Malo e lelei ko hoku ingoa Elizabeth Klavenes. My family originates from the villages Pangaimotu, Vava’u, Fasi moe Afi, Fo’ui, ‘O’ua, Lotofoa, Ha’apai and Sandefjord, Norway. I was born in Cebu City in the Philippines, where I lived for three years. I come from a big family of 9, being the third youngest out of seven kids. I love being involved in my community, as I am one of the original members of the Pukekohe Youth Leadership Council (or PYLC for short), which is a youth lead group that is dedicated to helping better the youth space in our local community. A little bit about me – I like to bake and travel to new places and I love to read…… when I can get away from my family long enough. Growing up, my family instilled in me the values that have shaped me today to be the person I am, and I aim to bring those values into everything I hope to achieve with my council this year. I plan to bring together the different councils within the pasifika space, guided by key Tongan values such as faka’apa’apa (respect), tauhi vā (maintaing strong relationships) , ngāue fakataha (working together), fefaka’apa’apa (mutual respect) and loto tō (humility and service). By uniting these councils, we can strengthen relationships across the school and create a culture where students uplift one another rather than work separately. I would like these Tongan values to leave a lasting mark on the school by shaping how we lead, how we support our peers, and how we show respect in all spaces. Through this, pasifika leadership will be visible, meaningful and lived every day – creating harmony, pride, and a sense of belonging for all students. I am excited to work with my council and the SLT team as well as building connections with my fellow students this upcoming year. Mālō ‘aupito!
