Mālō le soifua manuia,

I am a dedicated Pacific leader and the Principal of Thorndon School in Central Wellington. As a New Zealand-born Samoan with ancestral roots to Pata Falelatai and Lalovi, my leadership is deeply informed by my experience navigating the dual worlds of traditional Samoan values and the New Zealand education system. This unique perspective fuels my commitment to ensuring that our Pasifika students and educators no longer just “navigate” the system, but truly thrive within it.

My career has spanned diverse leadership roles—from rural Taranaki to the Education Review Office (ERO) and now to the heart of Wellington. Throughout these experiences, I have built an understanding of how to nurture relationships and bridge gaps. My work with Lalaga Fa’atasi has been instrumental in fostering authentic partnerships between schools and Pasifika communities, a model of engagement I continue to champion nationwide.

As Vice President of the NZPPA, I am a tireless advocate for elevating Pasifika methodologies in education. I believe in the power of aiga as the foundation for all success. Inspired by my partner, Jen, and our six children, I strive to cultivate an educational landscape where every learner walks with the confidence of knowing exactly who they are and where they are from.

Fa’afetai lava mo le avanoa.

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.

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.

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.