Talofa Lava, my name is Anya Paula Luaiva Taufagapiu Taloafulu, I am the Oldest child of 4 irritating but loving siblings. I am in a family of 14 singers, & the school I go to is Mcauley high in Otahuhu. I am a Proud Samoan & my villages are Safua, Lalomalava & Sinamoga located in Apia & Upolu, the Church I go to is St Pauls Otara, which I am currently a member of the Choir & the Youth group.I am currently playing as a Violinist in my Violin group. I am very excited to learn new things in Sistema Aotearoa. Learning about the Violin helps me improve my memory (notes), concentration, and problem-solving skills, while also boosting creativity and self-confidence.

I like studying a lot. Studying is important for true success, career advancement, and personal growth. It enhances knowledge, improves skills, and provides valuable life skills like time management. Studying helps me train my mind & it helps me to understand the subject or situation better. And I like to play my Violin when I am bored or when I have free time, because Playing the violin can provide numerous benefits, including some function, memory, and fine skills, as well as emotional and physical well-being. It can also provide concentration, creativity, and self-confidence. Joining the group was the best choice I have ever made. When I first started to play the Instrument I felt a connection with it, it had made me feel special & important by the sounds & percussions by it.

In Malaga I am looking forward to learning my Language in Samoa & learning more Samoan music sheets, I am kind of nervous but excited at the same time because I knew that the day is coming soon, everyone will see that Sistema aotearoa not only traveled because we wanted to perform in Sa, we wanted to go Samoa because we Love to help others play music as well even through they couldn’t do it & we would loved it if everyone knew how much playing an Instrument got us here in the first place, it had made us noticeable and brave for our interactions & hard working we have put in it.

"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page,"

Hi, my name is Emily McGregor and I am 15 years old. I am currently a year 11 student attending school in Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate and live here in Ōtara. My journey with Sistema Aotearoa began in the 2016 intake, where I first started learning violin. Through this program I’ve had the amazing opportunity to play with other well-known groups in the classical music industry such as: The Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, NZ Trio, and The New Zealand String Quartet. Having the ability to connect with others through music not just playing violin, but other instruments too, has become a great advantage that I can utilise today in my life. During the trip to Samoa I’ll be looking forward to meeting new people, and connecting with music organisations outside of Sistema Aotearoa.

Talofa lava, Malo soifuā

My name is Destiny Uini-Lucy Fruean-Ah Ching, and I am currently a Year 10 student at St Mary's College. I proudly hail from the villages of Moto'otua and Siusega in Samoa. Since 2016, I have been a dedicated student of SISTEMA Aotearoa, a journey that began when I was six years old at St John the Evangelist Catholic School, one of the fortunate schools that participate in this incredible program. SISTEMA Aotearoa is powered by passionate mentors who volunteer their time and expertise to teach us.

Initially, I started learning the violin, eventually transitioned to the cello, and now play the double bass while also engaging in orchestral singing. After nine years with SISTEMA, I am profoundly thankful for all the support I’ve received, which has shaped me into who I am today. My love for music drives me to continuously explore and deepen my understanding at every opportunity. Through SISTEMA Aotearoa, I've been fortunate to perform alongside talented musicians, including the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra and various school ensembles on my musical journey. Additionally, I take part in the Stella Strings Orchestra – Y7 – Y10 and Gospel Choir at St. Mary's College. Music is a huge part of my life, and I aspire to become a professional musician and singer in the future.

Being part of this Malaga is incredibly meaningful to me. It allows me to perform for my aiga and the people of Samoa while deepening my understanding of my culture and broadening my horizons. I feel truly honoured to have been chosen for this Malaga and want to express my gratitude to the leaders of SISTEMA Aotearoa for including me in this journey. I hope for many more opportunities for all of us students to thrive in the music field. Fa’afetai tele lava.

Hello, my name is Soolin Hansen, and I am currently a Year 10 student at Macleans College. Originally from South Korea, I've called New Zealand home for about five years.

Music is my lifeline -- it helps me express emotions, escape reality, and find comfort. It's an essential part of my life, whether playing instruments, singing along, or simply humming a tune that's recently been stuck in my head. My passion lies in enhancing my performance skills and interpreting music with good phrasing and storytelling.

I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in this programme and look forward to immersing myself in Samoan culture, meeting new people, and sharing music with them.

Talofa lava, my name is Hanalina Tanuvasa. I hail from the villages of Laulii, Nofoalii, Vaivase, Salani Falealili, and from Fagalima Savai’i. I currently attend McAuley High School as a year 12 student learning and studying biology, chemistry, music, and also Samoan. My parents are Nu’u Tanuvasa and Meru Tanuvasa. I am part Chinese and Samoan. I am a hearty Samoan but would also back up my Tongan brothers and sisters no matter what. I am a quick leaner when it comes to learning new things especially in school but also trying and persevering in other sports I have never tried before. The sports that I love to play the most is Netball, Volleyball, and also Rugby League. This experience will help reconnect with my roots and it is something that can help create a closer bond with some students from sistema and also create a closer connection with music. High school/college is a place where most students lose their identity but also confidence in themselves with trying to learn about their cultures and ethnicity. Most of us New Zealand born islanders normally do not have the privilege to learn how to speak Samoan but also be taught through the Samoan way. My heritage and fa’asinomaga (identity) is something I hold very closely to my heart. Fa’afetai lava mo le avanoa.

My name is Aleczander Fa’alupega Fonoivasa and I am 14 years of age. I am a year 10 at De La Salle college and I am the fifth child of 7 children. My parents are Piilua and Kasiano Fonoivasa. I am from Ōtara, my mum is from Salelologa and Lona, Fagaloa, and my dad is from Saleufi, Samatau and Lotofaga. I joined Sistema not just because I enjoy playing the cello, but also because of the close friendships I’ve made there—and maybe a little bit for the food too.

I want to go on this trip because I heard that we might be able to learn new skills and we might be able to inspire other young children to try and learn what we do.

I think this trip will help me gain new skills, help me improve on my cello and maybe even get a little smarter.