From rebuild worker to student: Sefanaia's return to Ara

A proud son of Visama e na Tikina o Nakelo, Tailevu in Fiji, Sefanaia Suguturaga first came to Christchurch in 2016 through a pioneering programme that enabled Pacific workers from Fiji, Samoa and Tonga to gain trade qualifications while contributing to the city's post-earthquake rebuild.

When Sefa received his offer to come to New Zealand, he was initially hesitant:

"Sa yaco mai na i vola me'u sa qai i Niusiladi, au sa lomaloma rua baleta ni'u sa cakava tiko na noqu Diploma, ia e sa bibi saraga vei au na waqavuka, o au me'u sa na vuka madaga i valagi"

“When I received the offer letter saying I was going to New Zealand, I had mixed feelings because I was still completing my diploma. But the opportunity to fly was a big thing for me. I had never had that experience before, and I really wanted the chance to fly overseas.”

In the end, he chose to embrace the opportunity to study here with courage and excitement.

After graduating in 2017, Sefanaia returned to Fiji before later securing a work visa and returning to Christchurch. Over the following years he built a career in the construction sector, working in a range of trades roles before joining PlaceMakers Frame and Truss in 2018 and later JB Joinery in 2021.

While working in trades roles across new-build construction and joinery, Sefanaia's focus was on gaining residency and building a future in New Zealand. His work included constructing wall frames and trusses, and later manufacturing and installing wardrobes, kitchen cabinetry, benchtops and reception counters. These hands-on experiences gave him a strong understanding of the construction industry and how projects come together from planning through to completion. Then, inspired by a fellow Fijian quantity surveyor, he began thinking further about his long-term career.

Recognising that trades work can be physically demanding over time, Sefanaia saw quantity surveying as an opportunity to build on his practical experience while remaining connected to the industry. After he gained residency in 2021, he decided to return to study and take the next step in his professional journey.

Returning to education more than a decade away from formal study presented new challenges. His journey has been shaped not only by education and work, but also by his strong faith and family.

"Na veigauna au qai kina i  Viti, dau tarogi au o noqu qase,'sa vakacava tiko vuli?"

Every time he returned home to Fiji, his father would ask about his studies and whether he still planned to continue his education. Those conversations served as a constant source of encouragement and motivation, reminding Sefanaia of the importance of pursuing his goals. His father's belief in him strengthened his determination to return to study and create better opportunities for his family, both in New Zealand and back home in Fiji.

For three years, Sefanaia lived apart from his daughter while he worked towards establishing himself in New Zealand and securing a stable future for his family. Their recent reunion has been one of his proudest achievements. Now that his daughter is living with him in New Zealand and thriving in preschool, he feels a greater sense of stability and can focus more fully on his studies and career goals. Looking ahead, Sefanaia hopes to complete his diploma in quantity surveying and eventually return to study construction management. He believes that investing in his education will open doors to better career opportunities, enabling him to provide for his family both in New Zealand and back home in Fiji.

Within Ara's Pacific community, Sefanaia is known as a dependable and approachable presence who regularly contributes to student activities and encourages fellow learners. He also serves in a leadership role within his church community.

As Ara celebrates Fijian Language Week, Sefanaia's story reflects the values of veiwekani (relationships), cakacaka vakaukauwa (hard work), dina (integrity) and vosota (perseverance).

His journey from Fiji to Christchurch, from trades learner to quantity surveying student, is a reminder that education can open doors not only for individuals, but for families and future generations.