Pacific Advisory Group

Sandra Kailahi

Pacific Advisory Group Chair

Sandra worked as a journalist in mainstream and Pacific media for over two decades working for programmes such as Tagata Pasifika, Fair Go, Te Karere, One News and TVNZ 7.  She now specialises in Communications for Social Change and works as the Chief Storyteller for Pacific social change agency, The Cause Collective based in Manukau.  She's an author, playwright and a film producer. Sandra produced her first feature documentary, For My Father’s Kingdom in 2019 which had its World Premiere at the Berlin Film Festival. She currently sits on the New Zealand Film Commission board.

Seiuli Terri Leo-Mauu
_{BA, BA (hons), MA (University of Auckland)} 

Seiuli Terri Leo-Mauu hails from Grey Lynn, the villages of Mulifanua and Salelologa, Samoa and is the proud mum to Mikaela Kei-Aloha. Seiuli Terri is the Director of ASB Polyfest – the largest cultural festival of its kind and is the Founder of Black Sei Productions specialising in the areas of event and project management, cultural literacy and community and corporate engagement.
She has over 15 years’ experience in the Tertiary Sector having worked in several universities and polytechnics in student recruitment, equity senior leadership and Pacific development. Seiuli Terri is an experienced innovator in facilitation, community engagement, financial and events management and has a passion for intergeneration knowledge, community and Pacific wellbeing, Samoan tatau (tattoo) and Pacific cultures of learning.

Christine Nurminen

Christine is a modern mother, believer and advocate with a healthy respect for the mana of diverse people. Born in Aotearoa, New Zealand, Christine completed her MA (Hons) in Education at the University of Auckland. Her dissertation topic was based on an early childhood centre in Mangere. Christine is bi-lingual, she is a children’s book author, researcher with over fifteen years’ experience working in government, not-for-profit and community in various leadership roles, policy and funder roles. Christine has worked to build relationships that create better environments for change. Christine is the former Pasifika Education Centre (PEC) Chief Executive and is currently the International Portfolio Manager (Pacific) at Oxfam New Zealand. She is part of a generation of diverse leaders who understand that families and children are the cornerstone of strong communities in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Jarcinda Stowers-Ama

Pacific Advisory Group Deputy Chair

Ko Takitumu te vaka

Ko Tumu-te-varovaro te ipukarea

E te Moananui o Kiva

Jarcinda is a Cook Islands and Samoan artist, project manager and producer. Living arts and te peu Kuki Airani – the ways of Cook Islands culture and values – were the foundations of her upbringing in West Auckland.

Jarcinda is the Director of the Pacifica Arts Centre and serves as a trustee on the Waitakere Arts and Cultural Development Trust.  Jarcinda is also a founding member of Turou Takitua, a Cook Islands storytelling collective that is inspired by the knowledge and art practices passed down by her elders.

Marama T-Pole

Marama T-Pole is of Tuvaluan/Pakeha descent. Her professional  background is as a journalist and television director. She has worked for Tagata Pasifika on TV One since 2005. In this role, she has covered Pacific news, current affairs and long format progammes for the flagship Pacific show. Marama has a passion for promoting Tuvalu heritage arts and has enjoyed curating exhibitions for local Tuvalu artists.   

Seulupe Dr. Falaniko Tominiko

Falaniko Tominiko hails from the villages of Apia, Aleisa, Lotofaga, Matatufu, Satitoa, Satapuala, Salailua, Safotu, Samauga, Falealupo in Western Samoa; and Pava’ia’i in American Samoa. Currently based in Mangere, Falaniko is all-round South Aucklander.

Falaniko studied Pacific Studies at the University of Auckland and is currently the Director of Pacific Success at the Unitec Institute of Technology. His interests are in Pacific leadership, history, languages, arts and culture.
 

Kenneth Tuai

Kenneth Tuai is of Tongan descent, from ‘Ata, Houma,'Eua; Navutoka in Tongatapu, Falevai in Vava'u. He is a Town Planner by profession and currently works for Auckland Transport as an Elected Member Relationship Manager. This enables him to contribute to the transformative development of Tāmaki Makaurau as a region by engaging with decision makers to reflect local priorities within a wider strategic context. He has a wide range of interests including Tongan history, culture, arts and philosophy and made a number of visits to major international museums with Tongan collections in pursuing these interests. He has a passion for supporting local communities and initiatives, particularly in the arts. Kenneth grew up in Ōtāhuhu, Auckland where he lives with his wife, Kolokesa and two daughters, Meleseini & Akesiumeimoana.

Cameron Webster

Cameron Webster is of Niuean culture and heritage which provides him with a rich, diverse view of the world and Pacific issues. Hailing from the village of Fineone Hakupu Atua, Cameron has been priviliged to travel back and forth between his two homelands.