Anticipation is building for the Pasifika Navigators of Tomorrow career expo, which will inspire hundreds of Pacific students from across the Bay of Plenty.
The expo is being held at Mercury Baypark Arena on April 23 with the theme ‘if you can see it, you can be it.’
It is designed to demonstrate to students that they can achieve their aspirations, by giving them the opportunity to speak directly with people of similar backgrounds to themselves, who are actively working in a variety of roles.
Expo organiser Aifai Esera sees it as an invaluable opportunity to invest in young Pacific people.
“Seeing someone like them in different spaces makes those careers possible for them,” he said.
“Growing up, we were always known for working as cleaners, factory workers and labourers. We’re known to work with our hands but not with our minds. This expo aims to broaden their horizons.”
Esera and his small team at Pacific Growth Services organise the biennial career expo as part of their commitment to supporting the Bay of Plenty’s Pacific people and businesses.
This year’s event builds on successes from the inaugural Tauranga Pasifika Navigators of Tomorrow expo two years ago.
Up to 600 students of Pacific heritage are expected to attend from across the broader region, including the Eastern Bay, Tauranga, Tokoroa, Putaruru and as far afield as Taupō.
Exhibitors from a range of different industries will be in attendance, allowing students to engage with the full spectrum of pathways into the workforce.
Photo: PNOT 2024 Deep Dive