A young Niuean’s journey of identity, resilience and innovation

As a young Niuean-European growing up in Christchurch, Tanaki Fasi’s childhood was a mix of cultural pride and the struggle to belong in a city with a small Pacific community.

“When I started High School, there were only nine of us Pacific students in the whole school.”

In one incident, a maths classmate cut the string of a treasured Niuean necklace gifted by his grandmother.

“I was talking to my friends and he was sitting across from us. Him and his friends were joking about me and I could hear their words, I was just sort of ignoring it.

“Then he went over to my chair and put me in a headlock, and he was joking around. He had a pair of scissors and he was like, ‘Oh, should I cut this [necklace]?’ and then he cut it."

Fasi was then assigned as Pasifika mentor at school and has channeled his resilience into innovation.

As part of a school business project, Fasi and some classmates developed a sustainable respiratory mask using merino wool.

The design includes a washable ski-buff-style covering with long-lasting filters, addressing both comfort and cost concerns.

“We wanted to create something practical and affordable for workers,” Tanaki explained.

Tanaki and grandfather in Niue. Photo/Tanaki Fasi

“The process took over a year, from initial surveys to prototype testing, but seeing the positive feedback from tradies has been incredibly rewarding.”

Their project is currently in the prototype validation stage.

Finding strength in community

Following encouragement from his Pasifika mentor, Fasi took part in Christchurch's Polyfest and found solidarity with other Pacific youth.

“My older sister did Polyfest before me, and I found it a bit scary because I went to watch her perform, and all my cousins as well, and it looked a bit scary performing on a big stage.

“Since there weren't too many Pacific students at our school, the Pacific mentor ended up going to all the classrooms where the Pacific students were and invited them to come along and watch.

“I was a bit scared at first because I felt like I was a bit plastic … I ended up going and I met one of my best friends there on that day.”

Tanaki in Niue planting crops. Photo/Tanaki Fasi

A grandfather’s legacy

Fasi’s connection to his Niuean identity traces back to his grandfather.

“He was a really selfless person, and he really inspired me when I was growing up.

“He's my biggest role model and my main connection to the culture. He is a really key person in my life.”

Arriving in New Zealand in the early 1980s, Fasi said his grandfather worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for his family.

“He had to sell taro on the side of a road to get his ticket over here [to New Zealand], and he had quite a harsh upbringing.

Tanaki was a guest speaker at the Pasifika Medical Association's conference in November. Photo/PMA

“When he came over and moved in with his brothers, he was working all around the place, just in factories, and when my mum was growing up, he'd work crazy hours, seven days a week, so that she [my mum] and her sisters could go to school.”

Despite being a minority, the Pacific community is one of the fastest growing populations in Christchurch.

In the 2023 Census, 4.3 per cent of Christchurch's population, approximately 16,324 individuals, identified as Pacific. This is an increase from 3.1 per cent in the past decade, but still well below the current national average of 8.1 per cent.

The city’s Pacific population is also notably young, with almost half of the population under the age of 19.

Watch Tanaki Fasi talk more about his project below.

Bridging identities

Today, Fasi is on a mission to bridge his cultural identities while giving back to his community. Inspired by his grandfather’s legacy and his own experiences, he plans to study law, focusing on land disputes and property rights in Niue.

“My family in Niue encouraged me to pursue this path. I want to use my skills to help my people.”

To other young Pacific people struggling with identity, Fasi offers reassurance.

“Everyone’s journey is different… There's all the time to grow in the future. Just give it a go.”