Pasifika Speech Competition Last week two of our Year 8 ākonga were chosen to participate in the Franklin Pasifika Speech Competition held at St Joseph's Primary in Pukekohe. Aja-Lucia Vatau competed in the Samoan category and Lachlyn Makahununiu competed in the Tongan. The competition is relatively new but is growing in popularity with finalists coming from all across Franklin. Students from Years 5 - 8 are encouraged to compete and can either present bi-lingual or full Pasifika . The girls crafted excellent bi-lingual speeches which not only argued the importance of celebrating your heritage but also how we as New Zealanders can learn from the wisdom of Pasifika cultures and their celebration of family, faith and identity. We are incredibly proud of these two girls and look forward to competing again next year.