Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
I am a Pacific and Indigenous social work leader, of Te Rarawa and Samoan whakapapa, and Pou Whakahaere (Chief Executive) of the Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers. I was born on Ngunnawal Country (Canberra, Australia), and carry a deepending and enduring awareness of the responsibilities of tangata whenua, manuhiri, and Indigenous solidarity. My whakapapa reflects a woven ancestry of Indigeneity and migration, connecting me to Aotearoa, the Te Moana Nui a Kiwa (Pacific Ocean), and to Chinese, Swedish, English, and Irish lineages. This intergenerational story shapes how I understand leadership, belonging, and responsibility within complex social systems. My work spans practice, leadership, advocacy, and governance, with a strong focus on how social systems respond to increasing social, economic, and environmental pressures. I am particularly interested in the intersections between Indigenous knowledge, public policy, representation and climate change, and the implications these have for communities, workforce development, and long‑term hauora (wellbeing). A core part of my role involves working at the policy and advocacy interface; engaging with government and policy makers, contributing to public discourse, and supporting the social work profession to respond to complex and evolving challenges; navigating political environments while maintaining a clear commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Māori and Pacific worldviews, and social justice. My professional experience includes leadership across Aotearoa and Samoa, with a consistent focus on strengthening systems, supporting practitioners, and advancing equitable outcomes for communities. I am an alum of the Obama Foundation Asia‑Pacific Leaders Programme and Young Pacific Leaders Initiative, and was named to the University of Auckland 40 Under 40 (Humanitarian category) in recognition of leadership and service to communities. I remain committed to strengthening Pacific and Indigenous leadership and voice across regional and global spaces.
ANZASW is a professional body for social workers in Aotearoa New Zealand. The Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers (more commonly known as ANZASW) was established in 1964. We are a national membership organisation that seeks to lift the quality of social work practice and advocate for social justice, human rights, and human dignity.
Current State is a space for reflective practice, supervision, and systems-informed leadership. My work centres conversations that help people navigate complexity, sustain purpose, and lead with greater clarity, integrity, and connection across community, social, and public sectors.