University of Auckland  
Degree:  Bachelor of Science - Biomedical Sciences
Mentor:  Cecilia Fitz-Gerald
Buddy:    Charlotte Fuimaono

Sponsored by:

Alvira will be studying Biomedical Science at the University of Auckland, with the goal of progressing into Pharmacy and eventually becoming a pharmacist. Her interest in healthcare comes from her love of science, particularly chemistry, as well as her desire to pursue a career where she can use this knowledge to help others.

Throughout her time at McAuley High School, Alvira has worked hard to achieve academically while also contributing to her school community. In her final year, she served as an Academic Prefect, a role that allowed her to support and encourage other students in their learning. She has also been involved in service throughout her years at McAuley, including Young Vinnies, Student Council representative, school liturgies and other school activities. These experiences have helped shape her values of Āwhina (service) and Panekiretanga (excellence).

Outside of school, Alvira enjoys spending time with her friends and family and has always had a strong love for music. She enjoys playing the guitar and singing in her spare time.  As she begins university, she is excited to challenge herself, meet new people and make the most of the opportunities available to her. Most importantly, she hopes to carry the values she has developed at McAuley into university and her future career in healthcare.

Awards 

U of A Academic Potential Tier 2 

Auckland University of Technology

Degree:  Bachelor of Design, Communication Design Major
Mentor: 
Buddy: 

Sponsored by:

Emalata is a creative and driven young woman pursuing a Bachelor of Design in Communication Design at AUT. She is passionate about all things relating to art, design, and visual creativity and hopes to build a career where she can use her passion to create meaningful designs.

As a proud Tongan woman, she hopes to use her journey to inspire other Pasifika people to pursue their passions, embrace their culture, and recognise the possibilities available to them. During her time at McAuley, Emalata served as the Media and Communications Prefect, where she was responsible for capturing school events through photography, creating posters and digital content, and promoting school activities through social media.

Through this role, she developed her creativity, communication, teamwork, and leadership skills while contributing to her school community. Outside of school, Emalata is known for her bright and bubbly personality and enjoys spending quality time with her family and drawing whenever she can. Her love for creativity allows her to express herself, explore new ideas, and continue developing her artistic skills. Guided by her Tongan culture, family, and passion for design, Emalata hopes to make a positive impact through her future career and inspire the next generation of Pasifika creatives to follow their dreams 

Award

SEF Work Exposure

• 2027

University of Auckland  
Degree:  Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Arts  
Mentor:  Eseta Autagavaia
Buddy:     Leaony Macdonald

Sponsored by:

Faapaiaautimuia is studying a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts at the University of Auckland. She chose to pursue law because she wants to use her voice to stand up for people and communities who experience injustice, particularly Pasifika and other minority communities. She hopes to become a lawyer who can advocate for her people, create positive change and inspire other young Pasifika people to see that a career in law is possible for them. Her faith, culture, family and commitment to service continue to guide her towards this goal.

During her time at McAuley High School, Faapaiaautimuia has taken on several leadership and service opportunities. She is currently Deputy Head Girl and has also been involved as a Tuākana-Teina Leader and Peer Mediator. These experiences have helped her grow in confidence, develop her communication skills and understand that leadership is not just about having a title, but about being willing to serve others and lead with empathy.

Outside of school, Faapaiaautimuia has been fortunate to be involved in a number of organisations and initiatives that have allowed her to serve her community and advocate for issues she cares about. Through Logos, she has participated in wellbeing and social justice initiatives that have encouraged her to think about how she can contribute to positive change. Through the Future Leaders Academy in Samoa, she worked alongside other young people and contributed to the community, including helping to plant 500 trees.

She has also been involved with REAL (Rangatahi Environmental Action Leaders), where she helped plant 500 trees in Manukau. It was through REAL that she connected with other young people who shared her passion for the environment. Together, they worked on Greenfluence, a youth-led initiative that brought students from different schools together for an art competition focused on raising awareness about climate change. Her involvement in environmental advocacy has also allowed her to speak to her local board about the importance of protecting the Manukau Harbour. Alongside these commitments, she has volunteered with St Vincent de Paul, including helping prepare food for families in her community. These experiences have taught her that leadership can come from working alongside others, listening to different perspectives and turning ideas into action.

Outside of these commitments, Faapaiaautimuia enjoys spending time with her family, being involved in church, baking, listening to music and connecting with her Samoan and Pasifika culture. Her faith is an important part of who she is and reminds her of the importance of serving others and using the opportunities she has been given to make a difference. Faapaiaautimuia is extremely grateful for the support of the Staples Education Foundation and is excited to begin this next chapter. She hopes to continue growing academically, personally and spiritually while using her education and experiences to serve her community, advocate for her people and inspire future Pasifika leaders.

Award

• Vaka Moana Scholarship

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