visits reflect the importance of service, compassion and giving back to our community.

Stronger Community Connections

We continue to build valuable relationships with local schools, community organisations and the Vaimoana Trust, which does important work supporting Pasifika people throughout Taranaki. These partnerships help strengthen the support networks available to our students and families.

Samoa College Partnership

Our ongoing relationship with Samoa College in Samoa remains an important part of our Pasifika journey. It has been encouraging to see our two Samoa College students thriving both on and off the field as they build confidence, friendships and connections within the NPBHS community.

Deputy Head Boy for 2027

A special congratulations to William Punivalu on his appointment as Deputy Head Boy of New Plymouth Boys' High School for 2027. William is an outstanding young man who represents the very best of our Pasifika students. Academically capable, a talented rugby player and a natural leader, he is well respected by both his peers and teachers. What stands out most about William is his humility, character, maturity and the respect he shows towards others. His strong family upbringing, grounded in education, cultural values and leadership, has played an important part in shaping the young man he is today. I am incredibly proud of William and his family. His appointment is not only a wonderful personal achievement but also an inspiration to our Pasifika students and the wider school community. William has so much potential, and I look forward to seeing him make his mark on our school in 2027.

Looking Ahead

One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey has been seeing our Pasifika students grow in confidence, take pride in who they are and recognise the valuable contribution they can make. Through leadership, cultural performances, community service and everyday interactions, our young men are increasingly finding their place, embracing their identity and making a positive difference.

Fa’afetai lava to our students, families, staff, Old Boys and community partners for your ongoing support and commitment. Your contribution is invaluable as we continue to build a stronger, more connected future for our young men and the wider Pasifika community.

Manuia,

Jack Kirifi
NPBHS Pasifika Lead