Our People
Moana Vā Board Members
Fuimaono Dr. Karl Pulotu-Endemann MNZM, JP (Rtd) -
Chief Advisor
Fuimaono Dr. Karl Pulotu-Endemann is a proud Samoan-born Matai, Fa’afafine, and New Zealander who champions the strength and capabilities of Pacific people. Actively involved in the "By Pacific For Pacific" movement since the post-Dawn Raids of the 1970s, he has established vital services for Pacific communities, including Pacific Trust Canterbury and Le Va.
His work spans governance roles in the Mental Health Commission, ALAC, Drug Foundation, NZ AIDS Foundation, and more. Guided by Fa’a Samoa principles of respect, integrity, service, and compassion, Fuimaono is a renowned consultant specializing in Pacific health issues, community development, and cultural competencies. Moana Vā is honoured to have him as their Matua and Advisor.
Vui Suli Tuitaupe (He/Him)
Founder & Chair
Vui Suli Tuitaupe (He/Him) is the proud founder and chair of Moana Vā. He envisions Moana Vā as a collective that supports, advocates, empowers, mentors, and strengthens MVPFAFF+, LGBTQIA+, and Rainbow+ communities locally and globally.
Vui is dedicated to creating a safe, respectful, inclusive, and engaging space for these communities and their families to navigate and celebrate Pacific pride. Collaborating with stakeholders, he advocates for vulnerable and marginalised families.
As a nurse, health promoter, and fitness trainer, Vui is passionate about holistic health and wellbeing, promoting physical activity, and focusing on illness prevention and cure. He is committed to empowering communities with the message that 'health is wealth,' striving to improve Pasifika health statistics, rainbow+ inequities, and health equity for all communities.
Fesoloa’i Situe (She/Her)
Treasurer
Fesoloa’i, also known as A'i (She/Her), is a proud Samoan and dedicated parent of a rainbow person. As the Treasurer of Moana Vā, she brings a wealth of experience in financial management and a deep commitment to advocating for the Pacific Rainbow community. Her passion for inclusivity and representation drives her work.
Vanessa (She/Her)
Vice Chair
Ko Ngongotahā te maunga,
Ko Te Arawa te waka,
Ko Te Arawa te iwi,
Ko Ngāti Pikiao te hapū.
Ko Vanessa Hutchins ahau.
“He mana tō te whānau, he oranga tō te iwi. Thriving, self-determining whānau are the pou tokomanawa of a strong Aotearoa.” This belief has guided Vanessa Hutchins’ (She/Her) leadership journey. A kaupapa Māori and values driven executive leader, Vanessa is passionate about equity, diversity, and inclusion.
With extensive governance and senior leadership experience across health, housing, commissioning, and community development, she brings strategic insight and cultural integrity to her work. Skilled at bridging iwi, Crown, and community partnerships, Vanessa ensures decision making reflects collective aspirations.
She sees Moana Vā as a necessary and bold movement, unapologetically Pacific and Rainbow, and is honoured to contribute her governance expertise, networks, and lived experience to uplift and empower our communities.
Megan (She/Her)
Board Member
Guided by a strong commitment to whanaungatanga connection, people, equity and cultural capability, Megan feels privileged to support our MVPFAFF+ LGBTQIA+ and Rainbow+, community by serving on the Board of Moana Vā. Her extensive career in human resources spans higher education, kaupapa Māori entities and regional employer networks across commercial, NGO and Not for Profit organisations. This breadth has allowed her to focus on people and fostering inclusive environments, building leadership capability and advocating for holistic wellbeing both within and outside the workplace. Megan believes that diversity and inclusion are strengthened by belonging: a sense of connection where people can bring their whole selves to feel not only accepted, but celebrated! Megan brings lived Rainbow experience which allows an empathetic, grounded and strategic approach to governance for Moana Vā. She will leverage on her expertise to assist Moana Vā nurture safe, resilient networks while also celebrating Rainbow+ and our allies across Waitaha Canterbury.
Ati Vili (He/Him)
Secretary
Tauati Vili, known as Ati, is a visionary creative and community leader with a strong background in event production and cultural engagement. He is the founder of Lusi Creative, delivering high-impact, culturally grounded events that celebrate Pacific excellence.
A founding member and current Board member of Moana Vā, Ati is also a key figure behind the Koko Nights initiative—an innovative space for storytelling, connection, and celebration.
His networks and expertise in events make him a sought-after collaborator across Aotearoa. Ati is the CEO of Lusi creative and serves on Needs Trust board supporting equity and opportunity for Pasifika communities. He continues to build spaces that inspire connect and honour pacific culture.
Moana Vā Staff
Lana Shields (She/Her) General Manager
Lana Shields (She/Her) is Moana Vā's General Manager, having been with the organisation since its inception. Her passion for the community is intergenerational, inspired by her late uncle Memea Bubsy Eleitino Ma'aelopa-Siania, a fierce advocate for the Pacific and rainbow communities.
Lana is also the proud mother of a Samoan lesbian, further driving her dedication to supporting and empowering LGBTQIA+ and Pacific communities through Moana Vā. Her commitment and personal connections enrich the organisation's mission and impact.
Lia (She/Her)
Marketing and Media Specialist
Tālofa, o lo’u igoa o Lia. Lia is a proud Pasifika woman passionate about advocating for our people, and being part of Moana Vā allows me to centre care and community in all that I do.
Mahina Kanavatoa (She/Her) Operations and Events Coordinator
Mahina Kanavatoa is Moana Vā's Operations and Events Coordinator. She is a descendant of Te Ātiawa and Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa and is a proud tagata Pasifika from the islands of Niue and Papua New Guinea.
She is passionate about serving magafaoa Pasifika and is a fierce ally of our LGBTQIA+ community. Mahina is dedicated to giving back to the community that raised her and is working to leave this earth better than the way we found it by providing a safe and inclusive space for all - All flavours welcome!
Kophie (She/Her)
Graphic Designer
Kophie Su'a Hulsbosch is the Graphic Designer and creative powerhouse for Moana Vā. She has designed Moana Vā's logo, website and most of the graphics used by Moana Vā.
Kophie brings the collective's vision to life through art and design. As a well-known mural artist, she is a prominent part of the Ōtautahi art scene bringing life to various murals around the city. Kophie has revealed culture, stories and vibrancy to buildings across Ōtautahi.
Moana Vā Contributors
In Memorium
Memea Eleitino Bubsy Ma’aelopa
QSM (1946 – 2017)
A proud fa’afafine, Pacific leader, and mentor to many.
Memea was a proud fa’afafine and a highly respected Pacific leader who dedicated his life to uplifting communities with integrity, compassion, and cultural pride.
His decades of volunteer work with Canterbury Police, service as a Justice of the Peace, and tireless advocacy for Pacific voices left a lasting impact across Aotearoa. A natural mentor, Memea guided and supported many young students at the University of Canterbury, encouraging them to embrace their heritage and leadership potential.
Today, Moana Vā continues his work by sharing intergenerational knowledge and lived experiences, creating spaces where Pacific Rainbow+ communities and their families feel connected, supported, and celebrated. As a beloved uncle and close member of the Moana Vā aiga, his legacy of service, love, and cultural pride lives on in all we do.
Community
