Morwenna Petaia - Creator of Measina Treasures of Samoa

Morwenna Petaia is an entrepreneur who is dedicated to preserving Samoan knowledge. She is the creator of a multimedia platform called ‘Measina Treasures of Samoa’, which she uses to promote Samoan language and culture. On her website, customers can read blog posts, enrol in online courses and purchase Samoan products. Today, her business boasts over 31,000 followers on Instagram!

Morwenna was born in Hamilton, Aotearoa and she moved to Melbourne, Australia with her aiga (family) when she was two years old. As a young adult, Morwenna attended university in Hawaii. Then Morwenna became a mother and moved to Samoa where she lived for nine years. She now resides in Melbourne where she continues to grow her online business.

Before Morwenna found success as an entrepreneur, she had trouble finding her place in the workforce. The options presented to her did not offer the level of fulfilment that she desired. So, Morwenna became the master of her own destiny. After exploring the possibility of starting a business through a mentorship programme, Morwenna decided to become a full-time guardian of her culture. Her mission was to provide other Samoans with a resource that she needed when she was growing up.

‘Measina Treasures of Samoa’ is the fire that many generations gather around to share stories, and Morwenna is the person who stokes it. Morwenna has created a hub of cultural content where Tagata Moana who are searching for connection converge. Beginners and experts are welcomed, celebrated and given access to cultural treasures such as language, history and art. It is a project that has allowed Morwenna to keep learning while teaching others about the most precious parts of herself.