UN Youth NZ Pacific Project Fundraising

I am incredibly fortunate to be chosen as 1 of 10 students to be a part of The Pacific Project, a UN Youth New Zealand program involving a cultural exchange, youth conferences and development experiences that will take place in Australia and Vanuatu in July 2015. I am also the only Polynesian who will represent the New Zealand delegation.

In Australia, I will be representing New Zealand at the UN Youth Australia National Delegation where I will be involved in a series of discussions, interacting with like-minded people from all over Asia-Pacific on a range of global and national issues. The conference will also allow me an opportunity to hear from reputed international experts on a broad range of topics while also giving me the chance to participate in workshops and interactive problem solving scenarios.

Whilst in Vanuatu we will put our new knowledge and ideas into practice, working with small communities to develop local projects. This part of our journey will act as a cultural exchange, learning opportunity, and an invaluable chance for me to engage in impact driven, community based development. This segment of the trip will include teaching opportunities and relationship development in an effort to better understand the crucial role New Zealand plays in the region’s socio-economic development.

The tough stuff – the cost for me to partake in this incredible opportunity is $5000. Alongside this I will be fundraising to raise the total amount needed to attend this trip. This money goes directly to UN Youth New Zealand to cover my flights to Australia and Vanuatu, accommodation, living costs and all activities related to The Pacific Project. Any help you can offer me to reach my goal – big or small makes a huge difference - is very much appreciated!

I am absolutely humbled to have been given this opportunity to be an ambassador for New Zealand and contribute to effecting meaningful change, and I cannot wait to share my experiences with you all.