Pacific creators push into gaming as South Auckland tech showcase returns

A Cook Islands digital communications trailblazer says young people are often judged too quickly for being on their phones when they may actually be building skills for the future.

The idea is at the heart of a growing push to open doors for Pacific youth in tech and creative industries.

Organisers say representation is still limited but opportunity is growing fast.

The South Auckland to the Tech World 2 (SATTTW2) showcase kicks off on Tuesday at The Cause Collective in Wiri, running from 19 to 20 May as part of Techweek26 (18 to 24 May 2026) under the theme: "The Art of the Possible".

The event is aimed at making the tech world more visible and accessible for South Auckland communities while connecting young people directly with hands-on pathways in the industry.

Speaking with Carolanne Toetu’u on Pacific Days, Hakopa Ririnui, a junior Māori indie game developer, says Pacific and Māori voices are still underrepresented in gaming and digital design. But that is starting to change, Ririnui says..

Watch Hakopa Ririnui’s full interview below.

“Māori and Pacific have rich stories to tell. We also bring a point of difference to what we create. The gaming industry is ready for those stories,” Ririnui says.

“That point of difference can [be brought] to the industry through our narratives, kōrero, stories. That’s a huge advantage for us. It'll be neat to see that representation grow in the industry.”

DigiCore founder Will Fleming told Pacific Days the aim is to help young people explain their work in ways their families can understand.

Watch Will Fleming’s full interview below.

“My whole job will be to ask our young people who are there: what does technology mean to you?” Fleming says.

“Because we all think a life in tech is great. But ask anyone that sits on a computer all day [and] it’s not so great.

“How do you explain to your family what you do with technology? A mama might look at you and think you're on your phone when actually you're working.

“Because we need to better articulate ourselves to the CEO and to the CEO at home, which is mum.”

This mirrors sentiments shared by Creative Lead Muliagatele Danny “Brotha D” Leaoasavai’i and the hub team since their inaugural event in 2025.

Providing a practical solution to these communication gaps, Fleming’s platform DigiCore, meaning digital kōrero, aims to redefine technology through the power of voice and cultural heritage.

The platform reframes digital tools to focus on "private speaking" and oral histories rather than public performance.

Under this educational initiative, high schoolers can currently earn five Level 2 NCEA credits by using digital tools to conduct one-on-one podcast interviews with their parents and grandparents.

Lead Holographer at Ideas at Work Ltd, Karl Schodt, presents holography technology to 2025 attendees. Photo/PMN News/Aui’a Vaimaila Leatinu’u

Tomorrow's SATTTW2 event serves as an immersive gateway, giving youth direct exposure to specialised hands-on pathways like artificial intelligence, robotics, coding, 3D design, graphic design, and animation.

Ririnui plans to provide a tangible example of independent success by inviting attendees to directly test his independently developed game.

People can also look behind the scenes to see how digital products are built from scratch without a massive studio background.

Papatoetoe students hit the game break hub at the 2025 South Auckland To The Tech World inaugural event. Photo/PMN News/Aui’a Vaimaila Leatinu’u.

Meanwhile, Fleming will drive a storytelling activation by running live podcast sessions directly on the floor.

He says these sessions will help young people practice communication skills, hold space, and openly voice what technology means to them.

The showcase is run by trusted education providers, the core hub team, and corporate partners like P-Tech.

Papatoetoe student Tuilolo Hea, right, among participants at the South Auckland To The Tech World’s 2025 event. Photo/PMN News/Aui’a Vaimaila Leatinu’u.

Fleming describes the network as the "Avengers of the South Pacific," coming together to unlock dream opportunities for local youth.

Services will also be available on-site including medical, mental health, and well-being support for attendees.

When: Tuesday, 19 May to Wednesday, 20 May, operating from 9am-2pm.

Where: The Cause Collective, 15 Earl Richardson Ave, Wiri.

Admission: Entirely free, though online registration is strictly required to manage venue safety capacity limits.

All registered attendees will go into a draw to win $500 worth of PB Tech equipment for their school.