Ōtara-Papatoetoe locals are going after their dreams and reaching greater heights with the backing of their local board.
Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board’s Pursuit of Excellence Award has been financially supporting people with outstanding achievements. Individuals who have shown leadership potential and contributed to the community with their skills can apply for this scholarship up to the value of $2000.
Local board chair Lotu Fuli says that the board wants to see the community grow and achieve their goals and this award is enabling them to do that.
“The local board is committed to supporting individuals and organisations in their journey towards success and to realise their ideal in the pursuit of excellence.
"Ōtara-Papatoetoe is a diverse community with talented people and excellent services and the board is keen to assist their development.”
In our three-part series, OurAuckland explores how the local board's Pursuit of Excellence Award has helped individuals achieve their goals.
Nora Swan
Nora Swan went to Oahu, Hawaii for Hawaii Fashion Week in December 2018 with the objective to increase local profile and image of Pacific and New Zealand fashion, and promote diverse participation in local government and civic life.
The fashion week showcases the latest in local and international fashion. Mrs Swan was invited on behalf of Pacific Fusion Fashion Show (PFFS) to showcase Pacific fashion.
Mrs Swan says that it was a great opportunity for PFFS to take Pacific fashion to the commercial Pacific capital of the world.
“For three years I have been nurturing this relationship online with well-known people in the fashion industry from around the world and it has been an honour to be included in this conversation.
“I was chosen to be included in this conversation based on my work as a mover and shaker in the fashion industry from an indigenous point and we are discussing ways how we can create an international fashion event that celebrates indigenous fashion.”
The local board scholarship covered Mrs Swan’s airfare, event registration and other operational costs. She says this experience will allow her to see how Pacific infused fashion is perceived around the world and would enable her to put Pacific and local fashion on the world map.
“As an entrepreneur who is Otara born and bred who still whakapapa's to Otara, I will be increasing the profile of my hometown - my turangawaewae.”
Mrs Swan has shown leadership and potential with her outstanding achievements and contributions to the community in the past. From hosting the largest high-end Pacific event, Pacific Fusion Fashion Show, in her hometown of Otara to growing the PFFS brand and continuing to highlight South Auckland in a positive light, she has been leading by examples.
“Part of the branding is to move my event to different locations in South Auckland to highlight these beautiful suburbs and our capabilities, our richness in culture and love as opposed to the negative stigmas others tend to put on us.”
Pursuit of Excellence Awards 2019
The purpose of this award is to provide financial assistance to those Ōtara-Papatoetoe residents and groups who will represent the area to demonstrate their excellence in conference and events.
Submissions are now being accepted for Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board Pursuit of Excellence Awards and will close at 5pm, Friday 28 June 2019.
