Bring your pointe shoes

In 2011, my parents enrolled me in ballet after seeing my tendency to dance wherever I could. I appreciate the privilege of pursuing ballet and the collective sacrifices made by my parents and myself, which empowered me to dedicate 14 years to this performing art.

These pointe shoes serve as a daily reminder of years of discipline, achievements and the unwavering support from my whānau. Having my pointe shoes on my shelf at Grafton Hall reminds me to believe in myself and to recognise that my strength is not mine alone but made from many - Ēhara tāku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini.

Grafton Hall is a catered hall which offers large private bedrooms with shared bathrooms, study rooms and a communal lounge on each floor. Just a short walk from the Auckland Domain and Westfield Newmarket, Grafton Hall is a tight-knit community. Grafton Hall hosts a tauira Māori community to support all Māori kainoho, residents during their first year of study.

This hall is available to first-year school leavers.