Atafa o le moana

Are you a young leader ready to make waves in your community? Or do you know someone with the passion and potential to create change?

Atafa o le Moana is the first-of-its-kind program designed to empower Moana Nui youth (16-22 years old) to step into systems change, challenge the status quo, and create real impact in their communities.

This is more than a leadership program — it’s a movement.

So... Why Join Atafa o le Moana?

Share in an 18–24 month journey with other passionate Moana Nui youth, growing together as leaders and change makers.
Reconnect with your roots through cultural events, voyaging, and storytelling while building lifelong connections with mentors and like-minded change makers.
Take part in a no-cost three-day end-of-year camp, a space to reflect, celebrate, and prepare for your next steps in systems change education.
Receive funding at the end of the program with mentorship to design and lead your own project, creating real impact in your own community.
Represent Moana Nui youth at decision-making tables, sharing your story, influencing change, and shifting narratives with funders, organizations, and local boards.
Be part of media opportunities, creative photoshoots, and film shoots that amplify Pacific youth voices and showcase your journey.
Deepen your knowledge through workshops and learning sessions on governance, advocacy, leadership, and Te Tiriti partnerships, strengthening relationships between Pasefika and Māori peoples.

The Atafa flies with purpose — if you’re ready to take flight, we want to hear from you.

Apply now or nominate a young leader you believe in.

📅 Applications close: 30th April 2025

NOMINATE HERE:

FAQ

What is the mentorship like in the program?

In Atafa o le Moana, you’ll be mentored by a younger mentors who are experienced in working with Moana Nui youth. They provide a safe, supportive space where you can feel heard and understood.

Your mentors will offer guidance, advice, and encouragement, helping you grow as a leader and successfully bring your project to life.

See the team: here.

What is the support system like?

Being part of Atafa o le Moana isn’t just about being in the room or in front of the camera—it’s about real support to help you step into your power and create real change.

Yes, you’ll have media opportunities, creative photoshoots, and film shoots to amplify your voice, but more than that, you’ll be surrounded by a movement of Pacific youth who get it.

We’ll connect you with mentors, funders, and changemakers who can help you on your path. More importantly, you’ll build lifelong relationships with like-minded peers who will cheer you on every step of the way.

Trying to shift systems and create impact can feel lonely, but together, we’re stronger. Atafa o le Moana is about showing up for each other, growing together, and shaping the future of our communities.

What kind of projects can I lead through Atafa o le Moana?

You’ll have the chance to lead community-driven projects that tackle issues impacting Pacific youth, such as cultural initiatives, education, mental health, or sustainability.

With funding and mentorship, you’ll receive guidance from experienced leaders to help bring your project to life, ensuring it’s impactful, sustainable, and aligned with your vision for change.

What can you get out being apart of Atafa o le Moana?

Key benefits include:

Media opportunities including creative photoshoots and film shoots to share your story.
Representation at decision-making tables with funders, organizations, and local boards.
A three-day end-of-year camp to reflect, celebrate, and plan for your next steps.
Strengthening your cultural identity through siva, voyaging, and storytelling.

These experiences will help you build connections, develop leadership skills, and create lasting change in your community.

Who can apply for Atafa o le Moana?

To be eligible for nomination, the nominee must identify as a Moana Nui (Pasefika) and be aged between 16 and 22 at the time the programme recipients are announced.

Recipients will be contacted mid May.

What is the commitment required for the programme?

The programme runs over 18-24 months. You’ll need to commit to attending workshops, events, and mentoring sessions twice a month.

Additionally, there is a mandatory 3-day end-of-year camp in November to reflect, celebrate, and plan for your next steps into 2026.

What does systems change mean?

In a nutshell - Systems change is about making lasting changes to the bigger picture.

Instead of just fixing problems temporarily, it’s about changing the rules and structures that cause those problems. It helps create fairer, long-term solutions to issues like inequality and lack of opportunities, so everyone has a better chance to succeed.

See more: here.

Why is this the first-of-its-kind program focused on systems change for Moana Nui youth?

This program is the first of its kind because it focuses specifically on Moana Nui youth and empowering them to drive systems change.

Instead of just addressing individual challenges, this programme gives young Moana Nui the tools, funding, and mentorship to change the structures, policies, and practices that create barriers for their communities.

It’s about shifting the way society works to better serve Pasifika youth, creating lasting change for generations to come.