I am a Manurewa resident married to Utufiu; we have a blended family of five children and pet cat Coomah.

In 2008 I graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Auckland, having earlier completed the Diploma in Social Work in 2004. I was successfully accepted into University of Auckland’s Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration programme 2010.

I am a manager at a social services organisation having worked in the social work field for 22 years.  I’m a retired rugby player where I enjoyed the role of prop forward and was later awarded Manager of the Year 2001 at the Otahuhu Rugby Club. I have started a community project to support immigrants adjusting to life in Aotearoa New Zealand.

If elected into office I intend to champion the interests of Manurewa with passion and commitment where I will consult and listen to my community.

Thank you

Top 5 Issues

1. Safety - in the home is a priority.
   
   Safety - Invest in better lighting and security in all parts of Manurewa with the goal that all pockets of our community have the same level of safety.
   
   Safety - Champion Neighbourhood Support group, involvment working collaboratively with Police.
   
   Safety - Reducing Family Violence - more programme and awareness of the harmful effects of family violence.
2. Education - Empower Manurewa with the relevant information to enable grassroots decision making. Monthly newsletter and website.
   Provide churches, non government agencies with the right information and training on how to access funding streams.
3. Youth Participation - Encourage youth participation at local government by setting up a Youth Leadership committee. Task them with to undertake a stocktake of current facilities and make recommendations for future growth that is relevant for youth.
   
   Securing resources to streets where schools are located; that the responsibility lies with the board in ensuring the lawns are moved, rubbish is collected, streets are swept clean daily, to allow our children arrive at school ready to learn.
4. Building a caring culture
   Utilise and sought within the Manurewa community Champion volunteers within the community to use their strengths to mentor youth, parents and families. Provide resources to enable community development at grassroot level.
   
   Culture - Harvest and cultivate the cultural knowledge of Manurewa to ensure we are catering to our community. Celebrate our diversity.
   
   Are we catering to our community needs taking into account the diversity of Manurewa.
5. South Mall - A place to grow local business and safe secure for our community. Time for a facelift...?
   
   I would love to hear from you about your thoughts regarding South Mall.

Personal Profile

I was born in the village of Hofoa in Tonga. My mother chose Aotearoa New Zealand as the best place to live where she migrated here in 1971.  My brother and I later joined my mother and stepfather in Onehunga, Auckland.  I attended Onehunga Primary School, Manukau Intermediate and Onehunga High School.

Volunteer/Hobbies

2010 - to date - Secretary 'Api Ko Hofoa Society.

2010 to date - Secretary, Auckland Pacific Sector of New Zealand Labour Party.

2009 - Project manager Matanga Fonu Moe Moa.

2001 - Manager Tonga Women's Rugby Team - Lofa

2000-2001 - Manager, Otahuhu Women's Rugby Team.

1998-2000 - Rugby Player - Otahuhu Women's Rugby Team.

1999 - Tour Manager, Tonga Touch Association - Touch World Cup Sydney Australia.

1996-1999 - Secretary, Tongan Touch Association.