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?

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?

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 about yourself/family/vuvale

Tālofa lava, my name is Amelia Tukana. I am proudly Samoan and Pālagi—my father hails from the beautiful village of Lepea in Samoa, and my mother has spent most of her life in Ōtautahi, Aotearoa. I am blessed to share life with my wonderful Fijian husband and our three beautiful children. My faith and aiga are at the heart of who I am, and I am deeply grateful to be supported by a strong and loving village around us. As an aiga/vuvale we love spending time with our loved ones, attending church and playing and watching rugby union.

What is your professional background?

For the past five years, I have served as a social work educator at Ara, where it has been an honour to support our ākonga on their academic journeys and to collaborate with an incredible team. Prior to this, I worked front line as a social worker for eight years, with the great privilege of walking alongside many of our people and aiga within the community. My practice has spanned Pasifika support, housing, and school-based sectors, grounding my work in service, connection, and collective wellbeing.

What do you enjoy or value about your community and/or culture?

I cherish my Pasifika culture, which extends beyond my Samoan heritage. The food (oka/kokoda being my absolute favourite), the talanoa, the storytelling, and the shared laughter give me such joy and connection as a Pasifika. I also hold immense value in my Pasifika social work community and feel incredibly proud to stand alongside other kaimahi. Manaakitanga and alofa are woven into who we are as people, and it is a privilege to embrace these values as we serve our communities.

What role do you cover on the Pacific Advisory Group (PAG)?

Pacific academic staff

Tell us a little about yourself / family / vuvale

I am of Samoan descent, born and raised in Otautahi Christchurch. I am the oldest of three and currently residing in Rolleston with my wife Alex. We are both anchored by our faith in Christ and look to continue to grow every day in our relationship with him.

What is your professional background?

As a professional that graduated just under 2 years ago, I have been working at the Ministry for Pacific Peoples following a positive TupuTai internship with them, with the Commissioning and Partnership directorate. For the last decade, I have been involved in Pacific leadership, advocacy, and community development space. These experiences have strengthen my ability to connect government and community to discover mana-enhancing approaches to supporting our people.

What do you enjoy or value about your community and/or culture?

I deeply value the sense of belonging, reciprocity, and shared responsibility within Pacific communities. Culture, language, and connection are central to wellbeing and success, and I am passionate about uplifting Pacific voices and identities within education and leadership spaces.

What role do you cover on the Pacific Advisory Group (PAG)?

As a representative of the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, I contribute to collective guidance, advocacy, and leadership that supports Pacific success across Ara, ensuring Pacific perspectives are reflected in decision‑making and strategy.

Tell us a little bit about yourself/family?
I am a proud Samoan woman with roots in Salua Manono and Sa’anapu. I come from a close-knit aiga and am the eldest of three daughters. Family is central to who I am, and I value the strong connections we share across our wider extended family and community.

What is your professional background?
I have worked at Christchurch City Council for over 15 years, currently as the Pasifika Community Liaison since September 2023. Prior to this role, I worked across Customer Services, Governance, and Events, gaining broad experience in community engagement, relationship building, and supporting initiatives that serve our diverse communities.

What do you enjoy about your community/culture?
I enjoy the strong sense of identity, connection, and collective support within our Pacific communities. I am passionate about creating opportunities for our people to come together, celebrate culture, and build pathways for growth, leadership, and wellbeing.

What role do you cover on the PAG?
Pacific Liaison - Christchurch City Council

Tell us a little bit about yourself/family?

I am a proud Fijian woman, originally from the beautiful province of Kadavu, with maternal ties to Vanua Balavu, and now connected to the island of Lakeba. My husband and I are blessed with three amazing children who fill our lives with purpose and joy.

Since moving from Fiji to Christchurch in 2014, Otautahi has truly become home for us. We are a family full of life, laughter, and adventure, and much of our time together has always centred around supporting our children’s activities and celebrating the journeys they each take.

What is your professional background?

I am an experienced educator and Pacific community advocate with over a decade of professional experience across education, navigation, community engagement, and administrative roles. My background includes teaching, supporting Pacific learners and families, and delivering culturally grounded programmes within Aotearoa.

As Ara’s Pacific Success Advisor, I support the Pacific Strategy through culturally grounded guidance, advocacy, and leadership. I focus on empowering Pacific learners and families, strengthening partnerships, and reducing barriers to success.

What do you enjoy about your community/culture?

I love the deep sense of connection, belonging, and identity that comes from being part of the Pacific community. A big part of what brings me joy is contributing to the revitalisation of the Fijian language within my community. Whether through informal learning spaces, cultural gatherings, or community programmes, I am proud to help keep our language alive for our future generations. I also enjoy being involved in cultural activities, where we share stories, songs, arts, and traditions that strengthen our identity and deepen our sense of belonging as Fijian and Pacific people.

Our culture continually grounds me, inspires me, and reminds me of the responsibility and privilege I carry in serving and supporting Pacific communities.

What role do you cover on the PAG?

I serve on the Pacific Advisory Group (PAG) as an Allied Ara Pasifika Staff Member, providing a Pacific staff perspective to support decision‑making, advance Pacific priorities, and contribute to initiatives that strengthen Pacific learner success across Ara.

Tell us a little bit about yourself/family?

Kam na bane ni Mauri, my name is Ioteba and I was born in the beautiful islands of Kiribati and grew up here in the garden city Christchurch, Aotearoa. I am the eldest in my family, with three younger brothers. I have roots to Kiribati and the life experience of living in New Zealand where I have developed the skills to blend both cultures and values. In the famous words of my old High School (Riccarton) motto, “Disce ut Prosis” which translates to “Learn that you may be of service” and so I hope I can be of service!

What is your professional background?

I am currently a Youth Community Support Worker in Mental Health for Stepping Stone Trust (SST). I have been working with youth for about five years now and nearly three years in my current role. I have a background in security and in sports co-ordination and exercise prescription.

What do you enjoy about your community/culture?

I enjoy being from Kiribati, one of the few known countries suffering from rising sea levels and being able to exercise the values of family, respect and service in my everyday life and not just in work.

What role do you cover on the Pacific Advisory Group (PAG)?

Kiribati Representative