Pasifika style: Napier Girls’ High introduces lavalava to school wardrobe

Vaine Toa prefect Lia Eneliko wearing the new school uniform lavalava with Nikol Stirland, the teacher in charge of Pasifika students. Photo / Warren Buckland

Napier Girls’ High School has introduced the lavalava to its formal uniform following a idea that formed over three years.

The idea was sparked after students noticed other New Zealand schools had incorporated it into their uniforms.

They approached principal Dawn Ackroyd and the teacher in charge of Pasifika students, Nikol Stirland, and got support to start working towards its inclusion.

The navy blue lavalava, a collaborative work, depicts the traditional hibiscus flower on one side and the school crest on the other.

The three-year design had many alterations, including making sure it was suitable for girls to walk around the school site on Napier Hill.

Work was done to have the pockets’ height and placement in the right position to give students the best experience.

The newest addition to the school uniform reflects the connection between school and culture. Photo / Warren Buckland

In Polynesian culture, the lavalava is worn to show modesty. The artwork featured was designed by former student Ruby Taite, and it was current Vaine Toa prefect Lia Eneliko who saw the initiative through to completion.

She is delighted to have it as part of the uniform and said all the girls were pleased it was finally on offer, and non-Pasifika students were also wearing it.

“It actually makes us girls a lot more confident,” Eneliko said.

Ackroyd is thrilled to finally have the option available for students and hopes it will further increase their sense of belonging and connection to the school.

She said that if students felt connected to the school, it helped to increase wellbeing and achievement in all aspects of their education.

Michaela Gower joined Hawke’s Bay Today in 2023 and is based out of the Hastings newsroom. Michaela covers Dannevirke and Hawke’s Bay news and has a love for sharing stories about farming and rural communities.