Wāhine Toa Programme empowers women across the Pacific

The Wāhine Toa Oceania programme has successfully completed its second in-person workshop in Nadi, Fiji, marking another step in its transformational journey.

Seven leaders from Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and the Cook Islands presented their special projects, each focused on the overarching themes of Safeguarding, Leadership and Pathways. These projects, developed over the course of the programme, reflected the participants’ commitment to creating impact within their communities.

The pilot initiative is led by the New Zealand Olympic Committee with support from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, as well as Olympic Solidarity.

NZOC Secretary General Nicki Nicol attended the special project presentations and graduation ceremony in Fiji, acknowledging the powerful growth of the wāhine toa throughout the programme.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, Julieanne Westrupp, a multi-sport athlete from the Cook Islands, highlighted the deep impact of the programme and the strength of the network now uniting women leaders across Oceania.

“We all agree we have gained increased confidence and competence in leadership behaviours as well as an enhanced self-awareness. We have been blessed and privileged to have had this opportunity."

The programme was proudly led by ACE Award winner Robyn Cockburn and Wāhine Toa Alumni Sarah Cowley Ross, whose guidance and support helped shape this transformational journey for wāhine toa across Oceania. Robyn Cockburn described it as a privilege to accompany these extraordinary wāhine toa on their journeys of leadership development.

“The way these women have been so open to learning and developing is a testament to them, their families and their countries. They were all great athletes and it’s inspiring to see them flourish and connect with each other so constructively in such a meaningful way.”

The Wāhine Toa Oceania pilot programme will conclude later this year with one final online workshop, and the wāhine toa will continue to be supported by their individual mentors and the facilitation team.

 Graduates: Makelesi Bulikiobo (Fiji), Penateti Feke (Tonga), Olivia Hogarth (Samoa), Calina Panuve (Tonga), Cheyenne Rova (Fiji), Matelita Tanuvasa (Fiji) and Julz Westrupp (Cook Islands)