New Zealand's former Prime Minister John Key presented awards to nine Pacific Islander students in Auckland yesterday, December 19. Among the recipients were students of Tongan heritage Emma Takataka and Roneima Teumohenga.

Emma Takataka (21) from Otara won the Auckland Council Community Star Award, granting her a a paid internship with the Auckland Council. Emma is a law student at Auckland University and is involved in the "Malosi Project" a movement advocating the legal and political rights of Pacific Islanders in New Zealand. 

Emma told the Manukau Courier, "I hope to help our youth understand the importance of turning their negative experiences into a source of strength to fight for a better way of living".

PM's Pacific Youth STEM award

Roneima Teumohenga (18) from Palmerston North, won the national Prime Minister's Pacific Youth STEM award, granting her $10,000 towards her tertiary studies. At her school, Palmerston North Girls' High, Roneima tutored younger students in science and was a leadership prefect in sciences.

Roneima told the Manawatu Standard "I knew I had to work hard throughout school and ask questions and participate in discussions, which is not something all Pasifika people are confident in doing."

"We're taught to be humble, listen and not question, and it can be difficult to contribute ideas or even look the teacher in the eyes. Out in the big wide world it can be difficult to adjust that, but my parents encouraged me."

Roneima will study at Otago University next year.