Mālō e Lelei, Ni Sa Bula and warm Pacific greetings.
As a proud daughter of the moana, I carry the bloodlines of Tonga, Sāmoa, and Germany, yet it is my Tongan upbringing that has shaped much of who I am. I hail from the villages of Tatakamotonga, Niutoua, Haveluloto in Tongatapu, and Lofanga in Ha’apai. Though my heritage is woven across the Pacific, I was born and raised in Suva, Fiji, before my family made the courageous decision to migrate to Aotearoa, New Zealand, in search of greater opportunity.
I stand today as a product of my parents’ sacrifice and service. Their love and perseverance continue to fuel my commitment to give back to our Pasifika communities in every way I can. A saying that my family holds close is: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This speaks truth of the strength, resilience and lasting impact that comes from moving as a collective, knowing we are never alone on our journeys.
Throughout my academic pathway, I discovered a deep sense of empowerment in research which guided me to pursue and complete a Master of Global Studies at the University of Auckland. To engage in research grounded in our Pasifika narratives as a daughter of the Pacific has only deepened my appreciation for the representation, possibility and sovereignty that knowledge can offer our people across Oceania.
With this in heart, being part of the Le Va family brings me immense joy and purpose. It is a true privilege to listen to, learn from and uplift the stories of our people and to work together toward meaningful, lasting change.
If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.
