Influencing the realm of design with kindness, passion, hard work and a bit of Pacific flair is a top priority for architecture student Kaline Masitabua (pictured).
After three years of intense study for his Bachelor of Architectural Studies, the 21-year-old of Fijian heritage is now settling into his new job as an architectural assistant at Wellington firm Solari Architects, with the guidance of TupuToa.
The Toloa Tertiary Scholarship recipient is also set to study for his Graduate Diploma in Designed Environments at Victoria University of Wellington.
Toloa is one of the Ministry for Pacific Peoples’ (MPP) flagship initiatives supporting Pacific peoples in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) pathways, over a whole of life approach.
Aiming to inspire and support Pacific students in their engagement with STEAM, Toloa Tertiary Scholarships include tertiary tuition fees and compulsory course-related fees up to $10,000 for one year of fulltime study in STEAM-related courses.
Kaline was partly raised in Kadavu, Fiji, before he and his family settled in Whangārei.
He aspires to be like his parents and hopes to be a fully-fledged architect so he can help his family, his local and wider Pacific community, he says.
“We need more Pacific people in STEAM fields because there aren't enough Pacific perspectives in these fields,” Kaline says.
“Pacific people think very differently than others around the world, as I discovered while attending university.”
Kaline adds he wants to make a significant positive difference in Pacific Aotearoa, particularly in the field of residential architecture.
“The housing crisis is a real and ongoing problem for many of our Pacific people.
“I currently work at Solari Architects in Wellington, and our commitment to people and the environment is reflected in our architecture, which Pacific Aotearoa will benefit from.
“I believe I am already contributing to a positive impact change, but with a few more experiences and knowledge, I will excel.”
The scholarship has helped Kaline by allowing him to focus solely on his studies without the financial, mental, and physical pressures he would have otherwise faced.
“I have put my heart and soul into my studies because I know organisations such as the Ministry for Pacific People believe in young Pacific students like me.
“The most important lesson I've learned this year is you will never get anywhere by only hoping, praying, or manifesting in goals you want to achieve.
“Yes, that is fantastic; however, to achieve great results, you must also be willing to invest your time and hard work.
“Goals will be achieved if you work towards them.”
Visit the MPP website for more information on the Toloa programme.