Executive Director Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga told teachers, community leaders, students and their families gathered for its opening on Wednesday, that our partnership with the Henderson-based school will continue to grow.

“We are honoured to be associated with this school and we look forward to further collaboration,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says, while acknowledging those present at the traditional ‘ava ceremony to mark the occasion, which represents respect, unity, community and relationships.

Peseta thanked the Unitec Pathways College (UPC) team for their mahi in devising this project and congratulated ākonga who were involved in its construction, wishing them well in their future careers.

Deputy Principal Isapela Tausa says the fale, which was given the name Le Fale Uaitakele -‘the house/building of Waitākere’, was also symbolic for current and future students of Pacific heritage.

“It is not simply a building, it is statement. It declares to our Pasifika students that ‘you belong here, your culture is treasured here, your success matters here’,” Ms Tausa explained.

“Peseta, your support and partnership in bringing this fale to life speaks to the power of collaboration and vision of uplifting our Pacific communities, fa’afetai tele (thank you).”

The deputy principal says the fale will be a place where students can learn, gather, celebrate and draw strength from their heritage as they navigate their educational journeys.

“We open our arms wider to the Pacific community. We open pathways to greater achievement, and we open our hearts to the sacred responsibility of not just nurturing academic excellence, but cultural pride and identity.”

Rain did not dampen the occasion, with Reverend Asora Amosa calling it a spiritual blessing. Reflecting on Le Fale Uaitakele as a beacon of cultural pride for the community which will inspire current and future students.

Principal Mark Shanahan, who is a graduate of ours, did the honours of cutting the ribbon with student, Ojan Sa'u.

Mr Shanahan describes the fale as a significant milestone for the school which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, acknowledging the part Unitec and MIT have

played in that journey through past students and teachers and the relationships that were nurtured in that time.

Mr Shanahan says Le Fale Uaitakele was the culmination of fifteen years of planning.

“Without Unitec coming on board this fale wouldn’t happen,” the principal says.

“Nothing happens in a vacuum. Everything happens because of an idea, belief and they bring people on board. Our students today will carry that waka forward leaving a footprint that others can step into.”

Mr Shanahan acknowledged carpentry lecturer and tufuga (master builder) Ruben Sigglekow for his contribution to making this project come to fruition.

It was Ruben’s idea to make the fale a creative project for the Waitākere College students in his Level 3 Carpentry Construction class.

Nine students were part of the core group that began construction of the fale in February 2025 with the help of students from the Level 2 cohort.

Before construction took place, the students spent a month in pre-skilling activities, which included health and safety training and basic construction skills, before moving into the structural phase.

Scoping of the land at the school began in September. The fale was transported to the school in two pieces in early October and put together by Mr Sigglekow and the students before the opening.

Ruben says it was his desire to create a culturally inclusive and engaging structure that would resonate closely with the students of Pacific heritage, as most existing buildings reflect Palagi (European) architectural styles.

Witnessing the opening of the fale was a dream come true.

“When we decided to build this fale, we thought it was a good way of incorporating a bit of culture in their learning. Carpentry is usually taught in a palagi (European) way. However, we teach the same skills. I’ve also learnt a lot this year working with these students and the school.”

Mr Sigglekow says he was inspired to build a fale during past visits to Samoa with his Samoan partner. From there, he built a smaller prototype before pitching it to UPC and the school, and they were all onboard with the idea.

He emphasised that Le Fale Uaitakele is an interpretation of a Samoan fale and not traditionally made.

UPC currently offers Level 2 and 3 programmes in Automotive, Carpentry and Animal Care to secondary schools in Auckland, however there are plans to expand to include Healthcare in 2026.

Close to 300 ākonga from up to 18 secondary schools attend classes weekly at Unitec.

The course has been highly successful in providing high school students with knowledge of the construction industry by engaging in practical projects which encourages them to explore pathways in carpentry, plumbing, quantity surveying, construction management, architecture and engineering.

Some of this year’s cohort have already enrolled to study in our Trades School next year.