From Leadership Development to Regional Impact: Supporting Tonga's Stadiums Tour in Aotearoa
In February 2026, we had the privilege of supporting a delegation from Tonga's Ministry of Internal Affairs, Sport and Active Recreation Division, during an eight-day stadium and sport sector tour across Tāmaki Makaurau.
The visit brought together Miss Pitisi Veatupu, Assistant Sport Development Officer, and Mr Siope Kaitu'u, Teufaiva Ground Manager, to learn from key organisations across New Zealand's sporting landscape and strengthen relationships that will support the future development of sport in Tonga.
The tour was designed to provide professional development opportunities, strengthen sports diplomacy, and create connections that may contribute to Tonga's preparations for hosting the 2031 Pacific Games.
What made this visit particularly meaningful for PSIS (Pasifika Sisters In Sport) was the relationship that helped make it possible.
Pitisi Veatupu first connected with PSIS as a participant in our leadership development initiatives and later became involved in the inaugural Pacific Women's Sports Leadership Programme delivered in Tonga in partnership with Women in Sport Aotearoa and funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade New Zealand.
In 2025, Pitisi reached out to PSIS seeking support to help organise a New Zealand stadiums tour for representatives from Tonga. Through existing relationships across the sport sector, PSIS worked alongside Moana Pasifika and key stakeholders to coordinate meetings, site visits, and introductions throughout the programme.
Over the course of the visit, the delegation met with leaders and organisations across the New Zealand sport ecosystem, including Moana Pasifika, Auckland Stadiums, Eden Park, High Performance Sport New Zealand, Sport New Zealand, Auckland Rugby League, Kolmar Sport Centre, Bruce Pulman Park, the University of Auckland, and representatives working in sports diplomacy.
These visits provided valuable opportunities to explore stadium operations, facility management, high-performance environments, governance structures, community engagement, and long-term planning for major sporting events.
While the facilities themselves were impressive, the greatest value came from the relationships that were formed and strengthened throughout the journey.
As our Executive Director Fila Fuamatu reflected:
"The whole tour was organised based on relationships. Everyone was generous to give their time. Relationships are the currency in the Pacific."
The experience highlighted the importance of Pacific-led collaboration and the willingness of people across Aotearoa's sport sector to share knowledge, open doors, and support the development of sport throughout the region.
One of the key learnings from the tour was the importance of building solutions that reflect local realities. While New Zealand's facilities provide valuable examples, future developments in Tonga need to be designed with Tonga's unique environment, resources, and long-term sustainability in mind.
The visit also reinforced the opportunities for collaboration between Pacific nations and New Zealand. Through programmes like this, knowledge can be shared, networks can be strengthened, and pathways can be created for future leaders across the region.
For Pasifika SiS, this work reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting Pasifika women and communities through leadership, connection, and capacity building.
The impact of leadership development is not always immediate. Sometimes it is seen years later, when programme alumni return seeking guidance, partnerships, and opportunities that benefit entire communities.
This tour demonstrated what is possible when relationships are nurtured over time and when Pacific people work together towards a shared vision for the future.
We look forward to continuing to strengthen connections across the Pacific and creating opportunities that support the growth of women, girls, and sporting communities throughout our region.
