Rooted in Culture, Rising in Leadership: the Pacific Women’s Sports Leadership Programme in Tonga.
Highlights from the Pacific Women’s Sports Leadership Programme in Tonga.
From the 3rd to 5th of June 2025, 17 inspiring women in sports leadership gathered at Ancient Tonga in Nukuʻalofa, Tonga for a powerful three-day experience: the Pacific Women’s Sports Leadership Programme (PWSLP).
Hosted by Pasifika Sisters in Sport and Women in Sport Aotearoa, and proudly supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the programme brought together wāhine toa from across the region to connect, grow, and lead grounded in culture and driven by purpose.
Here’s a quick recap of the magic that unfolded each day:
Day 1: Rooted in Connection
The programme opened with a heartfelt lotu (prayer) led by Reverend Tutaleva Lolohea, setting a calm and grounded tone for the days ahead. This was followed by warm opening remarks from Leitu Sa, Acting High Commissioner from the New Zealand High Commission in Tonga, and a powerful keynote address by Hon. Sinaitakala Tuitahi, Minister for the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), both of whom set the scene for what would be a truly transformative journey.
Our MCs, Pitisi Veatupu, Sports Division from MIA and Fila Fuamatu, Programme Manager of Pasifika Sisters in Sport held the space beautifully creating a safe, empowering environment for everyone to show up fully.
The opening session, Fofola e Fala, was all about storytelling and connection through sport. Women shared their journeys, laid down their "fala", and embraced one another with openness and unity.
Standout Session:
Wayfinding: Leadership & Mentoring Models
This powerful panel, delivered entirely in Tongan, brought together three trailblazers in Pacific sport leadership: Netina Latu Vea (CEO, Tonga Sports Association & National Olympic Committee), Salote Sisifa (CEO, Tongan Netball Association), and Dr Unaloto Sili (Governance & Admin Officer, Tonga Rugby Union).
Facilitated by Talita Kefu, the session unpacked what mentorship really looks like in a Pacific context where cultural knowledge, lived experience, and sisterhood all play a role in shaping strong, grounded leaders.
Day 2: Leading with Heart
Day 2 was all about digging deeper into strategy, systems, and the kind of leadership tools that help turn vision into action. With Dr Sierra Keung, Board Member of Pasifika Sisters in Sport as MC, we moved through some of the most impactful sessions of the programme.
We kicked off with TetraMap, a dynamic team-building tool introduced by Nicky van den Bos, CEO of Women in Sport Aotearoa. It helped us better understand our own leadership styles—and how to work more effectively with others. There were plenty of lightbulb moments (and a few good laughs) as we unpacked how our natural strengths show up in teams.
Standout Session:
Navigating Government Systems
This panel created a powerful space for talanoa bringing together current and emerging leaders with the people influencing policy at the top.
Leitu Sa (Acting High Commissioner, NZ High Commission), Ilaisaane Tuitupou (Women’s Affairs & Gender Equality Division), and Onetoto Anisi (Ministry of Internal Affairs) shared candid insights into how government systems operate and how Pacific women in sport can play a bigger role in shaping those systems.
Facilitated by Dr Sierra Keung, this wasn't just about learning the ropes. It was an open invitation to collaborate, lead, and see ourselves as part of the bigger picture. The panel didn’t just talk to us they talked with us. And that made all the difference.
To close the day, Nicky van den Bos returned with the Emotional Culture Deck workshop, sparking powerful kōrero about identity, values, and the emotions that drive the way we lead. It was a grounding, honest session that reminded us leadership isn’t just about strategy, it’s about heart.
Day 3: Rising in Leadership
By Day 3, the energy was next level. Everyone came in clear on their purpose and ready to turn insights into action.
We zoomed in on partnerships and project impact, hearing from PWSLP alumni 2023, Pitisi Veatupu, MIA Sports Division on her project Hoihoifua 2023.
The final day wrapped with a beautiful and emotional closing ceremony where each woman presented her personalised leadership bag crafted over the three days to represent her culture, identity, and values.
These bags weren’t just symbolic, they told stories of where each woman comes from, what she stands for, and how she leads. As they were shared, so were laughs, tears, and moments of deep connection.
Certificates followed, hugs were exchanged, and the final lotu delivered by Asenati Tavita, Network and Engagement Coordinator of Pasifika Sisters in Sport reminded us of the collective strength and sisterhood built over the week.
And the journey doesn’t stop here!
We’re now gearing up to deliver the next Pacific Women’s Sports Leadership Programme workshop this time in Fiji, during the 10th to 12th June 2025. More wāhine, more connection, and more chances to grow the movement of Pacific women leading in sport, on their own terms.
