Chrissy Grumwald is a Tongan/Fijian/Palagi healer, kaiako and māmā. In this chapter of her life, she is teaching as part of a vocational training programme and practising Reiki in her spare time. Her mahi is deeply meaningful to the wellbeing, learning and success of diverse peoples.

Over the last few years, Samara honed her artistry and nurtured her ancestral gift of storytelling. Today, she is a freelance singer, producer, composer and musician. Samara carries her Samoan, Tongan and Māori heritage into her music while honouring her experimental, ever-evolving spirit. No longer religious, but still deeply spiritual - she has made peace with past, present and future iterations of herself and her art. Her story is one of unapologetic authenticity, creativity and ongoing learning. Transformation through trial and error is how Samara Alofa - the artist - came to be.

At the end of her degree, Holly felt completely lost on what to do next. So, she frantically raced over to the office of one of her lecturers, Graham Reid, on her last day. He used his industry connections to help her land a job as a publicist at The Label NZ. Holly learnt how to be a publicist on the fly and her network just kept growing. Now, she works at APRA AMCOS NZ as a Communications Representative. By knowing when to change course and who to ask for help, Holly has found her place in a community full of passionate, Pasifika creatives and artists.

Amy is working on a PhD at Waipapa Taumata Rau, The University of Auckland. Her aim is to improve access to cultural knowledge that could benefit the health of Tagata Pasifika. Through her mahi, she hopes to uncover the ways in which the Samoan traditional diet can prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. As Amy navigates Pākehā systems, she is creating a new pathway that could connect a shared past and present to the future of Samoan knowledge, health and representation.

Today, Meritiana is a driving force behind language reclamation for Tagata Moana. As an Aotearoa-born Samoan who is still on her journey to fluency in Gagana Samoa, she knows the complexities of our identities and experiences personally. Meritiana sees herself as a humble servant to the communities who have given her so much. She has high hopes for the continued reclamation of our languages ensuring that we are a people who are secure in who we are. In order for this goal to be realised, Meritiana believes that learning and tautua (service) must be undertaken with alofa (love). We need to create spaces that are safe for us to be different; to be wrong; to be together.

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!

Isla Huia (Te Āti Haunui a-Pāpārangi) released her debut pukapuka (book) in May 2023! ‘Talia’ - her collection of poems - is an ode to a dear friend, a reclamation of language, and a gift to the people who Isla hopes to serve through her mahi (work). As a kaiako (teacher) and an artist, Isla shares her authentic self with her readers.

Nia Vavao AKA Spider Town Baby is a Samoan singer/songwriter who represents Avondale all day! From enjoying singing when she was at Avondale Primary to belting out “Killing Me Softly” in bands at Avondale College, Nia has come a long way. In the beginning, music was a hobby that she pursued through her studies. But now it has the potential to become a full blown career.

George’s advice for young people is to think about who they want to be and what they have to offer. He believes that every person brings valuable talents and knowledge to their village, even if they do not see themselves as academics. Whether you are a midnight gamer, a weekend drummer or a kaitiaki of your culture, you could be the right person to help someone else to find their voice.

Jessie’s advice to young Pasifika leaders is to “keep looking, keep learning and stay vibes.” She believes that it is important for Tagata Moana to reach out to their communities as they deepen their cultural knowledge. Surrounding herself with people who support her journey makes all the difference.

Alana teaches that very Siva class with Sau E Siva West Auckland. Her role as a kaiako has guided her from cultural dislocation to a staunch grounding in who she is. Through Siva, Alana’s self-confidence and sense of direction have been restored. Fiercely proud of her culture, Alana now supports others to orient themselves as Tagata Moana.

"I am fluent in Siva."

Matalena Tulisi is an Aotearoa-born Samoan who hails from Grey Lynn, Aukilani. She is the director of Sau E Siva West Auckland, which she created in honour of her late father. Tulisi sees herself as a learner on an ongoing journey towards cultural connection. With her Samoan roots and her father’s memory strong in her heart and mind, she helps Pasifika communities to tell their stories through Siva (dance).