Youth MP Wants To See Pasifika Voices In Politics Amplified
"I feel like I represented my community to the best of my ability, and I just feel very proud at this moment," Tominiko said.
The 16-year-old admitted that it was intimidating to be surrounded by young people from bigger electorates, places with established political histories and strong connections.
But Tominiko stood firm, wearing his ie faitaga and ulafala through the halls of Parliament, making a distinct impression among the suits and Western attire.
After participating in debates and questioning ministers, Tominiko said the experience was powerful and frustrating, reflecting the promise and persistent gaps for Pasifika youth in politics.
"Something that I wanted to make sure of whilst I was at Parliament was that I didn't come as an individual," he says. "I came as the representative of not only my MP, the Honourable Lemauga Lydia Sosene, but also my Māngere community, the voices of Māngere youth, Pasifika as a whole, and South Auckland.
"Walking around, people would ask me where I'm from, and when I said South Auckland, Māngere, they'd ask, 'Where's that?' It shows we're still unknown and underrepresented."
Despite New Zealand having its most diverse Parliament to date, Tominiko said Pasifika priorities remained low on the agenda, and young people were increasingly frustrated by being excluded from decisions that directly affect them.
One issue that struck a nerve was the debate over race-based scholarships. Marques said some argued these should be scrapped in the name of "equality" but that ignored the reality for many Māori and Pasifika families.
"Yes, we have more Pasifika MPs, and even our Deputy Prime Minister is Pasifika, but we're still unseen and unheard. Our priorities aren't high on the list for this government.
"It's not about equality. It's about equity. Look at the stats: Māori and Pasifika are at the bottom for NCEA pass rates, retention and university entry. These scholarships exist to give us opportunities we're not given otherwise."
Manukau Ward Councillor Lotu Fuli agreed, supporting Tominiko's stance. "I believe in scholarships for Māori and Pasifika. The whole point of such scholarships is to address the inequities that exist to try to even up the playing field. If we get to a stage as a society where those inequities no longer exist, then the need for such scholarships will go."
Tasi Poumale, McAuley High School teacher and community leader, said ethnic scholarships could help break barriers and that visible role models are equally important. Poumale suggested that councils should prioritise civic education to encourage more young Pasifika people to vote, engage, and raise their voices.
"Our Pacific students need to see Pacific role models in those leadership spaces. Education is access to a lot of opportunities ... ethnic scholarships are equitable because not every family has the same resources.
"Council should be going into schools, especially year 11, 12, 13, running workshops ... If they go in and educate and encourage, then our rangatahi will have more exposure and opportunity to participate."
Tominiko also said that young people felt excluded because they lack genuine opportunities to challenge decision-makers.
Associate Education Minister Barbara Edmonds said Youth Parliament's handling of challenging issues showed the importance of allowing young people to speak truthfully, without fear of censorship.
She hoped for the growing number of Pasifika youth MPs this year, but said that the government must allow them to speak openly.
"The whole point of Youth Parliament is to give young people and rangatahi a chance to be heard. The issue of censoring their speeches so they don't criticise the government goes against the spirit of this. Youth MPs should feel safe to say what they think and not let anyone force them to think any other way.
"What was pleasing to see was so many young Pasifika Youth MPs come to Parliament. Their engagement and speeches were outstanding. It gives me so much hope for this next generation I think they could have done an even more important job if their speeches weren't vetted and they weren't told not to criticise."
For Tominiko, the experience reinforced his belief that Pasifika youth must become comfortable with discomfort to claim their rightful place, even when politics felt unsafe.
"Politics is not safe for Pasifika youth right now," he says. "But by getting into those spaces where we're not welcome, we can make them safe. Not just for ourselves, but for our people and our future."
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