A group of Year 13 Tongan students, graduates of the Fakatoutakea Programme had the privilege of visiting Parliament on Wednesday.

The students were lucky enough to be  hosted by Assistant Speaker Greg O’Connor MP for Ohariu who greeted students on the steps of Parliament for photographs before they were taken to 'Copperfields' for breakfast.

Learning how our laws are made and understanding how government is relevant to their lives was a key part of learning from the visit. Attending question time in the House was a highlight and the combative nature of question time a surprise. The Government was being questioned on their decision to remove funding for public transport for students, an issue truly relevant to our students.  Meeting Labour Leader, Rt. Hon. Chris Hipkins and the Speaker of the House Rt. Hon. Gerry Brownlee was an honour. Students enjoyed the lunch provided by the Labour Pacific Caucus.

A visit to Victoria University’s Pipitea Campus was a bonus enjoyed by the students.

It is important for our students to see themselves reflected in positions of power and responsibility, so they are inspired in the knowledge that they too can aspire to leadership. 

This incredible opportunity would not have been possible without the generosity of our Tongan Alumni Group, Kolisi Tutuku Tonga, who paid for the flights. Sincere thanks to Tupu Toa for their support in sponsoring the shuttles and to Dr Linita Manu’atu and the Labour Pacific Caucus for making sure our students were very well fed!

Malo ‘aupito Anahila Kanongata’a and Sepa Hausia- Schaumkel for their leadership and determination to enrich the lives of Tongan students at OHS.