Toi EDA Proud To Support the Pacific Navigators of Tomorrow Event

Support for career pathways and employment for our Pasifika communities is a huge focus for the Workforce Team at Toi EDA. Being involved and sponsoring the Pacific Navigators of Tomorrow event was a privilege. This inaugural event, produced by Pacific Growth brought together industry, training providers and students from throughout the region. This event was more than just a careers expo - going over and beyond in terms of information regarding different industries as well as guest speakers, prizes and engagement opportunities.

Toi EDA had the opportunity to sponsor a load of students from the Eastern Bay of Plenty to attend on the day, as well as supplying lunches for students attending from throughout the region. A turnout of 400+ Pasifika young people from Eastern BOP (Kawerau, Opotiki, Whakatane), Rotorua, Katikati, Te Puke, and here in Tauranga were present at the event with a theme of; "if you can see it, you can be it." With over over 150 Pasifika exhibitors in 44 different stalls, from a wide range of businesses and sectors, the day was filled with laughter, excitement, interactivity, creativeness, bond, connectedness, fellowship, and good food,

The right way to engage with our young ones and to capture their interest is by seeing someone of the same background and challenges but have overcome it to be where they are now. Hopefully, by making that connection, they too can overcome any challenges faced.

The day was kicked off with an inspiring talk from Sione Faumuinā McCarthy, which sets the tone and a challenge for our young people to really take this opportunity to ask as many questions as they can to the exhibitors.

Our CEO, Donna Perese also presented on the Pasifika Women’s Panel - sharing insights from her own journey and empowerment to the Pasifika workforce of the future.

We look forward to supporting more events like these and supporting our communities into meaningful; employment as well as career pathways.