Faumuina maps path for Pasifika leaders
SPORTS STAR and role model Beatrice Faumuina is helping develop a new voice for Pasifika through her work to create strong leaders in the Pacific community. The former discus thrower and
Dancing with the Stars competitor has been named a finalist in the second annual Fairfax Media and Westpac Women of Influence Awards for her work in fostering much-needed Pasifika leaders.
A world champion, World Cup champion, four-time Olympian, Halberg Award-winner and two-time Commonwealth champion and record holder, Faumuina began her leadership journey as one of New Zealand’s sporting heroes and has achieved success again by forging a path of excellence for the next generation of Pasifika leaders.
In 2005 she was made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to athletics.
Faumuina has headed the BEST Leadership Academy since its inception in 2010.
The leadership course aimed to lift incomes and living standards in New Zealand’s Pacific Island community by increasing the number of Pasifika people starting and leading Kiwi businesses and organisations.
The course teaches Pacific Island leaders to become better and stronger in their workplace, community and family life.
Faumuina told Fairfax Media earlier this year that her hope was to see all Pasifika people fulfil their potential with the support and encouragement of a team.
The cliche of ‘‘making a difference’’ as a Pacific person no longer sufficed as a purpose for working and leading, she said.
‘‘We must know what kind of world, what kind of nation we want.’’
The academy provided a breakthrough for Pasifika leaders who wanted to go on a journey to leadership.
Almost 40 Pasifika business leaders have undertaken the Auckland course so far after being nominated by their employers.
The 39-year-old said the course helped Pacific Island leaders reach their potential by instilling them with more confidence in their abilities.
‘‘Some of our Pasifika leaders are humble and are incredibly shy and would not self-nominate.’’
Faumuina said the course’s success to date had exceeded her expectations.
The course also assisted employers by increasing awareness of traditional cultural and behavioural values of Pasifika people.
Her plan now was to deliver the programme outside Auckland.