Joseph Asfaw

Joseph was Manu Taupua Matua (Head Boy) and finished his time at St Pat’s in 2023. Happily, 2025 has seen Joseph return part time in the role of Tuākana within the Ministry team.

Now studying Criminology and International Relations at Te Herenga Waka/Victoria University of Wellington, Joseph leads a full life juggling study, work, dabbling in his much-loved music and volunteering with the Voice of Aroha podcast.

He sat down with us to reflect on his time at St Pat’s, which could have been much shorter than it was. ‘I was awful in year nine, even got suspended at the end of that year. I came to school because I enjoyed the environment and being with my mates, but I wasn’t keen on learning anything. My weekly notes were often horrible.' He added that while he was a 'naughty kid' intent on causing trouble, his redeeming quality was that he was reasonably nice with it which helped keep him onside with some of the teachers.

Joseph did love his sport back then though, playing football and basketball. He laughs that he played rugby for three days. ‘I’d never played rugby before but decided to trial for the U14 Hurricanes tournament team. I got in, played the tournament, then called it day’. He also was part of Con Anima and the Barbershop Chorus.

He puts his turn-around in attitude down to two people. ‘Something happened to my mindset in the summer of 2020/21. The valedictory speech of Anton Juan, Manu Taupua Matua 2020, resonated with me. It was the end of lock down and had been a hard year. Anton reflected that everyone had struggled including him. I had always looked up to Anton as we were at the same primary school. Something just clicked. In listening to Anton, I realised that I had to be responsible for unlocking my potential.

Mike Savali was new to the school in 2020 and wasn’t around for my worst year. And, luckily, he is a second-chance sort guy. He, too, was inspirational to me. His leadership style, his words of wisdom, and instilling in us the need to be respectful and having respect for self was huge. As cheesy as it is, I had a few ‘be like Mike’ moments over the next few years.’

Year 11 was totally different for Joseph as he wanted to learn. He says he then went into Year 12 focussed on working towards a leadership role in Year 13. ‘Honestly, Mum cried when Mr Savali sat us down to tell us that I would be Manu Taupua Matua. I don’t think she could believe it after having put her through so much when I was younger. 2023 was an amazing year. I could not have asked for more, with the opportunities I was given and being able to work alongside such a cohesive and focussed student leadership team. I was incredibly lucky.’

Joseph says he loves being back at the College and being part of something bigger than himself and giving back to a place that gave so much to him. He hopes to follow his current study with a Masters. As for the future, Joseph is toying with lots of ideas including youth work, the police and perhaps some public policy work.

Thanks for your time Joseph, we look forward to following your journey.