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The workplace has to be a development of the human spirit as well as production - Anita Roddick
Talofa lava!
I am passionate and committed to making a difference in the lives of Pacific people accessing mental health, disability and general health services. I believe that developing a workforce focusing on both clinical and cultural leadership is key to achieving quality frontline health services for our Pacific communities.
Ten years' of employment at a Pacific grass roots non-government organisation, working at the frontline as a clinical psychologist in DHBs, and gaining experience at governance levels such as the New Zealand Psychologists Board have provided solid foundations for gaining an understanding into the issues that we as Pacific people face on a day to day basis.
I'm excited to play a role in establishing and developing Le Va as a lead organisation for Pacific health workforce development. It is an honour to be given this opportunity to continue to serve Pacific communities.
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With good judgment, little else matters. Without it, nothing else matters - N. M. Tichy & W.G. Bennis
Talofa lava
My gafa (geneology) originates from the villages of Salelavalu, Savai’i and Falelatai Mata’utu, Upolu in Samoa all the way to the four-seasons-in-one-day city of Wellington, New Zealand. I am the second oldest of five siblings and have one teenage daughter.
Over 14 years' experience in the public sector in a range of policy development and legal roles provide the basis for a robust understanding of the health sector. I am passionate and committed to ensuring equality for Pacific peoples, particularly in accessing quality health services. As the operations lead for Le Va, I lead operational policy development, provide strategic policy expertise and ensure the team has the infrastructure needed to deliver quality outcomes for all our projects. A key feature of my role is to support the Le Va national manager to ensure we deliver on our work programme. I am excited to be part of the Le Va team and excited about the role I intend to play in developing Le Va into a lead organisation for Pacific health workforce development.
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I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul - William Ernest Henley
Malo e lelei
I was born in the Kingdom of Tonga but migrated to New Zealand as a child during the infamous dawn-raid era of the early to mid-70s (yes, I 'stayed over'!). My mother is from the main island of Tongatapu from the village of Vaini and my father is from the island of Ha'afeva in Ha'apai. I live in South Auckland with my lovely wife Folola and have been blessed with four beautiful children. My interests include history and genealogical connections of Tonga, Samoa and Fiji, music, sports, travel and creative writing.
I studied at Auckland University gaining a master's degree with honours in English, majoring in post-colonial and New Zealand/Pacific literature. I worked at the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs for five years, then as a consultant in health and disability for two years, before returning to the public service for another five years working in the Disability Services Directorate of the Ministry of Health.
I joined Le Va in March 2008 and have had the privilege and honour of seeing Le Va grow from strength to strength through the vision and astute leadership of Dr Faleafa and the amazing support of our Te Pou and Wise Group family. As the old man of Le Va, it is often hard to keep up with such a young, vibrant and talented team, but I enjoy trying! I lead the Real Skills plus Seitapu project which focuses on engaging effectively with Pacific people. The response out in the sector to effective community engagement is growing and I am excited to be a key part of this initiative. I also support our team in our Pacific disability work. I love a challenge and Le Va pushes boundaries, so I relish the opportunity to explore new horizons.
Tu'a 'ofa atu
Manase
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Malo e lelei
I am Tongan and from the village of Nukunuku, Tongatapu.
I have a diverse working background that has allowed me to meet some really awesome people, work on some really exciting projects and visit some interesting places throughout Aotearoa. I like learning and hope that in return what I learn will help others or at least add value to their work.
I wish you well and look forward to meeting you.
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Shana Malio-Satele
BA, MA (Hons)/LLB, MLitt
Project development
shana.malio "at" leva.co.nz
History will be kind to me, for I intend to write it - Winston Churchill
Ni hao ma! Ni zenme yang. Hi and wassup?
Born and raised in New Zealand, my Samoan heritage traces to the villages of Vaiusu, Faleata and Avata, Falealupo. But I’m an Auckland girl at heart, don’t hold it against me.
Working in project development, my focus includes strategic and operational policy development, evidence-based research and analysis, and development and implementation of projects in cultural leadership, research, mentoring and tertiary funding. The projects I lead fall mainly in our GROW work stream, specifically Le Tautua emerging leaders, Pacific Health Workforce Awards and Le Va mental health and addiction scholarships.
My background is in education (tertiary), youth initiatives, qualitative research and law. I’m a registered solicitor and barrister and my research background is in socio-cultural anthropology, where I completed two master's degrees and a thesis in Samoan identity and narrative through pese Samoa. Having moved into this project development role, I definitely see myself working in an arena that combines youth, health and law. The opportunity to work within Le Va with the vision to Grow, Engage, Lead and Inform provides me with a chance to grow my skills, engage my years of learning, take the lead in personal and professional development and inform the work I’m involved in.
Zai jian
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Knowing is not enough: we must apply
Willing is not enough: we must do
- Jobann Wolfgang Von Goethe
Talofa lava!
I am a New Zealand born Samoan with strong cultural values. My family origins are from the villages of Apolima in Upolu and Satupaitea in Savai’i. My interests are in music, sport and I am an active member in community youth activities.
It is a great privilege to be part of and to work alongside a dynamic and dedicated team. I joined the Le Va aiga in February 2011 and am making the most of every opportunity to develop professionally in my career. My role mainly revolves around our GROW work stream which focuses on building strong foundations for a sustainable workforce and includes the Pacific Health Workforce Awards and Le Va mental health and addiction scholarships.
Opportunities to work across our other project work streams are also in the pipeline. It is a great passion of mine to see positive changes within our Pacific communities, particularly in the area of health. I have an educational background in public and community health. When I graduated I worked on a number of projects that allowed me to engage with our Pacific communities, work in partnership with other stakeholders and advocate for Pacific health in district health boards. I look forward to broadening my work experience in developing the Pacific health workforce across the nation.
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Life is a either daring adventure, or nothing - Helen Keller
Malo lava!
Born and bred in Tokoroa, I now live in Auckland after spending eight years in Wellington. I’m the middle son of three boys from my Samoan father who hails from Lotofaga in Safata, Upolu, and my mother with Irish heritage from Whanganui, New Zealand. Bboying (breakdancing) takes up most of my time outside of work, and I’m also interested in music, art, design, video editing and reading (when I have time!).
After graduating with a BA in psychology and philosophy from Victoria University, and with an interest in health and wellbeing and helping people, I decided that I wanted to use my skills to help our Pacific people lead healthier lives and reach their fullest potential. I’ve since worked in the primary care sector in health promotion for Pacific communities, and as a project leader for Compass Primary Health Care Network.
My main focus at Le Va is on Pacific disability projects, but I also work across Le Va’s other projects where needed. I'm excited to be part of the Le Va team as I have admired its work in the sector for a long time.
Ia manuia
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Talofa lava
I am the second youngest of five children and hail from the villages of Falelima and Neiafu in Savai’i Samoa. My parents migrated to New Zealand in 1973 so that we were able to be educated and gain the lives my parents were unable to gain. I am currently in my third year of studying a Bachelor of Business at Auckland University of Technology, majoring in accounting and management.
I have had experience with youth projects and as the youth leader of the St John Parish. I am very passionate about promoting health as a career. It is a great honour and privilege to bring a Pacific youth perspective to the Le Va team.
Faafetai
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Here is the test to find whether your mission on Earth is finished: if you're alive, it isn't - Richard Bach
I am the Pacific Youth Advisor for Le Va. My role focuses on encouraging as many pacific youth as possible to consider a career in mental health.
I have a Bachelor's degree in Commerce, majoring in accounting and finance and, at the present moment, I am doing a post gradute diploma in Commerce.
I have also done a lot of work with Pacific youth-focused equity initiatives and mentoring programs over the past five years, such as the Mates mentoring program and Dream fono. I'm also currently the Tuakana program coordinator for the University of Auckland Business School which focuses on the mentoring and tutoring for 1st year Pacific and Maori business students.
I am a New Zealand born Samoan, raised in Mangere, Auckland. I am very proud of my Samoan heritage and it definitely defines my upbringing. My father is from Faleasi'u and my mother from from Fusi Safotulafai and Leauva'a.
I look forward to helping bring mental health to a forefront focus as a career for our Pacific youth.
Ia manuia
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Malo e lelei!
I am of Tongan and Niuean descent and come 11th in a family of 13 children. I was born and raised in the village of Tatakamotonga, Mu'a in Tonga Tapu and was eight years old when my family moved to New Zealand in 1975.
I am happily married to Rev Taniela Havea Fangai'uiha and have two beautiful children, who are now young adults, Taniela Junior and Mele Mafile'o.
I have been working in mental health services for the past 10 years and, on 4 February 2008, I was very fortunate to join Le Va as a Pacific administrator. I feel that with my past experience in a supporting role to over seven managers that I have a lot to offer. Being part of this great team will fuel my passion for making a difference in the lives of our Pacific people.
Le Va is a vibrant and exciting place to work and I know will enrich the lives of Pacific people.
Faka'apa'apa pea mo e 'ofa lahi atu. Talita Mafi Fitikefu (Fangai'uiha).
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