Celebrating Excellence: 2026 Tulī Takes Flight and Pacific Education Scholarships

Recipients of this year's Tulī Takes Flight and Pacific Education Scholarships were celebrated at a special event in Auckland.

Fiso John Fiso, Chairman of the Pacific Education Foundation, said it was a privilege to witness the hard work and sacrifice behind every recipient and family recognised on the day. This year's cohort spans doctorate and undergraduate study across electrical engineering, medicine and surgery, social services, computing, accounting, law, surveying, and indigenous studies, among other fields.

The event was delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry for Pacific Peoples. PEF thanked Rebecca Traverse for event management, Caroline Palmer as key liaison at MOE, and Ministry for Pacific Peoples Deputy Secretary Bernadette Scanlon for attending. Representatives from Hon. Lydia Soutar's office and National's Papakura candidate Emma Chatterton were also present.

The celebration was presided over by Rev. Unasa Enosa Auvaa, the first Pacific principal of Mount Albert Grammar School, who led the school for 27 years. Porirua-born Brian Sangele served as master of ceremonies, bringing a distinct Pasefika warmth to proceedings.

PEF acknowledged its Board — Faalogo Ross Fitzpatrick, Isaac Liava'a, Barbara Ala'alatoa, and Ioane Aleki Faavae — for their continued expertise and governance, along with Professor Jody Hunter, immediate past Chair.

The Foundation also acknowledged the recent passing of Yvette Guttenbeil-Pouhila, a much-loved leader within the Ministry of Education.

Pacific Education Foundation’s next event will be held in Wellington on the 13 August 2026.