From shyness to leadership: Head girl’s journey to uplifting Pacific youth

When Manuia Fox-Romia received the call confirming her selection as Head Girl of Māngere College, it felt surreal.

“I was at somebody’s prize-giving, and I was told that I would get the call that night. I was anxiously waiting, constantly checking my phone.

“When I was told the news, it was just so surreal to me because I think if I look back to year nine, somebody who did not know anybody, somebody who was so shy and just joined every extracurricular group they could, it's such a gigantic leap for me.”

Now in her final year at Māngere College in south Auckland, Fox-Romia’s journey is not just a personal success story but also an inspiration to Pacific youth and a testament to the power of education and determination.

Building confidence through debate

When Fox-Romia started at Māngere College, she struggled with confidence and social skills.

But instead of withdrawing, she channelled her energy into debating.

“I joined debating initially as a strategy to make friends,” she said.

What began as an after-school activity turned into a life-changing experience for Fox-Romia.

Manuia Fox-Romia at Parliament during the NZSD debating competition last year. Photo/Juan Koti

“Debating allowed me to find my voice, express my views, and build confidence in a space where I felt both challenged and supported.”

She excelled in debating, and her talent did not go unnoticed.

Fox-Romia eventually represented the Manukau regional debating team at the New Zealand Schools National Debating Tournament in Wellington, winning three out of seven rounds.

“It’s so crazy to say that something I joined as a way to make friends turned into one of the biggest achievements of my life,” she said.

Breaking ground with an internship

Fox-Romia’s passion for learning and advocacy extended beyond the classroom.

From left, Manuia's mother, Manuia, and fellow debater Juan Koti. Photo/Supplied

She was selected as one of three research interns exploring innovative approaches to youth-centred research.

“We worked with students, exploring their views of role models and aspirations. It was my first job… We worked at Waimahia Intermediate School.

“The research focused on young people not only being the subject but are involved in the process.”

The experience had a lasting impression on Fox-Romia, influencing her aspirations to pursue law and communications after high school.

Embracing cultural identity

For Fox-Romia, attending Māngere College was as much about academics as it was about connecting with her cultural roots.

Photo/Māngere College

Being half Cook Island Māori and half English, she found that Māngere’s predominantly Pacific environment gave her a deeper understanding of her heritage.

“At Māngere College, I’ve learned so much about myself and my culture,” she says.

“It’s been a space where I could fully embrace who I am while also learning about other cultures within our Pacific community.”

A vision for Pacific academia

As head girl, Fox-Romia’s primary goal is to uplift Pacific academia.

“I want students to feel empowered in their learning. Education should feel accessible and exciting, not like a chore.

Manuia and teacher Ms Tele'a. Photo/Supplied

“It’s important for our youth to see themselves represented in academics and know that those pathways are for them too.”

Overcoming challenges

Fox-Romia’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges.

Transitioning to high school without a support network was difficult, and she admits that finding her social circle took time.

“For a long time, I felt isolated. But through extracurricular activities like debating, I found a space where I could connect with people and grow socially and emotionally.”

Her advice for others facing similar struggles? “Know that you’ll eventually find your people. It takes time, but it’s worth it.”

Manuia Fox-Romia, right, with Māngere College students Tulei Salu and Kasey Wehi, second from left, with PMN Cook Islands host Ernestina Bonsu-Maro, left, during an episode of the Teens of the 275 podcast in December 2023. Photo/PMN News

She credits her former debating coach, Ms Tele’a, as an inspiration.

“She really helped me find my voice as a student. But I also find that the role models that I look up to, much like her, have always uplifted me.

“She worked so hard when she was at my school. She was constantly pushing for better for us students.”

Looking ahead

As she embarks on her final year at Māngere College, Fox-Romia’s goals are clear.

She wants to leave a legacy of empowerment, ensuring future students feel supported and inspired to pursue their passions.

“This year isn’t just about what I can achieve as head girl,” she says. “It’s about what I can do to make life better for the students around me and for those who come after me.”

Watch Manuia Fox-Romia's interview on the PMN Cook Islands bilingual show.

Reflecting on her role, she acknowledges the challenges ahead. “As for head girl, it's so challenging to think about because there are so many things I feel like I want to achieve.

“I think one of the biggest things, a lot of people can come into the role wanting to bring some sort of change. But the question is, ‘What kind of change do I want to make’?”

Fox-Romia emphasises the importance of her fellow students.

“One of the biggest things for me is obviously the students. I feel like the students at my school are definitely the most important thing for me.

“I really want to make it a point within my journey as head girl to make people and the students around me feel empowered in the same way that I've been empowered and to see that different pathways are for them.”