Tapili Le Afi 2025

Sutton Park School’s Year 7 Tautua Leaders Ignite Pasifika Pride through the Tapili Le Afi Project

Sutton Park School in Māngere has been selected to take part in the 2025 Tapili Le Afi Arts Literacy Project. This year, the initiative is guided by Artist in Residence Charlene Tedrow, a renowned Pasifika dance choreographer and director of Ura Tabu Pacific Dance Company.

Nineteen Year 7 Tautua Leaders were personally selected by Principal Fata Vaitimu Togi Lemanu to strengthen their confidence, cultural identity, and literacy through Pasifika dance and performance. The programme encourages students to explore their heritage while developing essential leadership qualities such as teamwork, communication, and public speaking.

Each session also includes opportunities for students to reflect—both orally and in writing—on key Pasifika values and concepts introduced during lessons. Selected reflections will later be shared with families and teachers, celebrating the students’ personal and collective growth.

After eight weeks of working with Charlene, the emerging leaders were already displaying greater confidence, deeper pride in their Pasifika roots, and a stronger connection to their cultural narratives. 

Fa’afetai tele lava to Principal Fata Vaitimu Togi Lemanu for championing the Tapili Le Afi project and empowering Sutton Park’s young leaders to shine through culture, creativity, and service.