As the current President of the New Zealand Pasifika Principals Association (NZPPA), Jerry brings a wealth of industry experience and educational leadership to his role. With a unique ability to integrate business acumen and entrepreneurial thinking into the educational sphere, Jerry is committed to fostering innovation and empowering the next generation of Pasifika leaders. As a mentor and guide, he leverages his expertise to provide aspiring principals with the tools and insights they need to succeed in their roles. Jerry’s approach is centred on inspiring, empowering, and leading change in Pasifika education. Through his work with the NZPPA, he is dedicated to shaping the future of education for Pasifika students and communities, one leader at a time. His passion for nurturing leadership potential and his commitment to the advancement of Pasifika education make him an invaluable asset to the organization and the communities it serves.

Tuifa’asisina Bert, born and raised in West Auckland, is the youngest of four children to the late Sautia Sone and the late Motufoua Iosia from the villages of Lotofaga i Safata and Faleasi’u i Aana. A first-generation New Zealand-born Pacific Islander, Bert’s parents migrated to NZ in the 1950s and settled in Ponsonby, Auckland, where they became a foundation family of the first Pacific Island church in NZ, PIC Newton. Bert has been serving as an educator since 1998 and was appointed as the Tumuaki (Principal) of Kelston Intermediate in 2021. Although new to the role, he has found unwavering support from the New Zealand Pasifika Principals Association (NZPPA). Married to Dorothy Asenati Iosia, Bert is a proud father of two children, Peter and Marie, both diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). His personal experiences and dedication to education drive his commitment to serving his community.

Fakaalofa Lahi Atu everyone!  I am a NZ born Pacific Islander of Niuean, Samoan, Tongan and European descent. My partner Geneva and I are the proud and loving parents of a 5 year old son, Karl Jnr and we currently live in Takanini Auckland.

I have been in education for 24 years and started my teaching in 1998. I have been a principal for 15 years in both the State and Catholic School systems and I am currently the principal of Rowandale School in Manurewa (since 2014). Rowandale is a Decile 1a School with a current roll of 690 year 1-6 students.

I am a firm believer in relationships based learning and parents as first teachers. I advocate for quality teaching that caters for the unique needs of 21st Century Learners and believe that the BEST teacher for Maori and Pasifika children is the BEST teacher who understands their own identity and culture (special conditions apply). I have been a member of NZPPA since its inception and I am currently the Treasurer.

Director Tautai o Le Moana (ToLM) / Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (2021)

Helen is a New Zealand-born educator of Samoan and Cook Island descent, who brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her role as a member of the New Zealand Pasifika Principals Association. As the leader of the organization’s Educational Arm and the Director/Facilitator of Tautai O Le Moana – Wayfinders of the Ocean, Helen is committed to improving outcomes for Pacific learners. With 14 years of experience as a Primary School Principal and an accredited leadership facilitator, she engages principals in educational transformation through deep learning, mentoring, coaching, critical conscientisation, and collaboration. Helen’s driving mantra, “improving outcomes for Pacific learners,” is evident in her work, where she helps principals grow a deeper understanding of Pasifika world views and value Pasifika cultural capital. Her dedication to Pacific education was recognized in 2021 when she was appointed as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for her services to Pacific Education.

Jason is a New Zealand-born Pacific Islander of Cook Island Māori, New Zealand Māori, and European descent, and brings 23 years of experience in education to his role as principal of Tairangi School in Porirua. A father of three, Jason’s personal philosophy is centred on co-creating a society where everyone can benefit from each other’s full potential. With a decade of experience as a principal in both New Zealand and the Cook Islands, Jason actively contributes to his local community through his involvement in various organizations. He has served as a Co-lead of the Porirua East Kahui Ako, and currently holds positions on the Executive of the Porirua Pacific Services Network, as a Trustee for a local Digital Equity Service provider, and as the Employing principal for RTLB Cluster 28. Jason’s diverse background and commitment to education and community development make him a valuable asset to the students and families he serves.

Parehuia (Rongowhakaata, Te Aitanga-a-Mahaki) brings 30 years of teaching and leadership experience within New Zealand primary and secondary schools. As the co-principal of Pacific Advance Secondary School (PASS), Aotearoa’s only Pasifika Special Character Secondary School, she is dedicated to a “Pasifika mo Pasifika” education model tailored to the unique needs of Pacific young people. Parehuia excels in mentoring and leadership development, passionately working to elevate the educational and personal achievements of teachers through her collaborative leadership style. A proud mother of three sons, she cherishes the opportunity to positively influence the lives of young people across Aotearoa.

Jenny, also known as Whaea Jenny, is the newly appointed principal of Otahuhu Primary School, bringing with her a passion for building strong, meaningful relationships with students, staff, and the wider school community. With her previous experience as the principal of Birdwood Primary, Jenny is committed to fostering a learning environment that is both exciting and engaging for all students. Her dedication to creating a welcoming and inclusive school culture was evident from her very first day, where she was honoured with a Powhiri that left her feeling humbled and blessed to have been selected as the Tumuaki of this fabulous school. Jenny’s approachable nature is reflected in her open invitation for parents and caregivers to come and say hello when they are in the school, as she has already begun connecting with families at the school gate. Her commitment to building strong partnerships between home and school is a testament to her belief in the importance of working together to support the success of every child at Otahuhu Primary School.

Kia orāna tātou kātoatoa i te āro’a ma’ata ‘ō tō tātou Atua
Ko wai au?
Ki te taha o tōku māmā, nō ingarani ōku tipuna
Ki te taha o tōku poua, he uri ahau nō Ngāti Tinomana arā Puaikura, ki Rarotonga

 Dallas is a proud Cook Islander with English ancestry, brings a unique blend of cultural perspectives and leadership experience to his role as the Principal of St Anne’s Catholic School in Christchurch. As the Te Māra Akoranga Katorika Kāhui Lead Principal and an executive member of the New Zealand Pasifika Principals Association (NZPPA), Dallas is committed to making a positive impact on Pasifika students, particularly in the growing population of Te Waipounamu. With nine years of leadership at St Anne’s Catholic School, Dallas has spearheaded significant changes, including the school becoming fully bilingual (Māori) in 2023 and plans to offer a bilingual Sāmoan unit in 2025. Drawing inspiration from his grandfather’s story of moving to New Zealand from Rarotonga and the subsequent challenges faced, Dallas is determined to help inspire and drive change for Pasifika students. He recognizes that progress may be slower in Te Waipounamu but is eager to contribute to making a difference in the lives of Pasifika learners.

Rosina brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role as the newly appointed principal of Opononi Area School, with over 20 years in education and 11 years in principalship. Her recent completion of a Masters of Contemporary Education, with a practice-based research project focused on “Building & Sustaining Effective Leadership Practices to Improve Educational Success of Māori Learners, in Culturally Appropriate ways,” showcases her commitment to supporting the growth of leaders and teachers in transforming their pedagogical leadership and growth mindset. Rosina’s firm foundation in Kaupapa Māori me ona Tikanga allows her to lead with confidence and be unapologetic about putting ākonga Māori first. By normalizing Māori values, behaviours, and understanding, Rosina creates an environment where students can thrive and connect with their cultural identity. Her dedication to culturally responsive leadership and her ability to inspire others make her an invaluable asset to the Opononi Area School community and the wider education sector.

Graeme, the current principal of Te Kōmanawa Rowley School in Christchurch, brings a unique perspective to the New Zealand Pasifika Principals Association (NZPPA) Executive as a leader from the South Island. With 40% of the students at his school identifying as Pasifika, Graeme is leading the school on a journey to open a Gagana Samoan bilingual unit. He draws from his 22 years of experience in education, including 10 years as the principal of three lower decile schools, to fuel his passion for growing these schools and ensuring that the children they serve receive the best possible education. As a member of the NZPPA Executive, Graeme considers it an honour to support Pasifika learners and watch them grow in their heritage identity. His dedication to the advancement of Pasifika education and his distinct viewpoint make him a valuable asset to the organization and the communities it serves.

Maria, the principal of St Joseph’s School in Levin, is of Samoan and English descent. She leads the only Catholic school in Taitoko-Levin, serving families from the township and surrounding area. Committed to fostering a Christ-centred learning environment, where every child can experience success, Maria aspires to nurturing the connection between school, whānau, parish and community to foster and champion learning for all. Culture, language and identity are matters of the heart, mind and spirit. Maria and her St Joseph’s team are committed to providing an inclusive and innovative educational experience that nurtures the ‘whole child’; where ākonga come to ‘Know, Do and Live their Mission to S.E.R.V.E.’ God, their whānau, each other and their communities.