Kolokesa Mo'ale

Kolokesa Mo'ale is a creative and resilient young man with a vivid imagination and a clear vision for his future. A Year 12 student at Ashburton College working towards his Level 2 NZQA credits, Kolokesa is driven by both passion and purpose. He dreams of one day working as a concept artist for Weta Workshop, turning his love of art into a career that supports both his aspirations and his family.

Kolokesa lives with his mum, his two younger siblings and his nana. As the oldest child, he carries a strong sense of responsibility and is determined to lead by example. His journey has not been without challenges. Growing up, he has navigated life as an autistic teenager, overcome the trauma of domestic violence in his early years, and faced ongoing financial hardship. These experiences have shaped his resilience and strengthened his resolve to build a brighter future.

Art has always been his sanctuary and his strength. He loves painting, drawing and creating detailed concept art, using creativity as a powerful form of expression. Along the way, he has achieved milestones he is deeply proud of. His artwork has been featured on the front page of a charity magazine, and he was commissioned to create a large-scale piece for Wilson’s Car Parking to symbolise Variety – The Children’s Charity. For Kolokesa, these accomplishments represent more than artistic success; they are affirmations of his talent, perseverance and growth.

His goal is to attend university and pursue a career in concept art. He sees education as the key to transforming his passion into a profession and to creating stability and opportunity for his family. Working for Weta Workshop would not only fulfil a lifelong dream but also enable him to give back to the family who have supported him through every challenge.

As a proud Tongan young man living with autism, Kolokesa understands the importance of representation, determination and courage. As a 2025 scholarship recipient, he embodies creativity, strength and ambition, ready to take the next steps toward a future shaped by imagination, hard work and heart.