From a media release from Pacific Allied (Women's) Council Inspires Faith in Ideals Concerning All, Incorporated (P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A. Inc.), 15 June 2026.

In its 50th year, PACIFICA is proud to announce a record number of 2026 PACIFICA Grant recipients. PACIFICA provides financial assistance to Pacific women and girls with their educational development and to help fulfil their dreams and aspirations. This year, PACIFICA received a very high number of worthy applications from Pacific women and girls demonstrating their achievements, financial need, resilience, leadership, and aspirations. Given our Golden Jubilee and the high number and quality of applications received, PACIFICA was in the financial position to significantly increase the number of grants awarded in 2026.

A record number of twenty-six grants have been awarded: eight Secondary School Grants ($650 each); and eighteen Tertiary Education Grants ($2,000 each). PACIFICA Inc. National President, Lemalu Repeka Lelaulu, says: 'In our 50th year, we’re proud to have significantly increased our grants – giving even more deserving recipients the support they need to pursue their goals. These grants recognise not just the recipients, but the families, teachers, mentors and communities standing behind them.'

Victoria-Leigh Lam, a Tertiary Education Grant recipient from the Southern region, says: 'I am a fourth-year engineering student at the University of Canterbury and I am so grateful to have received this grant. With this, I can be relieved of some of the financial stress I may face once I complete my studies. After attending the Youth Conference, I realised how blessed I am to be a part of an organisation that empowers and inspires Pacific women. I can’t wait to be someone young Pacific women look up to, just as much as I look up to the other members within this organisation, the guest speakers at the conference, and other youth who attended.'

PACIFICA extends its heartfelt congratulations to all recipients and wishes them every success on their educational journeys. The organisation also acknowledges all applicants who applied this year. The quality of applications received reinforces the importance of continuing to invest in opportunities that support the growth and success of Pacific women and girls.

2026 PACIFICA Secondary School Grant Recipients:

1. Lesulu T-Pole Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu Northern region
2. Halo Roache Marcellin College Northern region
3. Soana Koloamatangi Western Springs College Northern region
4. Avalani Wright St Catherine’s College Central region
5. Talalelei Masinalupe Palmerston North Girls’ High School Central region
6. Levina Levaula Faalogo Wairarapa College Central region
7. Elani Mafi Trinity Catholic College Southern region
8. Freedom D’Leaana Aurora College Southern region

2026 PACIFICA Tertiary Education Grant Recipients

1. Eseta Rasmussen University of Auckland Northern region
2. Nicolee Luteru UNITEC Northern region
3. Georose Tuineau-Lafaele University of Waikato Northern region
4. Priscilla Peni Te Wananga o Aotearoa Northern region
5. Tiueti Lua Manukau Institute of Technology Northern region
6. Susan Tahavalu Te Wananga o Aotearoa Northern region
7. Flo Murray Whitireia Polytechnic Central region
8. Vevesi Leilua-Toilolo Takitini (WERA Training Centre) Central region
9. Tanumia Matega Victoria University of Wellington Central region
10. Tamara Brown Massey University Central region
11. Siufaga Kerslake Massey University Central region
12. Toetujoetina Lilo Massey University Central region
13. Victoria-Leigh Lam University of Canterbury Southern region
14. Lucy Keung University of Otago Southern region
15. Tia Fleming University of Otago Southern region
16. Eva-Marie Auuaiti Southern Institute of Technology Southern region
17. Christean Makitae Southern Institute of Technology Southern region
18. Sarote Kamilo Ara Institute of Canterbury Southern region

To read more articles from The Circular (May-June 2026) issue 657, click on the tag below.