Zahlias taking on Hawaii

This project supports Zahlia’s Siva Afi journey as she prepares to compete in the Junior Division at the prestigious World Fire Knife Competition in Hawaii in 2026. She began her Siva Afi journey at just seven years old, and through dedication, discipline, and deep cultural pride, she has committed countless hours to training and refining her craft.

Siva Afi has strengthened her connection to who she is and where she comes from, grounding her in her heritage and identity. This opportunity will see her represent Aotearoa and Mana Le Afi on the world stage, honouring the legacy of Siva Afi while competing alongside the best young fire knife performers from around the globe.

This project is about empowering a young tamaitai malosi to carry her culture proudly, strengthen her skills, and shine internationally while inspiring other young teine to embrace their identity, resilience, and dreams.

Zahlia is an 11-year-old teine samoa from the villages of Falelima and Leulumoega, born and raised in Avondale, Aotearoa. She is a dedicated Siva Afi performer and a proud wahine whose journey with the fire knife began at just seven years old.

Her growth and success have been shaped by the support of her family, friends, and mentors. At the heart of it all are her Mum and Dad, who have stood beside her from the very beginning. Supporting evenings of practice, travel commitments, and the sacrifices that come with pursuing Siva Afi. They are hands-on in every part of her journey, from organising logistics to making and preparing her costumes, ensuring she steps onto every stage feeling confident, prepared, and proud.

She is also uplifted by extended family, friends, and mentors who guide her training, encourage her discipline, and ensure she remains grounded in who she is and where she comes from. Together, they form the village that continues to help her grow.

Traveling internationally to compete comes with significant costs. We are raising funds to support:

• Return flights to Hawaii
• Accommodation during the competition
• Competition registration fees
• Training costs
• Costumes and performance attire
• New double fire knives

Every contribution, big or small, directly supports her preparation and participation, helping her step onto the world stage confident, prepared, and ready to represent her culture with pride.

This project is about preparing and supporting Zahlia to compete at the prestigious World Fire Knife Competition in Hawaii in May.

She has already competed on multiple stages across the Pacific. In Tahiti, she earned 3rd place in the Junior Division and was part of the Pauka Afi group that placed 2nd. These achievements reflect her commitment, growth, and ability to perform under pressure.

Competing at the World Fire Knife Competition is more than an opportunity. It is about:

• Honouring her heritage
• Representing Aotearoa, Mana Le Afi and her villages with pride
• Gaining international experience
• Inspiring other young teine to pursue their art

This is the next step in a journey built on discipline, resilience, and heart. 

Siva Afi is more than performance — it is identity, storytelling, and cultural preservation. When Zahlia steps onto the stage at the World Fire Knife Competition in Hawaii, she will carry her family, her villages of Falelima and Leulumoega, her community, and Aotearoa with her.

Behind every performance are years of commitment, sacrifice, and hours of training. The time she has dedicated since the age of seven reflects not only her passion, but the deep pride she holds in her culture and heritage. She trains with purpose, performs with heart, and steps into the fire with respect for those who have come before her.

Supporting this journey means backing a young tamaitai malosi who is proud of her journey.