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CONTENTS WELCOME
NICK ASTWICK JENNIFER GILL SINA WENDT
GRADUANDS’ SPEECH
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DR. KARLO MILA
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LE TOFĀ TAOFIOFI
TUI ATUA TUPUA TAMASESE TA’ISI TUPUOLA TUFUGA EFI
GRADUAND REFLECTIONS
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CLASS OF 2018
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW 2017-2018
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES
THE PEOPLE
Enriching New Zealand through active leadership in a connected community.
We thank the following people for their generous support of Leadership NZ.
MISSION To build an exceptional leadership culture that develops and celebrates resilient, courageous, authentic leaders who:
SUSANA LEI’ATAUA & TAPU TUISUGA
O LE GASE A ALA LALAVAO
VISION
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Have a strong awareness of issues of significance for New Zealand;
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Value diversity, engage in meaningful conversation, connect and work successfully across difference;
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Build and transform organisations, communities and effect positive social economic and cultural change across society.
VALUES Courageous Generous of spirit Inclusive Acting with integrity Innovative Apolitical Celebrating diversity PUMANAWA KAIARAHI O AOTEAROA LEADERSHIP NZ TRUST
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 25
PO Box 5061 Wellesley Street, Auckland 1141 +64 9 309 3749 info@leadershipnz.co.nz leadershipnz.co.nz
LEADERSHIP NZ STAFF
DISCLAIMER The opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Leadership New Zealand, its members or the publishers. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, no responsibility can be accepted by the publisher for omissions, typographical or printer’s errors, inaccuracies or changes that may have taken place after publication. All rights reserved. 2018 Mana Moana
Sina Wendt Chief Executive Louise Marra Programme Director Annette Bartlett Programme Leader Nicola Campbell Programme Facilitator Judy Whiteman Network Connector Dr Karlo Mila Mana Moana Programme Director Cecilia Vakameilalo-Kioa Mana Moana Programme Manager Alistair Kwun Marketing, Communications & Events Manager EDITORIAL TEAM Sina Wendt, Cecilia Vakameilalo-Kioa, Dr. Karlo Mila Alistair Kwun, Curative ILLUSTRATOR Johnson Witehira
LEADERSHIP NZ TRUSTEES Nick Astwick Chair, Leadership NZ; Chief Executive Officer, Southern Cross Health Society; Alumnus 2010 Steve Ferguson
Deputy Chair, Leadership NZ; Programme Director Visa 2020, Immigration NZ; Alumnus 2013
Christien Winter George Riley
Executive Director, Sheffield Trustee, Te Tii Waitangi (B3) Ahu Whenua Trust; General Manager, Māori Economic Development, Northland Inc.; Alumnus 2009
Hilary Sumpter
Chief Executive, Kerikeri Retirement Village; Alumna 2010
Neville Pulman
Programme Director, Be. Accessible; Alumnus 2006
Peter Garnett
Company Director
Tara Pradhan
Director, Government and International Relations, Greenstone TV; Alumna 2007
Teresa Tepania-Ashton Chief Executive Officer, Māori Women’s Development Inc; Alumna 2006 LEADERSHIP NZ AMBASSADORS Sir Bob Harvey
Chair, Ambassadors; Champion for Auckland – Overseas Investment
David McGregor Jo Brosnahan
Deputy Chair, Ambassadors; General Counsel, Envirocounsel Founder, Leadership NZ; Company Director
Chris Laidlaw Wellington Regional Councillor; Writer John Hinchcliff Louise Marra
Emeritus Vice Chancellor, AUT University; President, Peace Foundation Director, Spirited Leadership; Programme Director, Leadership NZ
Penny Hulse Peter Kerridge Suzanne Snively
Waitakere Ward Councillor Director, Kerridge and Partners MD, More Media Enterprises; Chair, Agri-Women Development Trust; Company Director
Tim Miles
Company Director
Tony Nowell
Director, Valadenz; Company Director
PATRON
Beverley, Lady Reeves
Vision
The vision of Mana Moana is for Pacific peoples to harness the mana and power of who we are and where we are from. The most unique feature of this programme is its carefully curated, research-based exploration of Pacific indigenous cultural
Mana
knowledge and its contribution to leadership and life. Mana is an Oceanic word that can be found in 26 Pasifika languages. It refers to power, energy, grace, abundance, efficacy, and authority. Mana is essential to effective leadership. Moana, meaning ‘ocean’, is a Polynesian word that can be found in 35 contemporary Pacific languages. Mana Moana, then, is about the power, energy and vitality sourced to being from the moana and
Our Roots
being indigenous to the South Pacific region. Our shared Pacific linguistic, cultural, genealogical, geographical and historical roots provide us with a treasure trove of rich knowledge that is an essential resource for leadership today. Integrated with the special signature features of the New Zealand Leadership Programme, it provides a holistic and transformative experience for anyone seeking to make waves and change lives in Aotearoa, New Zealand, the Pacific and beyond.
A MESSAGE FROM
A MESSAGE FROM OUR COMMUNITY PARTNER
He tapu te tangata aha ko wai. Nau mai, haere mai, piki mai i runga i te kaupapa o te ra,
Mālō e lelei,
Leadership NZ Ko Nick ahau. Ko Southern Alps ngā maunga. Ko Yorkshire raua ko Latimer ōku iwi. Engari i tupu ake au ki Ngāi Tahu. Ko Ōtautahi te turangawaewae, No reira, tēnā koutou katoa.
Foundation North
Congratulations to the Leadership NZ Board, management and staff, to Sina Wendt, Dr Karlo Mila and to the first cohort of the Mana Moana Experience on reaching this significant milestone. Foundation North was very proud to partner with Leadership NZ at the inception of the Mana Moana Leadership Programme, and we are delighted to support its continuing development as funders over the next two years.
Talofa lava, Mālō e lelei, Kia orana, Fakalofa lahi atu, Bula vinaka It is a great pleasure to celebrate the leaders of our inaugural Mana Moana Experience. An experience that would not be possible without the contribution of our key community partner, Foundation North. I would like to acknowledge the Chair Huei Min (Lyn) Lim, the CEO - Jennifer Gill, and the Foundation North Trustees and staff. Thank you so much. I would like to acknowledge Jo Brosnahan, Founder and Ambassador of Leadership NZ, and our Leadership NZ partners: ACC, KPMG, Curative, and Altris. I would also like to acknowledge Sina Wendt and Dr. Karlo Mila for leading the successful completion of our first Mana Moana Experience. Leadership NZ is committed to enriching New Zealand through active leadership in connected communities and we are very proud of the Mana Moana Experience and the importance of this programme in growing Pacific leadership in Aotearoa New Zealand. To the class of 2018 – congratulations! I am really looking forward to how you all, as our inaugural cohort, step up and scale up your influence and impact for a more diverse and prosperous New Zealand for all. Finally, a special mention to all the friends and families of our leaders, thank you all for your support.
Back in 2014, Foundation North began a three-year Pacific Action Plan informed by a series of community fono. Arising from these fono, the development of Pacific leadership was identified as one of the four key needs being voiced by Pacific communities. Workshops were held with Foundation North’s Māori & Pacific trustees and staff, and Leadership NZ, and the idea of a dedicated Pacific leadership programme was born. In 2018 the Foundation reviewed and refreshed its Pacific Strategy – which holds liuliu/leadership as one of its core values. When we talk about projects that demonstrate an understanding of best practices, knowledge and evidence, we can hold up the Mana Moana Experience as a unique example capable of lighting the way for others. Our Chair, Huei Min (Lyn) Lim was delighted to attend the Mana Moana graduation ceremony, where she spoke about the roots of the programme and the role it plays in the development of our Pacific strategy. I am pleased to echo her words in wishing each of the inaugural cohort all the best as they weave this journey into their thinking and practice, into their day-jobs and into communities, where it can have positive, meaningful impacts.
Ngā mihi nui.
Nick Astwick
Chair, Leadership NZ
Jennifer Gill
Chief Executive Officer, Foundation North
LEADERSHIP NZ 2018
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Talofa lava, Kia orana, Mālō e lelei, Fakalofa lahi atu, Ni sa bula vinaka, Taloha ni, Talofa, Tēnā koutou katoa
A MESSAGE FROM OUR
Chief Executive Our leadership theme this year is “Awakened Leadership” and through Mana Moana we have awakened our loto and minds to the heart source of our ancestral knowledge, the wisdom of our tupuna, to help us walk and lead more confidently, proudly in all our worlds.
Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Ta’isi Efi writes that, “In Samoan culture there are three perspectives: The perspective of the person at the top of the mountain, the top of the tree, and in the canoe who is close to the school of fish. In any big problem the three perspectives are equally necessary.” In leadership all three perspectives are critical, and in our Mana Moana journey, we were provided opportunities to step outside of our vaka – which we can often get stuck in focused only on what we see in front of us – the doing! The view from the maunga provided us with valuable insights and an opportunity to reflect with a birds-eye view over problems that are often far too close to gain such a perspective. Pasifika leadership is centered on leadership through service - tautua to others, our family, communities and organisations, and we know if we don’t take time to care for ourselves, we can get out of balance. If we are to serve well - to be visionary and courageous, we must make time to build up our strength, and dive deep into the va loto, our deep interior, the deep parts of the ocean. At our inaugural graduation we honoured our Mana Moana leaders with a taonga made from whale bone to acknowledge how they have gone into the loto, the deep. Leadership is also about aroha, aro’a, alofa which is more nuanced in meaning than the English translation “love.” It is the manifestation of altruism, activation of true empathy. It is a va - space of shared humanity filled with the reciprocal flow of relating. Our Mana Moana leaders have witnessed and seen into each other’s loto. They have listened and heard each other share their personal manifestos what they are called to do, for the good of Aotearoa New Zealand, and a better future for our mokopuna. It is a magnificent and joyful time now to celebrate 18 amazing, powerful Pasifika leaders that we have got to know, love and travel together on this voyage to Motutapu - the first Mana Moana Experience. Fa’afetai Lava.
Sina Wendt
Chief Executive, Leadership NZ
GRADUANDS’ SPEECH
Leading by example Susana Lei’ataua
We have not graduated. We have returned. We have completed a committed time hosted by a vision of another way - our way - and the potentials of this dedication when otherwise fully occupied individuals take time out to be together. I am deeply grateful to the participants of the inaugural Mana Moana Experience for asking me to speak at our completion ceremony to our hosts, to our families and to our friends who welcomed us ashore to hear where we have been. That night I completely abandoned my notes and spoke in the way I had each time we sat at our fono on the big deck of the retreats. Listening to the voices who spoke before me, listening to the voices who were speaking within me, so that I may hear myself in their tone, and they in mine. These words are therefore a recall of those thoughts tempered by the days since. We each arrived at Mana Moana to discover how deeply connected we already are, and how to consider our bearings in this time and space with the advice and guidance of those who have lived here in the millennia before us. Advice and guidance held aurally, and only more recently recorded with writing. That our time and place in Aotearoa New Zealand is held within the fine weaving of these generations of people. Those who have come before us on this sea of islands, Te Moana Nui a Kiwa. Their commitment to guide with their words of experience. Their commitment to us. We are the specificity of our gafa, tupu’anga, papa’anga, whakapapa, genealogy. We have been polite in accepting the collective label ‘Pasifika’. It has made sense in times past, mostly to those who are not us, and we have not wanted to offend. We have been their guests. But these hosts have not been here as long as our forebears and so this framing has been misleading. As more and more of us are born in Aotearoa New Zealand and as New Zealand understands itself as part of Te Moana, we are all realising our context with greater detail. It is this detail that renders any collective label without clear definitions a poor fit. It is this detail that holds clarity about our relationships. And it is inside this clarity where there is space for us all to exhale. Our gafa includes tūrangawaewae. This is a clear and consistent understanding throughout Te Moana. Another shared understanding is that with the movement of people there is the embrace of place. That one comes ashore to bring seeds to be planted, to contribute, to share, to sustain and to enhance. We are here to acknowledge Aotearoa New Zealand, to understand it is also our tūrangawaewae, and to make the connections between our tūrangawaewae throughout Te Moana. In so doing we offer ourselves in service, to care for the relational space between us, so that we may lead by example.
LEADERSHIP NZ 2018
GRADUANDS’ SPEECH
Beyond the box Tapu Tuisuga
Tēnā koutou, Talofa Lava, Kia orana, Mālō e lelei, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Bula vinaka, Malo Ni, Halo Ola keta, Mauri, Fakatalofa atu and Welcome – to all our families and friends. Thank you for making the time to come and celebrate this special occasion with us. It has been a journey and with all your support and love, it is fitting that we share this moment and celebrate together with you. I would like to acknowledge the support of the various organisations and agencies the participants of Mana Moana 2018 represent. Thank you for getting behind us and for being part of this worthy cause of raising future leaders for our community. On behalf of all the Pasifika communities in Aotearoa, we would like to express our sincere gratitude - for supporting our people and for believing in the vision - Pasifika leaders, leading Pasifika communities. On a personal level, I would like to make special mention of the Andrea Needham Leadership Charitable Trust. To Catherine Collinson and the trustees - thank you for sponsoring me on the Mana Moana leadership programme. Thank you for your commitment to seeing change and improvements made in the area of domestic violence – in providing initiatives and support to make our communities safer. The experience and the knowledge that I have gained from this Mana Moana journey, will help improve the Stopping Violence Services work, which I do for our Pasifika communities in Christchurch. So thank you! To our Mana Moana aiga – thank you for the wonderful journey. Thank you for the opportunity to learn and to grow together. Our journey has just begun! Numerous times, we have been challenged to think outside the box (metaphorically speaking) we don’t fit the box so we don’t have any choice!
Our values, our world views, our traditions, our language; our way of life, our spirituality and faith in God, our protocols, our stories, our indigenous ways and ideas, they don’t fit the western worldviews and dominant views of the day, but, that does not mean that they are less important or should be ignored. In fact they should be celebrated and honoured, because we have much to offer and so much that others can learn from. In my humble opinion – leadership is not about what we do or don’t do, but rather about WHO WE ARE – Our characters and our integrity. And we are Pasifika people leading Pasifika communities; we draw from the knowledge and wisdom of our ancestors/forefathers - trail blazers who went before and laid the foundations for us. We lead not from head knowledge or book knowledge, but from a place of deep connection and understanding, based on our own struggles and experiences while trying to make a living in this new place, that we call our home away from home. Let our own stories of struggles help us lead our people and to meet them where they are at. Someone once said – “we cannot lead and take people to where we have never been ourselves.” Their story is our story – we all have been through similar struggles that our people are going through. So much has been said and told about us – it’s time, that we be the authors of our own stories. Let us weave our own baskets (so to speak) using our values, our protocols, our language, our traditions, our way of being, our faith and our stories to bring about change for our communities. I firmly believe, that our confidence and our strength to lead our people and to persevere with causes we are passionate about, comes from honouring and valuing who we are – We are Pasifika people – so let us celebrate that! Fa’afetai Lava ma ia Manuia!
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THE MANA MOANA EXPERIENCE
O le gase a ala lalavao FROM THE PROGRAMME DIRECTOR
A Path to Leadership Words by Dr. Karlo Mila. Photography by Pati Solomona Tyrell
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What can we reclaim that has been lost to us, because of forces of colonisation, migration and globalisation?
This Samoan proverb tells us that the paths in the bush are never obliterated. It alludes to the shade of high trees not allowing the scrub and low vines to grow over and completely cover our paths. What is inferred, is that the trees are like our ancestors. They watch over us, ensuring the pathways back to our past, our heritage and ultimately to ourselves are never lost. In many ways, the Leadership NZ Mana Moana Experience cohort embarked on a journey that explores that path. In 2018, we had the pleasure of travelling with 18 Pacific leaders from many different backgrounds and motu. We could not have dreamed of a better cohort to carry the responsibilities of being the inaugural group. The strength and integrity of the women and men who participated sits with me, as I write this. Their drive, determination and courage. Their willingness to seek. Their openness to learn. Their joy in being inspired. Their singing. Their turou welcomes. Their love for each other. Their desire to do good in the world. It is truly with astonishment that I look back over the completion of the first leadership cohort. So much learning. So much magic. An incredible prototype year. In true Leadership NZ style, the aim of the journey is not to “educate” but instead to curate and create a rich experience that allows for personal transformation, reflection, growth and expansion. Reflecting back, my own experience of Leadership NZ in 2013 was such a formative experience. It was a healing journey and for all of us who participated, it was a deep reckoning with life purpose. Five years ago, Mana Moana was just being dreamed into being around my kitchen table. I was researching something I hoped would be healing and transformative for Pacific peoples living in Aotearoa. Something that would connect us to our cultures, to our ancestral wisdom, to our (decolonised) relationships with land, ocean, sky, spirit and surrounds. And yet, in my wildest imagination, I did not envisage what you see emerging between these pages as having already happened. The synergistic relationship that has created an integrated programme is one I am very grateful for.
The vision of Mana Moana is for Pacific peoples to harness the mana and power of who we are and where we are from. To access the knowledge indigenous to the peoples of the waters of the Moana – the largest ocean in the world. It is based on the premise that our ancestors were genuises. Our shared linguistic, cultural, genealogical, geographical and historical roots provide us with a treasure trove of rich knowledge that is an essential resource for living wisely and showing leadership today. In many ways, the tone was set at the first retreat by our time with two of the Pacific’s most respected knowledge holders: His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Ta’isi Tupuola Tufuga Efi and Maualaivao Albert Wendt. I wish to express appreciation to all those who agreed to speak on the programme. We were gifted clarity. We witnessed courage. Great leaders of today gave of themselves and in doing so, helped us find our own calling. This exposure to defining thinkers helped us refine our ideas about what kind of leaders we want to be. What can we reclaim that has been lost to us, because of forces of colonisation, migration and globalisation? How can we be more intentional and powerful about cultural continuity so that it is on our own terms? Mana Moana is an exploration of Pacific values, Pacific philosophy, Pacific cultural legacy and it provides precious time to explore, reflect and ask questions about what it means to be Pacific leaders for our time. We were challenged about being our most authentic and whole selves. How do we bring them to work? Can we see the ways New Zealand will benefit from the diversity of thought and culture that we hold, if only we are brave enough to bring it. This inaugural cohort took up this challenge with heart, purpose, courage and passion. I pay tribute to them. They have helped to manifest Mana Moana beyond dream, beyond the research page into something not only living, breathing, and moving in the world – but aspiring to change it.
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THE MANA MOANA EXPERIENCE
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
Le Tofā Taofiofi The Wisdom of Restraint We were honoured to have Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Ta’isi Tupuola Tufuga Efi, Chairman of the ‘E Leai se Gaumata’u na o le Gaualofa Trust’ and Former Head of State of Samoa, give the keynote address for the Launch of The Mana Moana Experience. The Samoan concept tofā taofiofi or the ‘wisdom of restraint’ is one of those ‘easy to talk about but hard to do’ leadership principles. Knowing not only when to restrain oneself from doing or saying something, but also how to restrain oneself, assumes many things. For one thing, it assumes the ability to master leadership qualities such as humility (loto maualalo; aga malū), humour (tausua malie), respect (ava; faaaloalo), courage (loto tele; loto toa), integrity (fua amiotonu) and cultural competence (le agavaa I aganuu). Qualities best realised when operating in harmony. Practising the tofā taofiofi is difficult because of our natural instincts. During times of both stress and vanity we tend to retaliate negatively, especially when personally attacked. But the mark of a good leader lies in their ability to practice the tofā taofiofi notwithstanding. I wish to tell two stories to illustrate the different dimensions of the tofā taofiofi. This is the story about my great-uncle Tafā. One day, Tafā, a matai in his village, decided he wanted to press suit with the pastor’s daughter. He said to the aumaga (the untitled men’s guild of his village): “Tomorrow I will go to the pastor’s house to press my suit with his daughter.” As was custom, the aumaga would prepare a meal to await his return. In the morning Tafā went to the pastor’s house. He was greeted by the pastor and his wife, and he made his wish known to them. The pastor responded, that unfortunately it was not for them to make the decision, rather Tafā would have to ask their daughter directly. They sent for her. When she came Tafā made his offer of marriage, and to his surprise, she refused.
He continued to press his suit with her from 10:00 am till 3:00 pm. When it became clear that she would not change her mind, Tafā had to work out how best to redeem himself. He knew that the aumaga were waiting from him and he would have to tell them something to help him save face. He decided to opt for an unusual course of action. He thanked the girl, the pastor and his wife, then strolled to the rock fence that surrounded the pastor’s house, climbed the fence and stood at the top. He turned his back to the pastor and his family, all of whom were still watching him, bowed in the opposite direction, raised his lavalava and called out: “Hey, take a look and tell me what time it is!” When Tafā reached the house of the aumaga, the leader of the aumaga asked: “How did it go?” Tafā responded: “Pity me, the girl turned down my offer of marriage.” Tafā then regaled his response to her rejection, at the end of which he and the aumaga chanted: Ua leaga, ua malaia! (It is bad, it is cursed!) Ua taea, ua leaga! (It is shit, it is bad!) Faamoe ia o le toa, (Put the penis to sleep) Soia le toe malaga! (Let it not travel again!) Leaders have to find ways to laugh at themselves. Humour is a good coping mechanism; it helps to deflect tension and embarrassment. It is also context and culture bound. I see courage in what my great-uncle did. I also see a search for self-respect.
In the indigenous Pacific context, a gesture or a metaphor can go a long way to making your point stick. For example, while I was still in the House as a member of parliament, I engaged in a debate on money laundering. I used an old saying to describe the effect of money laundering. I explained that laundering money was the act of cleaning bad money by putting it through the washing machines of our ‘off-shore’ banks and after they were washed making them
LEADERSHIP NZ 2018
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Sustaining good family leadership depends on good family bonding.
available for use. I wanted to make the point that no matter how often one cleans bad money it will always be bad money. I decided to use the old Samoan saying for meaning and effect. I said “E te fiu e uu le tae puaa, e pipilo a,” meaning, “No matter how often you perfume pig-shit, it will always stink like pig-shit.” This describes a lot of the neo-colonial tactics imposed on our indigenous cultures today. My elders were more comfortable with this kind of straight shooting talk, than what seems the case today. My second story is about family leadership. Sustaining good family leadership depends on good family bonding. In the village of Faleasi’u I am, as Tupua Tamasese, a tama-sā. This means that I play the role of arbitrator in times of family disputes. The role and status of tama-sā is given to he or she who holds the tama-a-aiga title, that is, in Faleasi’u the title of Tupua Tamasese. Culturally this title is given considerable rank and status in the families, villages and districts to which it belongs, and so is afforded certain chiefly rights and powers, with corresponding duties and responsibilities. While Samoans do not inherit titles in the same way that European aristocracies do, my grandfather and my father were both Tupua Tamasese and therefore also tama-sā. During their time they lived a lot of their lives in Faleasi’u and so had close relations with the people of Faleasi’u. This was not the case for me. In my father’s and grandfather’s cases when disputes arose and they had to arbitrate, they did not have to explain their role as tama-sā, and tama-a-aiga, it was understood that they were arbitrator only. That they were feagaiga; pae ma leauli. That they only presided over disputes and looked for ways that would ‘iron and make smooth’ (pae ma le auli) the issues to ensure balance and harmony. Theirs was not to take or impose or seek favours. Theirs was to find peace and justice. In many ways, their role was and is akin to that of our contemporary court judges.
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THE MANA MOANA EXPERIENCE
A recent court case raised the issue of my role as tama-sā within my Faleasi’u family. In this contemporary setting I found that because of my lack of bonding with them I had to take the time necessary to share with them so that we could gain trust in each other. I found that a court-decision in your favour does not make you their tama-sā in their eyes. This could only come about by sharing time, experiences and knowledge, together. What I took for granted as foundational knowledge in the faasamoa, I realised, was not known to many of them. This was because our experience of our family faavae or foundational principles were not experiences we had shared and learned together. And that was because we did not live together. This is a reality for many today. My understanding and their understanding of the role of tama-sā was understandably different. I was struck by this when during the course of our deliberations I realised they just wanted me to make a decision. They thought that was what my role as tama-sā was. I explained that to do what was fair and right for them we had to work together. They had to help me understand what they wanted and why. The solution lay not in me telling them what to do, but in us working together to do what was fair, just and loving for them. It took them a while to believe that this was my role and this was all I wanted of them. Once I was able to convince them our discussion changed. They became much more conciliatory and warm, and I saw more than a glimpse of the kind of bonding that sustains families and gives support to family leadership. If we cannot sustain this kind of family bonding and trust, then the foundation of much of our Pasifika leadership will fall apart. There is a Samoan saying e le tu se tama-a-aiga i se uaniu (a tama-a-aiga does not stand on a coconut frond). The message is that Pasifika leadership must stand on what is solid not on what will easily break.
I end by returning to the wisdom of restraint or the tofā taofiofi. This has been one of the most challenging years of my life. Some of that has to do with owning up to the vanities of age. But a lot of it has to do with the challenges of searching for the wisdom of restraint. As leaders you will face this time and again. And even if you decide against the wisdom of my great-uncle Tafā’s course of action, I hope you will find meaning in the enduring wisdoms of your respective family, village, and cultural faavae (foundations). Our Pasifika ancestors built these faavae on solid ground, and like our fale, were built to last. When what mattered to them was threatened, either by violence or skulduggery, they stood their ground.
Our indigenous values remain alive today because of their courage to fight for what they believed in. That die-hard spirit is their legacy for us. We have a duty to uphold that legacy. For me the words of the Mau song: Tula’i Tamasese, matou te le fo’i, pe fefe, o Samoa uma e tatanu i lenei eleele (meaning: Tamasese stands: [so] we will not leave, we are not afraid, we are ready to die and be buried here), serves as my leadership mantra. It implores my generation, and hopefully yours, to not forget their courage and sacrifice. I aspire for our Pasifika peoples and our leaders to know how and where to continue the legacies of our ancestors. And to know, through their tofā taofiofi, how to do so with love and compassion. Soifua.
Reflections The Class of 2018 share their thoughts about their journey on The Mana Moana Experience
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THE MANA MOANA EXPERIENCE
Ko Atuolo te mauga, Ko Vaisigano te awa, Ko Lady Samoa te waka, Ko Samoa te iwi, Ko Iva te hapu, Ko Christina toku ingoa. I am 1st Generation Samoan, born and bred in Auckland, I am a widowed mother of four growing teenagers, I have three daughters ages 17, 15, and 14, and a 13-year-old boy.
Christina Epati Fa’avae Whanau Kaitiaki Waitakere Te Ope Whakaora Waitakere Salvation Army
Christine Nurminen International Portfolio Manager – Pacific, Oxfam NZ
Duane Stanley
Senior Service Delivery Manager, Microsoft NZ Limited
I come from a line of Teachers and Preachers, therefore by default I am called to Lead. I am a firm believer of Servant Leadership: most of my roles have been with the Not-for-Profit sector for over 10 years, I consider myself to be an experienced Community Whanau Practitioner, dedicated to making a difference.
“E le tu se tama-a-aiga i se uaniu” (a tama-a-aiga does not stand on a coconut frond). Pasifika Leadership must stand on what is solid not on what will easily break - quoted from Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Ta’isi Tupuola Tufuga Efi’s keynote address at the Launch of our Mana Moana Experience. This journey has been one of affirmation of who I am as an individual with a Collective focus, collective standing, it has been one of Mana, Mana empowering as well as one of Tofà taofiofi which is wisdom of restraint, the ability to restrain oneself. The ability to manoeuvre oneself with the Leadership qualities of humility, humour, respect, courage, integrity and cultural competence. The Mana Moana Experience has allowed me in the collective space to be able to breathe, and intuitively get in touch with the innate foundational key values and beliefs which I carry, to lead with love. “E tu tangata alofa, we will leave our mark on this world.”
I was born in Auckland to Tongan parents who instilled in me the value of honouring one’s heritage and embracing education as a means of seeing and changing the world. Following my University studies, I have built more than 15 years of my career centred on improving outcomes for Pacific peoples starting with policy roles in Wellington to management roles in government agencies to being the CEO of the Pasifika Education Centre and now International Portfolio Manager to the Pacific Region for Oxfam NZ.
Ko e ‘ofa ki he ‘eku kainga Mana Moana.
As Aotearoa continues to understand its wealth of people and diversity, my interest continues to be about improving outcomes for Pacific peoples, Tangata Whenua and other ethnic groups in the areas of education, community action and leadership.
Mana Moana has reminded me that to be leaderful is to be grounded and centred. My centre is my loto. Knowing my loto determines space and movement here in Aotearoa New Zealand. Shaping and enriching a generation of Pacific Aotearoa. With my loto ‘ofa, loto fiefia and loto Tonga.
Education, influencers, my dreams and the clash of cultural ideologies have shaped my professional pathway. My career began in a call centre in Wellington. Then joining a project team started me on an unexpected journey. Information technology has allowed me to travel, to work with incredible talent, to serve and to learn. As a first generation, New Zealand born Samoan I come from a wonderfully supportive family with high expectations. At this time in my career in addition to problem solving I am driving the ideologies of empathy, service and diversity. I don’t yet know where this journey will take me but with support, expectation and love I hope to go far.
The Mana Moana Experience was not what I expected and yet it was more than I had hoped for. To start, my family grew in size by about 20+ people. The challenge, to bring all of yourself and to be prepared to learn in a very different, perhaps a very old way. To centre yourself, to open yourself then to absorb the learnings from the facilitators, guest speakers and from each other. For me, my learnings came in two simple forms. The first was in the wisdom of old Maori and Pasifika proverbs. I find myself referring to these often. Each has a face value then a deeper, insightful and applicable meaning. The second of my fundamental learnings was how critical it is to be enveloped in love and support when you are giving everything to learn. Without exaggeration, to face vulnerability and mortality surrounded by people who genuinely care was humbling and so very inspiring.
Mana Moana has taught me that to lead requires all the wealth of the past, present and future. A past where my ancestors had visions and dreams. A present where I toil on land, in the air and by the sea. A future when I whisper and plan about what my mokopuna could be. Mana Moana has allowed me to re-connect with concepts I had taken for granted. I wrap fonua around me like a blanket. Warm and familiar. I walk on moana on the beach. Cold water with cold feet. I connect and remember about what life could and can be.
Of all the gifts from Mana Moana, the biggest has been that my hala, my pathway has new kainga. Beautiful and strong Pacific men and women who are on their way. On their own pathways. Each with their own loto to’a. Charting a course that were always there, that was once unseen but unseen no more.
LEADERSHIP NZ 2018
Gina Tuala
Operations and Finance Manager, College Rifles Rugby Union Football and Sports Club
Iani Nemani
Trades Career Advisor – Pasifika, The Competenz Trust
John Tuamoheloa Founder & CEO, Activate’n’Inspire Services
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I am a daughter of Samoa (Leauva’a, Fagaloa, Safune, Sataua). Leaving high school, I dove straight into the workforce. I was blessed to become Sports Administrator at College Rifles Rugby Club, looking after finance and operations at our multisport complex. I love seeing our young Pasifika people excel, am a huge advocate of Pasifika faces in sport, on the field but more importantly as administrators, coaches and management. I am excited about the pathways opening up for women in this male-dominated sport.
Whatever I thought I was going to experience on this Mana Moana journey, it wasn’t it. It was so much more. The opening retreat really set the tone of this journey where I would begin to laugh, cry, open hearts, break bread and fill the soul with stories, proverbs, and learnings from this group of navigators who I would soon call my brothers and sisters. Being surrounded by such influential Pasifika people in this cohort, led with care by Karlo, Sina, Will and Cecilia, being in the presence of guest speakers with so much mana, wisdom and knowledge, so many great orators, leaders, trailblazers, I would come away from each retreat with fire in my belly, feeling challenged, feeling awakened.
I’m the proud mother of a 12-year-old boy who is my sidekick, diving into all the adventures and challenges I take on, it also encourages him to give everything a go.
Mana Moana is so special to me and to put it into words wouldn’t do it justice, it’s not something spoken, it’s something felt - Mafana.
I am a Tongan born New Zealander with Fijian whakapapa. I migrated with my family to Palmerston North in the 1970’s when I was ten.
I thought I knew myself until I boarded the vaka with Mana Moana and discovered my many selves. Completely stepping out of my comfort zone of reservation and my personal fears, I found solidarity and comradery in relation to others and discovered new and innovative ways of talanoaring my present ‘selves’ with the past in view of courageously speaking myself into the future.
Coming from a large family, service was in the blood so I naturally studied Social Work at Massey University which saw a humble twenty career spiral across grassroots community, economic development and policy in local and central government. These days, I continue working in the community but more importantly, I am focusing on supporting young Pasifika into high growth, high skill, high-income occupations.
I was born in Tonga and raised in West Auckland. My wife Maria and I are proud parents of our twin boys. My early life experience, witnessing the sacrifices my parents made and the role of Aotearoa in realising opportunities, has shaped my passion for community development. At the conclusion of my professional sporting career, I returned and re-entered University, determined to give back through creating opportunities for our community to be inspired in the pursuit of self-determination, sustainable and healthy lives. This became a reality when my brother and I founded Activate‘n’Inspire Services delivering, facilitating and supporting initiatives for people across a range of sectors.
Through Leadership NZ, the Mana Moana team of expert navigators has helped me find meaningful intentionality and articulate to myself the kind of person I want to be in relation to kainga, community, work, environment and in faith. I have a basket full of new knowledge, skills and tools but even better, I have access to a network of vaka ready to respond to each other anywhere on the Moana. Malo, ‘ofa atu fau!
As a leader I’ve always led from a transformational platform valuing the importance of integrating myself into any tier of my organisation, community or family. To serve, empower and journey alongside those that I have the responsibility of leading. As I reflect on my time on the Mana Moana Experience I’ve come to the realisation that it was an awakening journey. In the sense that, it’s enabled me to fully grasp that servant leadership, building relationships, team work and humility in times of pressure and challenges are indigenous worldviews of leadership, that our ancestors relied on to navigate their inter-island journeys. Those worldviews are a part of our DNA as leaders-underpinning the relative ease with which Pasifika leaders can integrate into westernised concepts of leadership, such as transformational and holistic. The awakening journey on the Mana Moana Experience affirms my view that Pasifika leaders and Pasifika paradigms of leadership is a much needed commodity!
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THE MANA MOANA EXPERIENCE
May Seager
Manager – Fale Pasifika, Northland Pacific Islands Charitable Trust
Ko Kuki Airani me Papa’a au. I was born and raised in Tamaki Makaurau, have lived in various parts of New Zealand and have called Te Tai Tokerau home for the past 22 years. My previous occupations have centred on communications and relationships. My current role is no different. As manager for the only Northland-based organisation aimed at supporting and empowering the Pacific Islands community living in Northland, I am constantly advocating for our community at all levels of society. It is the most fulfilling role I have had so far. I love our people! I am supported by my husband, Brian, four children and my wider family, friends and communities.
I am eternally grateful for the tohu that has been given to us through this beautiful programme but with knowledge comes great responsibility. And so I must be mindful to “probe the wisdom of our forebears” in order to take the vision and values into the future. I wish to acknowledge the other gift I have received since being involved with the Mana Moana Experience and that is the cohort itself, the new brothers and sisters I have inherited. Their individual experiences and knowledge is like a treasure-trove that they all share willingly and with much alofa. The fact that I can tap into them, ask any question and be treated with respect, is truly humbling. We recognise that knowledge is power and Mana Moana has re-ignited my hunger for knowledge, not only for myself, but to share with others. There is much I do not know but with the encouragement of my Mana Moana voyagers and leaders, and the support of my family and friends, and my faith in Atua, I feel confident that I will be able to strike out on a new journey – where exactly that will take me, I am unsure. But I do know that I have a new star to follow. Etu Kaveinga. Meitaki atupaka
Mele Hola
Centre Manager – Akoteu Tengai Musita, Lifewise
Ko e ‘Otua mo Tonga, Ko Hoku Tofi’a. I was the Tongan girl with dreams restricted to the small village of Manuka, Tongatapu. I now have moved towards new pathways and the horizon. I grabbed the opportunity with no hesitation and explored higher education, which gave me more passion about further goals. Proud of my identity, my heritage, and my Fonua. My language lives through my actions, and my actions is practiced to maintain my language. My grandparents and ancestors treasured me with words of wisdom about how to live a successful life using whatever resources we had at home. I feel and I know, I am blessed.
I’m the village girl of Manuka, walking freely in the ocean with grandma for kai moana, back into the ‘uta pollinating vanilla with grandpa to weigh for my lunch money. Now I’m in the mountains with my Kainga, seeking and reaching out for the best of my future. Mana Moana was an eye opening experience. We would leave our families to talanoa malie, talanoa mafana and talanoa lelei about how to bring and be the positive change in our society. I was reminded that I cannot take this world on my own - you fail, you get up and heal, team up and keep going. Mana Moana created a strong, decisive and humble leader in me. To my dear husband Senituli Vailanu, malo lahi e poupou lelei. Malo ‘aupito to Sina and her crew for taking me on board, and to Lifewise Trust for believing and supporting me on this journey. It reassured my groundings, my Mana, my fonua and my identity. I am Tongan, I am Tongan, I am Tongan. Tu’a ‘Ofa atu.
Being an entrepreneur has been exciting, challenging yet rewarding. There has been so much growth, self-development as well as a hunger to learn more. I was given an opportunity to become a Fashion Stylist so I grabbed it and ran.
Nora Swann
Fashion Stylist, Director, Mentor, Dressed in Confidence
From running wellness workshops with girls, to pioneering fashion shows and directing the largest high-end Pacific fashion show in New Zealand — I have been allowed to do so much for my community. I have learnt the importance of serving my Pacific community and I am grateful for every opportunity that helps mould me into a better person while doing what I feel immensely passionate about.
My journey on the Mana Moana va’a ended with sadness. No longer was I going to see these beautiful people who I call my dear friends in this same setting, where we have been able to connect, share, laugh, cry and talanoa about the things that are important to us as Pasifika people. The Mana Moana Experience allowed me to navigate my way through my own personal thoughts as a Pasifika woman and helped me come to the realisation that I was always connected to my people. The feeling of belonging and knowing who I am gives me so much inner peace and strength. I now go into the world knowing what needs to be done in order for our people to progress yet still stay true to who we are as Pasifika.
LEADERSHIP NZ 2018
Pakilau ‘o Aotearoa Manase Lua
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I am a fully installed Matāpule - ‘Aofivala ‘o Ma’afu Tukui’aulahi (traditional orator or herald for my Chief). I was born in the Kingdom of Tonga and have lived in Aotearoa now for over 40 years. I am married to Folola Vaiongofe Lua and we have four wonderful children. I am the National Manager Kanorau (diversity and inclusion programme) and a member of the Executive Leadership Team for Te Pou o te Whakaaro Nui, a mainstream mental health, addictions and disability workforce development organization. I am also the Principal Advisor Pasifika at Te Pou.
There is a small freshwater stream in my village of Vaini. This pool of water was used by our Chiefs to bathe in. First, his attendants would test the flow of the fresh water seeping from the rocks, by plucking (paki) some leaves (lau) and throwing them onto the surface of the water to see how fast the flow was. If the flow was strong, it was a sign that the pool was filling up with good, clean, fresh water for bathing and healing the body. If the leaves swirled lazily around, it was a sign that the pool was brackish. The stream is called Pakilau. Mana Moana was like a vortex of intense energy that pushed us to learn, share, re-connect in a deep but mana enhancing way. However, that positive flow of energy and “va” has also refreshed and empowered us beyond words for the leadership challenges ahead.
I am a New Zealand Samoan and University of Auckland graduate, with a BCom, Dip Com. My career began in music at APRA, where I worked for 20 years.
I gained so much from the journey of Mana Moana. The learning provided was authentic, genuine and life changing. Thank you to Karlo, William, Sina and Cecilia. We were gifted with great learning tools: traditional power words, readings, Manava groups, self-reflection techniques and amazing guest speakers. We were taught leadership principles and qualities – acknowledging servant leadership and leading with love.
National Manager Kanorau; Principal Advisor Pasifika, Te Pou O Te Whakaaro Nui
Petrina Togi-Sa’ena Program Leader, Tautai Contemporary Pacific Arts Trust
Rufo Pupuali’i
National Cultural Partner – Pasifika, Emerge Aotearoa Limited
I am the Event Producer for the Pacific Music Awards, celebrating Pacific music and artists since 2005. I am a Trustee of the Pacific Music Awards Trust, co-director of SoulNote Agency and currently work at Tautai Contemporary Pacific Arts Trust. In 2018 I received a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to Pacific music. I believe in the importance and value of music and how the arts can positively impact our community.
Working at Emerge Aotearoa as a National Cultural Partner- Pasifika employee, I am responsible for providing effective cultural advice, professional supervision and operative assessment tools to support the organisation’s management and staff, to meet the needs of Pasifika Service Users. I migrated with my family to NZ and continued working in the addictions (mainly gambling harm minimisation) field, applying both my public health and clinical backgrounds for another 10 years. I am a recipient of the Aotearoa Scholarship Award in 2000, the Ministry of Social Development recipient to the NGO Study Awards, and a recipient of the Kiwibank Local Heroes Medallist in 2012. I hold a B. Ed, B.A, Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work and MA in Applied Social Work.
Our group formed a genuine ‘circle of trust’, which provided great support. There were intense and challenging times, which were made better, by going through it together. To have others see and appreciate you, your true self, is an absolute unexpected gift. I have come away with a greater sense of self, increased confidence and assurance in my idea, hopes and goals, and determined to achieve all I can. Thank you my Mana Moana family! I will always support you, and look forward to watching with pride with all that you will do.
The Mana Moana Experience was amazing. It was the awakening training for me to continue to stay connected to all Pasifika cultural appropriations which I feel are accurate. Learning together with other Pasifika Leaders made me feel confident, and I was able to share more on my indigenous perspectives and stories of a Samoan tamaitai, as well as reflect on key concepts such as Fanua, Mauga, Awa, Moana, Waka, Te Ara and Va Tagata. The selected environmental sites we visited and key concepts discussed, brought powerful meanings to me that I felt were deeply connected to my Pasifika culture. I enjoyed every retreat and always looked forward to sharing our differences, commonalities, creativities and authenticities with Pasifika Leaders from different sectors. Acknowledging my Fears and Finding my way forward has been Self-Healing and the highlight of my Mana Moana experience.
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THE MANA MOANA EXPERIENCE
Stephanie Erick National Manager, Hapai te Hauora Tapui
Susana Lei’ataua Founder and Director, Laka_Onehunga
Susana Guttenbeil Editor, Manukau Courier
I am a proud Niuean mother currently working with the largest Maori Public Health organisation in Aotearoa - Hapai te Hauora Tapui - initially as the Senior Advisor for the National Tobacco Control Advocacy Service before moving to lead their National Public Health Workforce Development role. In other work I spend time enabling individuals and communities to participate and contribute to policies and programmes that affect their wellbeing. My core passion in Public Health is the opportunity to grow leadership and enable critical thinking in all areas of Maori and Pacific public health. My most precious achievements are Faith, Elijah and Isaac who are of Niuean, Samoan and Cook Islands Maori descent.
Being part of the inaugural Mana Moana Experience brought many blessings. I carried my unborn baby for months as Mana Moana recruited, prepared, launched and held its first retreat. Soon after I was carrying my baby in my arms to each retreat and graduation. He was carried by other loving arms and faces, both of us leaning on others when needed, both of us growing in different ways. Growth, alofa, challenges, rest, being, thinking, reflecting and family were all part of what became my expectations for each Mana Moana retreat. I was gifted with much alofa, mana, knowledge and wisdom from the Mana Moana whanau collective and guest speakers. They were the core of my growth, creating shifts in my ‘va loto’ making space for our memories, our connectedness, they are the dearest part of my Mana Moana journey.
A geophysical outline equal parts ocean and sky with stretches of horizon to focus on, take off from and land, is my sense of the world.
For almost a year I have been at sea, uniting every two months with 17 others on the ‘big deck’ of a waka hourua called Mana Moana. Ia lafoia i fogāva’a tele. Each time we met we assumed our connections, understanding these connections more deeply as we have come to understand ourselves more deeply; bringing context to each other and to our environment held within our shared whakapapa, gafa, genealogy. Heirloom seeds have been meticulously collected for us to share and digest each time, at once plunging the present moment into the expanse of generations of contemplation and resolve that have come before us, held in the oratory of our natal languages.
I was born in Wellington, and New York City has been my long-time home. Aotearoa informs my relationship with New Zealand and I’m always drawn to what it means to be local. As a creator, a presenter, an administrator, my work crosses multiple platforms with words, with sound, with images - still and moving, in a team and solo.
On our last day, I shared that I felt an awakening of knowledge and wisdom, crafted by my tupuna, my people and my parents, given to me to use in my everyday life. I understand that many of our Pacifika families don’t have access to knowledge about how we once lived. Mana Moana provided me with the aspiration to access that knowledge and wisdom more regularly.
How to weave the handmade practices of our forebears with the frontier technologies at our fingertips? This is our timing.
Each time on the ‘big deck’ we have been hosted in the most precise of settings with great care and kindness, before we head back out towards the horizon, returning to continue our place. Mana Moana preparations are for the voyage ahead.
Fakalofa lahi atu I have been a journalist most of my working life. I have held roles in presenting and anchoring television news and current affairs, producing and reporting across a range of media platforms and have held executive roles in strategic communications. I am currently the editor of the Manukau Courier, owned by Stuff (formerly Fairfax), the fourth largest newspaper in New Zealand that has one of the largest distributions to Pacific communities in the world. I have a Master’s degree in Media Studies from the University of Auckland, and a diploma in journalism. Auckland born and raised, I am of Samoan and Niuean heritage and call Niue my spiritual home.
I describe my Mana Moana journey as an awakening. Our group often discussed our ‘a-ha’ moments. In reflection, I think of these moments as ones where I ‘woke up’. For me this journey was not so much about knowledge learnt, rather, realising what has always been there, lying dormant. One of these moments came through an exercise where we researched an ancestor. This stirred a long interest for me in knowledge that is passed through the generations, what some call genetic memory. We’re taught from an early age in Aotearoa that any story not of the dominant culture, the legends of our people, are simply myths. Exploring Niuean “myths” unveiled the history and influence of my Tupuna generations into the past that continue to walk with me today and make me who I am. The Mana Moana Experience provided the space, support and freedom to explore who we are, and the strength we have to contribute to New Zealand, Oceania and the world as children of the Pacific. I leave this journey feeling enlightened.
LEADERSHIP NZ 2018
Working with people is my motivation and passion. The most important value my Pasifika upbringing gave me was how to relate respectfully (va tagata) with those I come in contact with.
Tapu Tuisuga
Pasifika Services Coordinator, Stopping Violence Services
I’m a counsellor and I have been working in this field now for over 10 years. Before training to be a counsellor I graduated with a BA in Pastoral Studies and ministered in Samoa and in American Samoa for three years. In 2002 I moved to New Zealand and I currently work for Stopping Violence Services as a Pasifika Services Coordinator. I counsel and work with Pasifika families, individuals and couples.
I am of Cook Islands heritage and was born, bred and continue to live in the village of Ponsonby.
Teokotai (Tai) Paitai Creative Architect, Independent Freelancer
My choices have led me into and throughout the Arts within Aotearoa and throughout the globe. Predominantly moving in Performing Arts, I continue to thrive on living off the smell of coffee, but with a better wardrobe and an incredibly resourceful network. My career highlights are performing with MAU Dance Company; performing in a 5-week tour of France; organising the Auckland Pride Festival and choreographing Frangipani Perfume. I currently sit on the Auckland Pride Festival Board, and am a member of the Rainbow Oceania community, both here in Aotearoa New Zealand and throughout Oceania.
Kia orana. I am a Cook Islander born and raised in Aotearoa.
Therese Mangos
Director, Pacific Vision Aotearoa
I work with our people here in Auckland to build a sense of mana tiaki (protection) of our beautiful world. This has led me to explore and learn more about our ancestral and cultural knowledge in order to best ignite, support and sustain behaviour change within our Oceania communities. My current work is founded on two decades working in the New Zealand film industry, publishing a book, and voyaging the ‘big blue’ ocean to my homeland Rarotonga. Now I am the proud navigator of my own vaka that builds health and resilience in our communities.
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I am so glad I did Mana Moana. The experience has really changed how I see and value myself as a Pasifika person and all that I contribute to my community. Having to focus on our Pasifika cultures, proverbs, values, and ancestral knowledge makes me appreciate the richness of my heritage. It’s a journey of rediscovering and honouring the uniqueness of our forefather’s approach to leadership. Another important part of this whole experience was the relationships I have formed with my fellow Pasifika colleagues. The connections and friendships that we have developed from this experience provide a collective voice by which we as a group can draw our strength from. The challenges and struggles we encounter in the future will no longer be unique and specific to an individual because it’s become a shared experience. Mana Moana reflects what Pasifika cultures are all about – togetherness, connections and relationships are paramount.
Retreat / In our ocean of knowledge / Steeped in shared discoveries, / Contribute your way, through alignment of self and space / Let ‘Teu le Va’ / Fall out of books, off tongues and into your veins / Shifting, shaping and embracing the inside of your skin / Bask / In the words of our tupuna / “TUROU! ORO MAI!” / Bow your head, but lift your heart/ For they sing to you / Welcome to their future / Stand / In their footprints / None other can connect you to Fonua/ Tane Mahuta / Is in your whakapapa / Behold your Majesty!/ Salty tears streamline whispers to your soul /Gently / Maintain Mana / Gently / Your deep dives / Gently and unashamedly / Reveal you / Loto Mafana / Wisdom abounds / For fala reflections / Manava Taha, Lua, Toru, Fa, Lima / Talanoa, tautua, tuatua / Be the test to this time / Tu a rangi / Tu a rangi
The breath of Hinemoana Ten months ago we gathered a crew of many voices / From Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, Niue, Tokelau and Kuki Airani / Each with our kete full to the brim / Soon to be spilt on the ‘big deck’ of our vaka / Forever spilling, and forever being filled / As we walked amongst giants / Those who have gone before us, and those who have yet to come / Baring all in the sacred circle of trust / Feeling vulnerable and victorious / The singing the laughter that drew us together / The tears and the blood mingling freely / My floating island tethered on faith / In the knowing that was awakened in each of us / We all heard the ‘Turou!’ / On the breath of Hinemoana / For me, Mana Moana has shown me / the view from the vaka, the trees and the maunga / The maunga within me, surrounded by the reefs / Continually softening, listening, learning / Forever probing the wisdom of our ancestors / To help clean up the entanglement of the va / Roots growing in all directions / Ki roto, ki vao - Ki raro, ki runga / Anchored in my bliss / Mana Moana
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Programme Overview 1 2
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RE TRE AT ONE
Va Tupuna
Relationality – the core of Pasifika cultures Northridge Country Lodge, Silverdale 7 – 9 December 2017 Sir Bob Harvey
Champion for Auckland
Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Ta’isi Tupuola Tufuga Efi
Former Head of State, Samoa
Maualaivao Professor Albert Wendt
Poet, Writer & Academic
Jay Williams
Creative Director & Playwright; Leadership NZ Alumni 2013
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The 2018 Mana Moana Cohort
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Circle - Opening Retreat
John Tuamoheloa, Tapu Tuisuga, Duane Stanley, Iani Nemani
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Dr El-Shadan (Dan) Tautolo, May Seager, Jannitta Pilisi
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Rufo Pupualii, Pakilau ‘o Aotearoa Manase Lua, Susana Lei’ataua
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10. Louise Marra, Dr. Karlo Mila 11. Petrina Togi-Sa’ena, Teokotai (Tai) Paitai
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12. Dr. Karlo Mila, Therese Mangos
Mana Moana Launch at Fale Pasifika, University of Auckland
13. The 2018 Mana Moana Cohort
Peter Garnett, Masiofo Filifilia Imo, Reina Whaitiri, Albert Wendt, Tupua Tamasese, Sina Wendt, Dr. Karlo Mila, Cecilia Vakameilalo-Kioa, William Pua
15. Dr. Karlo Mila, Moe Milne, Sina Wendt
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Circle - Opening Retreat
17. John Tuamoheloa
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Welcome Party at Opening Retreat
18. The 2018 Mana Moana Cohort with Moana Jackson
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14. Gina Tuala
16. The 2018 Mana Moana Cohort, Tane Mahuta
LEADERSHIP NZ 2018
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RE TRE AT T WO
Va Moana
What we have in common – many migrations Onetangi Community Hall, Waiheke Island 8 – 10 February 2018
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Therese Mangos
Director, Pacific Vision Aotearoa, MM 2018 Cohort
Louise Marra
Guest Facilitator, Programme Director, Leadership NZ; Director, Spirited Leadership
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RETREAT THREE
Va Fonua/fenua/fanua Grounding in who we are
Kohewhata Marae, Kaikohe; Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Museum 5 – 7 April 2018 Kaumatua Ted Wihongi
Kohewhata Marae
Moe Milne
Ngāti Hine
Moana Jackson
Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Porou
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THE MANA MOANA EXPERIENCE
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RETREAT FOUR
Va Tagata
The Realm of the Interpersonal Politics, Power and Relationships
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MIT Pasifika Community Centre, Otara 5 – 7 June 2018 Faumui Penelope Ginnen (Lope)
Barrister, Halcyon Chambers
Ngarimu Blair
Deputy Chair, Ngati Whatua Orakei Trust; Director, Manaaki Whenua-Landcare Research
Ali’imuamua Sandra Alofivae
Barrister, Family Law; 2018 NZLP Cohort
Richard Pamatatau
Journalism Academic, AUT University
Fala Haulangi
Campaign Lead Organiser, E tu Union
Louise Marra
Guest Facilitator, Programme Director, Leadership NZ; Director, Spirited Leadership
Reverend Ali’itasi Aoina-Salesa
Superintending Chaplain, Wesley College
Anahila Kanongata’a-Suisuiki
Labour List MP for Papakura & Tāmaki
Leilani Leafaitulagi Tamu
Poet, former Diplomat and Politician
Tim Baice
Academic Coordinator for Faculty of Education and Social Work, University of Auckland
Vui Mark Gosche
Chief Executive, Vaka Tautua
19. The 2018 Mana Moana Cohort with Aanahila Kanongata’aSuisuiki, Rev Ali’itasi AoinaSalesa, Tim Baice, Leilani Tamu
23. The 2018 Mana Moana Cohort with Ngarimu Blair, Fala Haulangi, Ali’imuamua Sandra Alofivae, Richard Pamatatau
20. Manava Lima with Fala Haulangi
24. Tapu Tuisuga, Petrina TogiSa’ena, Iani Nemani, John Tuamoheloa
21. Richard Pamatatau, Susana Guttenbeil, Tai Paitai 22. Sina Wendt, Vui Mark Gosche, Dr. Karlo Mila
25. Manava Tasi with Rev Ali’itasi Aoina-Salesa 26. The 2018 Mana Moana Cohort with Faumui Penelope Ginnen (Lope)
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LEADERSHIP NZ 2018
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RETREAT FIVE
Va Ala/ara/hala New pathways
The Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga; St Francis Retreat Centre, Hillsborough 20 – 22 September 2018
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Kaumatua Bobby Newson
Iwi Relationships Manager, Auckland Museum
Olivia Taouma
Teu le va Manager, Auckland Museum
Fuli Pereira
Curator Pacific, Pacific Collection Art Project
Dr Colin Tukuitonga
Pacific Community DirectorGeneral, Noumea, New Caledonia
Precious Clark
Managing Director, Maurea Consulting Ltd; Director Ngati Whatua Orakei Whai Rawa Ltd
Phylesha Brown-Acton
Founder, F’INE (Fanau, Identity, Navigate & Equality)
Leo Foliaki
Partner, PwC New Zealand
Walter Fraser
Executive Director, AUT South Campus, Manukau & Head of Pacific Advancement
Jo Brosnahan
Founder, Leadership NZ
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27. Susana Guttenbeil, Nora Swann, Duane Stanley, Iani Nemani
32. The 2018 Mana Moana Cohort
28. Taonga Table
34. St Francis Retreat Centre
29. Isaac, Nora Swann, Stephanie Erick, Dr. Colin Tukuitonga, Iani Nemani
35. The 2018 Mana Moana Cohort with Walter Fraser, Leo Foliaki, Phylesha BrownActon, Precious Clark
30. Jo Brosnahan, May Seager 31. Mele Hola, Christine Nurminen
33. Dr. Karlo Mila
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THE MANA MOANA EXPERIENCE
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RETREAT SIX
Va Mokopuna
Nurturing Leadership Legacies Vaughan Park Anglican Retreat Centre, Long Bay 20 – 22 September 2018 Ka’uhane Lee-Penehira
Indigenous Health Practitioner
Judy Whiteman
Network Connector, Leadership NZ; Independent Director, Bank of India NZ, Presbyterian Support Northern, Te Waipuna Puawai
Pat Snedden
Business Advisor, Philanthropist
Dickie Humphries
Director, Tū Moana; NZ Leadership Programme 2018 Cohort
Hon Aupito William Sio
Minister for Pacific Peoples
Rangimarie Hunia
Chief Executive Officer, Ngati Whatua Orakei
Louise Marra
Guest Facilitator, Programme Director, Leadership NZ; Director, Spirited Leadership
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36. The 2018 Mana Moana Cohort with Ka’uhane Penehira-Lee
41. The 2018 Mana Moana Graduates
37. Hon Aupito William Sio, Rangimarie Hunia and guests
42. Tai Paitai, Jannitta Pilisi
38. The 2018 Mana Moana Cohort, Final Retreat 39. The 2018 Mana Moana Cohort 40. Dr. Karlo Mila, Sina Wendt, Selina Tusitala Marsh, Louise Marra
43. Dr Selina Tusitala Marsh 44. Turou!
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LEADERSHIP NZ 2018
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Programme Outcomes As a result of their year on the Mana Moana Experience…
100% 95% say the experience has enhanced the quality of their realtionships (va) as a Pasifika leader
now engage in rich conversations/ sharing with Pacific leadership peers
90% 92% are focused on selfknowledge and how they process and receive things as a Pasifika leader
have or will make changes to their personal, cultural or professional behaviour/ practice/engagement in the workplace and/or with Pacific individuals, families, and communities
“In a sense, we have continuously negotiated who we are with Pakeha and other cultures in order to fit in, to be accepted, to feel a sense of belonging and worth. I know who I am. The challenge for me is, how can I strengthen my relationship with Tangata Whenua?”
“I reflected on the idea that leadership is tauhi kakai (caring for people) and thus, leadership is one’s obligation. Leadership is a duty. Leadership means being the navigator, always awake, always aware, always feeling the winds, reading the waves and constantly ready to respond, even if that means having to jump in the water.”
“It has pushed me to do things I have never done before. It has helped me form a stronger love for Pasifika and it has forced me to go to places internally, that I preferred to keep locked away not only from the outside world but from myself and I have found great value in all these teachings.”
“I felt that it was appropriate for me to be completely honest about my greatest fear. Like identifying an obstacle so that we could navigate a way forward. This fear among others, so that I could understand that none were insurmountable. E leai se gaumata’u na o le gaualofa. “What you do out of love endures, what you do out of fear will not.”
– Christine Epati Fa’avae
– Nora Swann
– Iani Nemani
Head to the Leadership NZ website for more in-depth Mana Moana Experience reflections.
– Duane Stanley
‘Ofa atu ‘Ofa mai
Alofa atu Alofa mai
Aro’a atu Aro’a mai
Aroha atu Aroha mai
Aloha aku Aloha mai
To be in the reciprocal flow of the giving and receiving of compassion the giving and receiving of empathy the giving and receiving of love to be in the flow of cooperative mutuality to be in the flow of the fullness of life to live a life in leadership
LEADERSHIP NZ 2018
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Our Sincere Thanks KEY PARTNER
SCHOLARSHIP PARTNERS
SUPPORTING PARTNERS
Andrea Needham Leadership Charitable Trust
PROGRAMME COLLABORATORS Jannitta Pilisi Unasa Enosa Auva’a
CREATIVE PARTNER
Chloe Harwood Dane Guttenbeil Louise Marra William Pua
COMMUNITY PARTNER
PROGRAMME & EVENT SPEAKERS We thank all our speakers for their generosity in giving their time and themselves; they are the backbone of Leadership NZ. Speakers are listed in the Programme Overview.
Turou, Turou, Tulou, Tulou,
CALLING ALL PASIFIKA LEADERS Take the next brave step in your leadership journey with our newest Programme. Each year, we select a cross-section of Pasifika talent and voices that represent the inclusive nature of our nation.
FIND OUT MORE
leadershipnz.co.nz
The Mana Moana Experience will assist you to: ►►
Navigate complex and culturally distinctive worlds with skill and confidence
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Engage with and deepen cultural knowledge, strengthen capabilities and add value by bringing your full self into your professional lives
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Share experiences with other Pasifika leaders and foster lifelong relationships and networks of support via peer mentoring
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Access the inspiration of our most influential leaders by hearing their personal experiences first-hand
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Leverage poly-cultural capital to scale up leadership influence and reap the diversity dividend for a better New Zealand
KEY PARTNER
SUPPORTING PARTNERS
CREATIVE PARTNER
COMMUNITY PARTNER