Sipili-Niu Lal

Talofa lava! My name is Sipili-Niu Lal, known to many as Pili.

I am a Youth Project Coordinator here at Le Va and I love that I am part of exuding their vision of unleashing the full potential of our Pasifika youth and communities, bringing about change and making a real difference for our people.

I am of Samoan and Tongan descent, New Zealand-born and raised in the hearty South Auckland. My Polynesian roots stem from my beautiful parents; my mother who hails from Matāutu, Lefaga and my father who comes from Tuanaimato, Lepea and the nation of Tonga. I also carry with me the legacy and dreams of my grandparents who migrated to Aotearoa in the late 1960s with dreams of a fresh start for their family and a fruitful continuation of their legacy.

A daughter of God, a wife to my darling husband Angelo, a child to my hardworking parents and a creative – it is my faith, my family and my village that are the foundations that keep me grounded. It is passion for people, creativity and being purposeful that drives me in all that I do.

Before Le Va, my professional background has predominantly been in the Talent Acquisition / HR corporate space, but I have always volunteered in community and youth spaces whether that be as a youth leader in church or mentoring and tutoring young people throughout my journey.

I believe we all play a part in championing change in our communities and so here I am, in my sphere of influence, serving our beautiful Pasifika youth and communities and helping them to be at their best! What an honour and blessing.