Pacific Advisory Group (PAG)

Tell us a little bit about yourself/family?

Ko Tapuae-o-uenuku te maunga
Ko Wairau te awa
Ko Tākitimu te waka
Ko Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō, Ko Ngāi Tahu, Ko Ngāti Hāmoa ōku iwi
Ko Wikitoria Kurene tēnei, e mihi ana ki a koutou
Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa.
Kia ora, Talofa lava, I am of Samoan, Māori, Irish, and African descent and the second eldest
of four. My whānau are my rock, I love adventures, especially outdoors around the motu
when I get time to do so. I am passionate about people and love listening and learning
about people's experiences from all walks of life.

What is your professional background?

After six years of being in the workforce working in different areas such as retail, office
administration, and payroll, I have gone back to studies. I’m in my first year at Ara Institute
of Canterbury doing a bachelor's in applied sciences, specialising in Health Promotion. I
currently work part-time with the MIHI (Māori/ Indigenous Health Institute) mobile
vaccination team going around to different marae and organisations as part of the Covid-19
vaccine rollout 2021. I also currently sit on the Pacific Island Students of Ara executive team
as the Vice-president 2021.

What do you enjoy about your community/culture?

I love the beautiful warmth and energy that our people bring to any room, event, or
platform that we hold, and I believe there is so much more room for us to thrive and share
our stories. Although I do not speak either of my native tongues, I have been brought up to
love, respect, and serve as if the languages run through me and as I have grown older, I have
felt the pull to connect more to my cultures, my ancestors and the whenua, and I know that
is a journey for me, which I’m excited to be on. I feel privileged to be in this space to learn
from some amazing leaders and individuals within our communities.

What role do you cover on the PAG?

PISA/ Student voice representative.

Tell us a little bit about yourself/family?

I am the youngest of four children, both my parents are Samoan. I grew up with a close relationship to my cousins and extended family. I am married with six children which keeps us very busy. The four younger children are still at home with us. I enjoy playing team sports and been activate with my children.

What is your professional background?

I have a background in sales which has shaped me in the way I talk with people and network with schools and organisations.  I have also worked within the youth industry for Pacific Trust and Youth town and have a strong connection with youth and young people.

What do you enjoy about your community/culture?

I enjoy seeing new opportunities created for our pacific community, whether it be events which bring our community together or on a more personal level seeing what options are available to personally grow our pacific peoples.

What role do you cover on the PAG?

Allied Ara Pasifika Staff Member

Tell us a little bit about yourself/family?

I am the 3rd daughter of Ray Pasene (a proud son of Alofi Toga, Niue) and Jeannie Strickland (formerly of Rarotonga, Aitutaki and Atiu, Cooks Islands). Like many before them, my parents came to Aotearoa in pursuit of a "better life" and during their quest they found each other, married and had 7 children.

Unfortunately, my parents have both passed but not before instilling in me a sense of service, compassion for my fellow human, love of family and a heart of God.  These are all gifts that I have been able to nurture and develop in my role as a daughter, sister, mother and Nena.

What is your professional background?

As a Mama of 5 children, I decided to successfully pursue a Bachelor of Social Work whilst working in a full time position as the Pasifika Family Start Kaimahi, a position I enjoyed for 13 years.  I then left that employment to move to Niue where I had the privilege of caring for my Papa for 11 months.  I was also able to be immersed in my Niuean culture and traditions while gaining a better understanding of my family and self.

Returning to Aotearoa, I decided to move to Christchurch to be closer to family but also to support my twin teenagers through further education.

What do you enjoy about your community/culture?

I am presently employed as an Early Start Whanau Awhina which is an intensive home visiting service for whanau with newborn babies where difficult situations have the potential to negatively impact on the chances of children in care.  In my 3rd year in this position, I can call on a wealth of experiences and skills that I have developed over the years.  These include establishing and maintaining relationships across social and health providers, links in the Niuean community an understanding of inequities and how we can address them by improving social determinants for our community.

What role do you cover on the PAG?

I have seen the positive impact education has on an individual, their extended family and community.  I am honoured to be a part of a systems change to ensure ARA Institute is better able to meet the needs of Pasifika and other communities to achieve their dreams and aspirations. I am the Niuean Representative on the Pasifika Advisory Group.

Tell us a little bit about yourself/family?

I am a Tongan, I am married with 5 children, three girls and two boys and we are residing in Timaru. We moved here from Tonga in February 2005. Prior to that we lived in Japan for 5 years. My 3 older children are in different Universities and my 2 younger ones are in High School. I have a busy family with our children in different places for education and sports. Timaru is our home and it is a lovely place to raise up children, it’s big enough and small enough.

What is your professional background?

I am a Registered Social Worker working for Oranga Tamariki, Ministry for Children for five years. I am working full time between Oamaru and Timaru in the Youth Justice space. I have teaching background, I taught in Japan at Junior High School as an Assistant English Teacher for three years. I went back to Tonga and taught at the only International School, Ocean of Light Int’l School. After we moved here to Timaru I became a Teacher Aide at Timaru Boys High School then went on to Caregiving at the Rest Homes while doing my degree in Social Work at Otago University.

What do you enjoy about your community/culture?

I am the president of our Tongan Society South Canterbury Inc for 4 years now since we first started in 2016. Our group is growing in numbers and we hold a lot of events in Timaru and we also work closely with our kainga in Oamaru. We are focusing on our fanau and their wellbeing, to learn about their heritage, culture and values to strengthen their cultural identity which lead to them being more confident and resilient in life. I am also a trustee of our church and a youth leader. I am also an Executive Member of Aoraki Migrant Council.

What role do you cover on the PAG?

I am a representative for Oamaru, Timaru and Ashburton.

Tell us a little bit about yourself/family?

Malo le soifua! My name is Siatua Faletanoai Evalu. My parents moved here from Samoa in the early 70's. My fathers' villages in Samoa are Faleatiu and Taga, and my mother is from Apai, Manono tai. I was born and raised here in Otautahi and I am the second oldest of four brothers.

What is your professional background?

Most of my professional working life has been in the education sector, predominately in tertiary working with secondary school students, teachers, careers advisors as well as parents and community. My current role as the Pacific Education Coordinator at the Ministry of Education is responsible for Pacific education across the South Island.

What do you enjoy about your community/culture?

Food is the obvious choice! But other than that, what enjoy most is seeing our Pacific youth thrive and take pride in their individual cultures. I look forward to helping Ara Institute of Canterbury make decisions on making this institution a place that reflects our many and diverse cultures.

What role do you cover on the PAG?

Ministry of Education Representative

Tell us a little bit about yourself/family?

Mālō e lelei, I’m Georgie, born and raised in Ōtautahi, of Tongan and Pālangi heritage. Most of my family are now living in Canberra, Tāmaki Makaurau and Te Waipounamu. I love spending time with my family and friends, getting involved in local community initiatives, wandering our beautiful landscapes and pedal power on my bike!

What is your professional background?

I have a background in literature, law and digital media, and have worked at Ara as Pacific Learning Advisor since 2017. Before that I supported Māori and Pacific students at the University of Otago, and Native American students at the University of Colorado Boulder.

What do you enjoy about your community/culture?

My passion is supporting students to succeed in education so they can increasingly action and inspire positive changes in their communities. I feel very humbled to work alongside our Pasifika students who enrich Ara life with their energy, innovation and integrity.

What role do you cover on the PAG?

As the Pacific academic staff rep I talanoa with Pacific tutors across Ara to bring their needs and desired to PAG.

Tell us a little bit about yourself/family?

I identify as kai-Viti, from Viti (Fiji- European pronunciation). I am half valagi with ancestral links to England, Germany and North Africa. E rua na luvenqu yalawa totoka kei na, kei na dua na makubuqu yalewa Kilsitina talei (ka Viti, Samoan) (I have two beautiful daughters and a precious granddaughter Kilisitina).

What is your professional background?

I graduated 14 years ago from CPIT with a BA in Nursing. My current nursing roles involve acute nursing (24 Hours) Forensic nurse (collection DNA/forensic evidence) Youth nurse (Youth Justice/ Tetahi), B4School Outreach nurse visiting 4yr old Pasifika/Maori children. I represent Pasifika on nurse advisory, Pacific caucus, and reference groups. I am the founder of the Canterbury Pasifika Nurse Fono- a group dedicated to promoting professional development, leadership growth and opportunities for student/enrolled and registered nurses.

What do you enjoy about your community/culture?

Being in the presence of generations and the innate knowing of the knowledge passed down from my ancestors. My children were exposed to culture at an early age as I wanted to instil soli bula (sacrifice, giving your all) and pride in being Pasifika.

What role do you cover on the PAG?

I have been appointed the role of health advisor.

Tell us a little bit about yourself/family?

I am a proud I-Kiribati woman with family roots from the island of Nikunau, married to a Tuvaluan man and a doting Nana to my moko, Teatuao Reupena. I am the eldest in my family of five and all my siblings back home in Kiribati. We adopted two adult children and a 11-year-old girl so that they can pursue their dreams and goals in New Zealand.

What is your professional background?

Prior 2005, accounting was my line of work for more than ten years. My line of work now is community engagement through Tangata Atumotu Trust and my Kiribati and Tuvalu community.

What do you enjoy about your community/culture?

My Kiribati culture is my bride, and we speak the language at home. I am actively involved in the Tuvalu community (Tagata Tuvalu Otautahi) and my other commitment is to the Kiribati Federation Aotearoa, a national body who enhance the wellbeing of Kiribati families on New Zealand.

What role do you cover on the PAG?

Kiribati and Tuvalu Representative

Tell us a little bit about yourself/family?

I am of Sāmoan descent, born and raised in New Zealand. My father (Lalovi, Vailoa Tutuila) and mother (Saipipi, Vaito’omuli and Vaivase-Uta) migrated independently from Sāmoa to Aotearoa in the 80s, where they met and were married. I am the eldest of three girls, born in Kingsland, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland but moved to Ōtautahi Christchurch at the age of 4. Ōtautahi has been my home since.

I enjoy family gatherings, road trips, nature, tv series, spiritual experiences and a hearty brunch!

What is your professional background?

I have enjoyed almost a decade in the GLAM sector (Galleries, Libraries, Archives, Museums). My experience includes collection management and care of Pacific tāonga and sensitive items including Kōiwi Tangata.

Currently, I am Gallery Programme Lead at Fibre Gallery of Tagata Moana Trust and PhD candidate at the University of Vienna, Austria.

What do you enjoy about your community/culture?

Our community's love for tautua or service - If you have experienced delivering or receiving such, you will know it is second to none. One of the most inspiring things has been seeing individuals, groups and organisations create space to strengthen, maintain or reclaim our language, practices and heritage.

What role do you cover on the PAG?

I am the Samoan representative.  

Tell us a little bit about yourself/family?

New Zealand-born Samoan from Christchurch, the youngest of seven siblings. Residing in Aranui with my wife Racheal, we are parents to six beautiful children. I cherish family, faith, connecting with people, enjoying great food, and music.

What is your professional background?

For two decades, my commitment to youth development spans community, NGOs, and government. As a Partnership Lead at the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, I bridge parliament and community, discovering collaborative opportunities and investments for Pacific well-being and prosperity through strategic partnerships.

What do you enjoy about your community/culture?

I find immense joy and purpose in the vibrant light and life my community brings. The rich resonance of our Pacific communities deeply influences me. Serving them is a profound blessing and a personal and professional mission I wholeheartedly embrace.

What role do you cover on the PAG?

As a representative from the Ministry for Pacific Peoples on PAG, my role essentially provides advice to ensure a wholesome learning experience, care, and retention, ensuring completion and future success for Pacific learners. It's my sincere commitment to their growth and achievement.

Tell us a little bit about yourself/family?

Malo le soifua! My name is Viane Makalio. My father hails from the village of Saleimoa, Lotoso’a and my mother from the village of Tuasivi. I was born and raised here in Ōtautahi and I am the youngest of three with two older sisters. I am happily married to my wife Carmela who is Filipino, and we have a beautiful daughter Elena.

What is your professional background?

Most of my professional working life has been in the youth and education sector. Working in the youth sector I worked for the Catholic youth team and am a trustee of the Pacific Youth Leadership and Transformation Trust. Working in the tertiary space I predominantly worked with secondary school students, teachers, careers advisors as well as parents and community. My current role as Lead Advisor Pacific Engagement at the Ministry of Education is responsible for Pacific education engagement and funding for the upper South Island.

What do you enjoy about your community/culture?

I love the collaboration and innovation that happens in our community across all Pacific cultures. The island food always takes me back to my childhood. No one beats my mum’s pineapple pie though. I love the vibe and joy our culture brings everywhere we go and the beauty we showcase in our song, art and dance.

What role do you cover on the PAG?

Ministry of Education Representative

Tell us a little bit about yourself/family?

Born in Tonga and recipient of Tonga New Zealand scholarship to study in New Zealand. Returning to Tonga to work and taught at High School. Return to Tonga last few years on research with the Humanitarian Engineering projects using my Tongan language and insight of Tongans connections through people and villages.

What is your professional background?

Technical and running laboratory classes for Geotechnical students in the Department of Civil and Natural Resources Engineering, University of Canterbury. Experience in teaching Tongan Language after work for NCEA Level 1 to Level 3, governance experiences in education board of trustees and also health. Current running charitable organisation providing after school study support centre for Tongan students Year 3 – to Year 8 including Tongan language.

What do you enjoy about your community/culture?

I value this opportunity to share my experiences as a Tongan to make education is not preparation for life, education is life itself.

What role do you cover on the PAG?

Co – Matua Male

Tell us a little bit about yourself/family?

I am a second-generation New Zealand born Cook Islander hailing from Rarotonga, Matavera. Born and raised in Ōtautahi I am a mother of 3 and an artist. Growing up I was surrounded by strong vaine who were community leaders, installing a grounded strength for the fight for Justice and equity for our vulnerable and underserved communities with in me. My passions are Pacific arts and cultural knowledge. I believe it is our best assets when understanding our place in the world, to forge connected and prosperous futures.

What is your professional background?

I am the Taula- Director and Co-founder of Tagata Moana Trust, an organisation championing Pacific peoples into STEAM careers. I have a background in arts, community engagement, strategic planning , community education and project management. I am currently the Deputy Chair of Scape public Arts Trust and hold board positions across various schools and community groups.

What do you enjoy about your community/culture?

I love our community and feel privileged to be part of it. I most enjoy learning about my language and cultural knowledge. The Values of my community are integral to who I am, leaving no one behind. In the words of Epeli Hau'ofa

“Oceania is vast, Oceania is expanding, Oceania is hospitable and generous, Oceania is humanity rising from the depths of brine and regions of fire deeper still, Oceania is us. We are the sea, we are the ocean…”

What role do you cover on the PAG?

I am the Cook Islands Representative.