Lolomanaia Filiai

Lolomanaia Filiai is of Tongan descent. He lives in Manurewa with his wife, two sons and one daughter. 

Lolomanaia has worked for Ministry of Forestry in Tonga for nine years, prior to having a serious motor accident and dislocating his spinal cord (T10 – T12), in 1998. Lolomanaia is relying on a power wheelchair for his mobility. 

Lolomanaia is a Senior Disability Coordinator, currently working for a Disability Organisation known as “Vaka Tautua” for 22 years, committed to promoting and contributing to the health and wellbeing of Pacific people experiencing disability and older people in Aotearoa. Promoting, developing and providing quality information, resources and activities that remove their attitudinal, social and environmental barriers. Navigating them until they achieve their individual disability and safety related needs. 

Lolomanaia has been a member of NZ Disability Consortium Leadership Group for six years, Lu’iola Leadership Group for four years then Faiva Ora Leadership Group for more than 10 years.

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life” (James 1:12).