Our People
Moana Vā Board Members
Fuimaono Dr. Karl Pulotu-Endemann MNZM, JP (Rtd) -
Matua / Chief Advisor
Fuimaono Dr. Karl Pulotu-Endemann is a proud Samoan-born Matai, Fa’afafine, and New Zealander who champions the strength and capabilities of Pacific people. Actively involved in the "By Pacific For Pacific" movement since the post-Dawn Raids of the 1970s, he has established vital services for Pacific communities, including Pacific Trust Canterbury and Le Va. His work spans governance roles in the Mental Health Commission, ALAC, Drug Foundation, NZ AIDS Foundation, and more. Guided by Fa’a Samoa principles of respect, integrity, service, and compassion, Fuimaono is a renowned consultant specializing in Pacific health issues, community development, and cultural competencies. Moana Vā is honoured to have him as their Matua and Advisor.
Vui Suli Tuitaupe -
Founder & Chair
Vui Suli Tuitaupe (He/Him) is the proud founder and chair of Moana Vā. He envisions Moana Vā as a collective that supports, advocates, empowers, mentors, and strengthens MVPFAFF+, LGBTQIA+, and Rainbow+ communities locally and globally.
Vui is dedicated to creating a safe, respectful, inclusive, and engaging space for these communities and their families to navigate and celebrate Pacific pride. Collaborating with stakeholders, he advocates for vulnerable and marginalised families.
As a nurse, health promoter, and fitness trainer, Vui is passionate about holistic health and wellbeing, promoting physical activity, and focusing on illness prevention and cure. He is committed to empowering communities with the message that 'health is wealth,' striving to improve Pasifika health statistics, rainbow+ inequities, and health equity for all communities.
Fesoloa’i Situe - Treasurer
Fesoloa’i, also known as A'i (She/Her), is a proud Samoan and dedicated parent of a rainbow person. As the Treasurer of Moana Vā, she brings a wealth of experience in financial management and a deep commitment to advocating for the Pacific Rainbow community. Her passion for inclusivity and representation drives her work.
Kauri Tearaura - Secretary
Kauri Tearaura (they/them) is a descendant of the Māori peoples of Ngāti Mahuta, Tongareva, and Avarau, and serves as the Secretary of the board. Since adolescence, Kauri has led movements across Aotearoa New Zealand, supporting diverse communities in work, learning, and life.
At 24, they are the diversity, equity, and inclusion lead at the Ministry for the Environment, making them the youngest senior leader in their field within the New Zealand public service. A self-described 'for-purpose governor,' Kauri has a community-driven governance career that includes roles in multiple advisory groups, executive committees, and boards of trustees at regional, national, and international levels.
Jeremy Faumuinā -
Board Member
Jeremy Faumuinā (He/Him) is a devoted husband to his wife Shelley and a proud father of five. As a fierce advocate for the MVPFAFF+ and LGBTQIA+ communities, Jeremy is known for his multipotentialite abilities as a communicator, social worker, motivational speaker, public relations consultant, and design lead for various educational leadership training programs across Aotearoa and Sāmoa. His passion for people and keen awareness of how to teu the vā (build and nurture relationships) have enabled him to work across diverse sectors, including businesses, non-profits, government agencies, and community groups. Currently, Jeremy serves Aotearoa as a social worker with the New Zealand Police.
Sera Thompson - Board Administrator
Sera Thompson (She/Her), of Cook Island descent, serves as the board administrator for Moana Vā. She is also the assistant manager for Aranui Community Trust. With a strong background in business and administration, Sera is a dedicated supporter of the Pacific community, bringing valuable expertise and commitment to her roles.
Lana Shields - Operations Manager
Lana Shields (She/Her) is Moana Vā's operations manager, having been with the organisation since its inception. Her passion for the community is intergenerational, inspired by her late uncle Memea Eleitino Ma'aelopa Siania, a fierce advocate for the Pacific and rainbow communities.
Lana is also the proud mother of a Samoan lesbian, further driving her dedication to supporting and empowering LGBTQIA+ and Pacific communities through Moana Vā. Her commitment and personal connections enrich the organisation's mission and impact.
Moana Vā Contributors
Alex Faimalo (She/Her)
Alex Faimalo, a founding member and past board member of Moana Vā, now co-hosts Moana Vā's podcast Two Fat 'Fine. Alongside MahMah, Alex brings an unfiltered and joyous celebration of life in all its vibrant dimensions.
Unapologetically fat, queer, and proud, these dynamic personalities embark on a fortnightly journey filled with laughter, heart-to-heart conversations, and a kaleidoscope of stories that reflect the diverse tapestry of the Moana Vā community. Each episode uniquely blends humor and depth, featuring inspiring guests from various backgrounds and ages, and interactive episodes where listeners become an integral part of the discourse.
Alex McDonnell-Faimalo
(She/Her)
Alex has been a steadfast ally to our Pacific community, bringing her unique perspective as the wife of a Pacific woman and mother to Pasifika pēpi. Her advocacy for rainbow parenting has been a cornerstone in fostering understanding and support for diverse family structures within our community.
Alex Saimoa (He/Him)
Alex Saimoa is a key connection of Moana Vā to Christchurch Pride, playing an instrumental role in ensuring Pacific Rainbow community representation at Christchurch Pride's annual events. His commitment and advocacy have significantly contributed to the visibility and recognition of the Pacific Rainbow community within Christchurch Pride, making him an invaluable member of the Moana Vā family.
Ati Vili is a founding member of Moana Vā and a key figure in the Koko Nights initiative. With an exemplary background in events, his networks and skills are unmatched. Ati also serves as the Operations Manager for Te Putahitanga o Te Waipounamu, where Moana Vā headquarters is based.
Ati Vili (He/Him)
Chris (She/Her)
Chris is a dedicated Māori and Pacific health promoter with a rich background in serving the Canterbury Pacific community. Of Cook Island Māori descent, Chris champions healthy living through various roles, including nutrition advocacy, culinary education, and waka ama. With a strong foundation in event management, Chris is also an enthusiastic volunteer for Moana Vā.
Darren Folau (He/Him)
Darren Folau is an member of Moana Vā and also serves as the Manager for Community and Whānau Wellbeing at Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Canterbury. As a Certified Health and Wellness Coach, Darren brings his expertise to Moana Vā, dedicating his skills to promote health and wellness within the community.
Emma-Rose Kennar (She/Her)
Emma-Rose Kennar has recently joined Moana Vā to assist with our social media efforts. She is of Samoan descent, hailing from the villages of Vao-Vai and Nofoali'i. A proud Samoan, Emma-Rose brings a passion for creativity to our team. Her dedication to her cultural heritage and innovative approach to social media make her a valuable asset in sharing our stories and engaging our community.
Fesny Situe (He/Him)
Fesny Situe is the youngest founding member of Moana Vā, known for his passion in supporting our kaupuaua and his eagerness to grow Moana Vā and build community.
Fesny's dedication and fresh perspective contribute to the organisation's dynamic approach in empowering and advocating for MVPFAFF+ communities.
Howard Jamieson (He/Him)
Howard Jamieson is of Māori and Fijian descent with a background in policy, advice, and community work. He is a creative, self-taught sewing tutor who started Moana Vā's "Sew What?" initiative, teaching sewing lessons to the community.
Howard's dedication to community education and creative expression enriches Moana Vā's work and fosters skill-building and community cohesion through sewing.
Jessee James (She/Her)
Jessee(Ngāti Pāhauwera) is a Health and Wellbeing Consultant. Winner of the 2019 New Zealand Exercise Industry awards for Personal Trainer of the Year, Jessee is a passionate and dedicated health and wellness professional with extensive experience. Jessee brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise as a health professional and owner of her own personal training business. Her commitment to health and hauora is evident in her coaching approach, guided by her personal motto, "believe, achieve, succeed." Jessee is dedicated to making exercise accessible to all, providing safe programs in a supportive and motivating environment. She excels in motivating and enhancing the capabilities of a diverse range of individuals, helping them achieve their personal health and wellness goals.
Kophie Su'a Hulsbosch (She/Her)
Kophie Su'a Hulsbosch is the graphic designer and creative powerhouse for Moana Vā. She brings the collective's vision to life through art and design, having painted large-scale murals and crafted the website, logo, clothing, and all branding elements.
Kophie's creativity and expertise play a vital role in shaping the visual identity of Moana Vā.
Lana Afu (She/Her)
Sports Engagement Director.
Lana Afu is a proud Tongan Leiti and a key member of Moana Vā, where she has played a transformative role, particularly in establishing the organisation’s netball team. With a focus on preparing for the inaugural Rainbow Games 2024, Lana’s leadership and commitment to sports and community engagement have been pivotal. As a certified Health Coach, she takes a holistic approach to coaching, prioritising both athletic performance and the well-being of her team, aligning with Moana Vā’s mission to foster inclusivity and support within the MVPFAFF+ and Pacific communities.
With 25 years of experience as a high-performance athlete, Lana has transitioned her competitive spirit into coaching, inspiring her athletes with confidence and determination. Her passion for inclusivity and community sports strengthens Moana Vā and contributes to a broader movement for representation and empowerment of Pacific peoples.
Dr. MahMah Timoteo (They/She)
Dr. MahMah Timoteo (Tohoa Tetini) is a Cook Island multidisciplinary teacher and researcher, holding a PhD in Anthropology from the University of Canterbury. Their research focuses on the lived experiences of Pacific peoples navigating climate change spaces within Aotearoa. MahMah's interests encompass climate change, Pacific communities, intersectionality, Indigenous and queer liberation, body liberation, and well-being. They advocate in online spaces challenging oppressive systems affecting marginalized communities, emphasizing joy and rest.
MahMah is a proud member and advocate within the queer community, having served as co-chair of Qtopia and a core member of Moana Vā. They co-host Moana Vā's podcast 'Two Fat 'Fine' with Alex, celebrating life's vibrant dimensions. MahMah has collaborated with the Ministry for Education, Ministry for Environment, Ministry for Culture & Heritage, and other government bodies, engaging in lectures, workshops, conferences, panel discussions, MCing, and events. Their work reflects a commitment to uplifting communities and kaupapa.
Rev. Dr Matthew Jack (He/Him)
Born in 1963 and educated in local state schools, Matthew (He/Him) has been the minister at Knox Presbyterian Church Ōtautahi Christchurch since 2014. Matthew thinks that he is the only out gay man in a front-line parish appointment in the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Matthew's mother's people came to Te Waipounamu from England in the 1850s. Matthew's Northern Irish father came to Tāmaki Makaurau in the 1950s for work and love. Matthew considers his iwi to be "Tangata o te Tiriti".
While being Palagi (and having much to learn about Pasifika culture), Matthew is delighted to work with Moana Vā to provide occasional services of worship at Knox for Pasifika rainbow people who are missing "church". He believes that no one ought to have to miss church.
He cooks, sings, and enjoys ministering in a good, inclusive parish setting.
Nathan Auimatagi (He/Him)
Nathan Auimatagi, of Samoan descent, is a founding member of Moana Vā. He is a school teacher and advocate for the rainbow community, passionately supporting LGBTQIA+ rights and inclusion.
Nathan has been actively involved in Moana Vā's initiatives, including coaching their netball team, where he contributes his leadership and coaching skills to empower the community through sports.
Selina Faimalo (She/Her)
Selina Faimalo serves as the social media manager for Moana Vā, creating engaging content across platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.
Additionally, she is the producer for the Two Fat 'Fine podcast, contributing to marketing promotions and providing technology support. Selina plays a crucial role in managing and enhancing Moana Vā's online presence and podcast initiatives.
Sipola Paris (She/Her)
Sipola Paris is of Tongan, Fijian and Māori descent with affiliations to Ngāpuhi. She serves as the Manager of Education Delivery at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and our connector to Kahukura Pounamu (our indigenous sister rainbow organisation). Within Moana Vā, Sipola is valued as our Te Ao Maori advisor, bringing deep cultural insights and guidance to the organisation's initiatives and align with Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Her role contributes significantly to fostering cultural understanding and promoting the values of inclusivity and community empowerment.
Tamapua Pera (Mama Pua)
Tamapua Pera, affectionately known as Mama Pua, is a prominent community leader within the Cook Island community. She is renowned for her cultural cooking and catering skills, delighting the community with her culinary creations.
In addition to her culinary talents, Tamapua is also skilled in sewing, creating beautiful pieces for the community. She assists Howard in the "Sew What?" classes, where her excellent sewing skills contribute to the success of the initiative. Tamapua's dedication and expertise enrich Moana Vā's community programs, fostering cultural expression and skill-sharing.
Special Thanks To:
Maria - Previous Board member and ongoing supporter
Lynley - a founding member who continually supports in the background financially and advisory.
Ana - Previous Board member & initiated our Moana Vā Choir pilot.
Style -Created a start up report and ongoing supporter
Community
