Edwina’s heart of service
Edwina Joy Harris is undoubtedly a Pasifika leader of the future. Edwina, who is proudly of Tokelauan and Scottish descent, has already made some big moves in the Pasifika political space as President of the 2021 Pasifika Student Council.
17 June 2021
Edwina is currently studying towards a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Development Studies, International Relations and Political Science. Those who knew her growing up won’t be surprised to see her taking on a role where she can serve the Pasifika community. Edwina grew up in Porirua and has always had a heart of service. Her mother had come to New Zealand from Tokelau nearly 30 years ago, where she met Edwina's father and decided to settle down. Adjusting to the new environment was difficult for Edwina's mother. Thankfully, she raised a highly intelligent daughter who can now help with some of New Zealand’s systems that are particularly confusing to navigate.
“My mum’s English has its limits, and at times she can’t grasp the ever-changing systems of New Zealand. She recently had a bad experience going through the ACC process, which highlighted what I feel many people experience. The ACC doctor’s report did not match what she had said to them. She did not know she could refuse to sign it, or that other options were available. I am thankful that I was able to help her.”
When she was younger, Edwina has realised she was sometimes too smart for her own good. She completed her High School education at Mana College, and looking back, she realises that at times she might have been a little disruptive in class.
“I was the class clown who was banned from maths for a whole month.”
She now realises that she was probably acting out because she wasn't stimulated enough in her learning.
Thankfully, she made amends with her maths teacher and was able to channel her energy into extra-curricular activities. She was heavily involved with cultural groups, sport, music and student leadership roles. Sometimes she had to show a little kiwi ingenuity to get what she wanted.
“I really wanted there to be a Tokelauan club at school. But we only had three Tokelauan students—me and my two cousins. So, we collaborated with the Samoan teacher to have a blended Samoan and Tokelauan student group. We would learn things about the Samoan way of doing things and they would do the same for us.”
She was heavily involved in church and in that space found somewhere where it was safe and exciting to learn about her Tokelauan culture.
“I attribute so much of my Tokelauan knowledge to my church— Pahina O Tokelau. It’s where I learned my language, our customs and cultural dance, and how to respect my elders. They were my community. They were my Pacific.”
It wasn’t always smooth sailing for Edwina’s family.
“My Dad passed away when I was 12 years old. I grew up on the poverty line. It was really hard for my family. Sometimes we wouldn’t have lunch to take to school or food for dinner, and we relied a lot on food grants from WINZ.”
This hardship made family all the more important to Edwina. In 2013 she found herself having to make the tough decision to delay going to University.
“I had a scholarship lined up. I was ready to do law in Wellington. But two months before I started, I came home and found my mum crying with a bill in her hand. She was about to lose the house. There was no question for me about what needed to be done. I changed my plans and worked to help support my family. I eventually moved to Australia where the wages were better and I was able to work my way up to a management role.”
For Edwina, that delay was just one more step she needed to take on her way forward. She did not let it stop her from striving for success. In 2020, Edwina reenrolled at the University with some big new goals in mind.
“Life has shown me that there is so much need for change to support those who need it most. When I graduate, I hope to work in the Ministry of Social Development, to try and encourage these changes. From there, I’d also love to work as a diplomat in the Pacific. Then maybe one day work for the United Nations, to educate the world and challenge perceptions of those of us from the Pacific Islands being helpless.”
Those of us in Edwina's Pasifika community at the University know that those organisations are going to be lucky to have her.