Our People
Moana Vā Board Members
Fuimaono Dr. Karl Pulotu-Endemann MNZM, JP (Rtd) -
Matua / 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)
Board Member
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.
Jeremy Faumuinā (He/Him)
Board Member
Jeremy Faumuinā (He/Him) is a devoted husband to his wife Shelley and a proud father of five. As a fierce advocate for the MVPFAFF+ and LGBTQIA+ communities, Jeremy is known for his multipotentialite abilities as a communicator, social worker, motivational speaker, public relations consultant, and design lead for various educational leadership training programs across Aotearoa and Sāmoa.
His passion for people and keen awareness of how to teu the vā (build and nurture relationships) have enabled him to work across diverse sectors, including businesses, non-profits, government agencies, and community groups. Currently, Jeremy serves Aotearoa as a social worker with the New Zealand Police.
Ati Vili (He/Him)
Board Member
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.
Megan (She/Her)
Board Member
Moana Vā Staff
Lana Shields (She/Her) General Manager
Lana Shields (She/Her) is Moana Vā's operations manager, having been with the organisation since its inception. Her passion for the community is intergenerational, inspired by her late uncle Memea 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.
Selina Faimalo (She/Her)
Social Media Manager
Selina Faimalo serves as the Social Media Manager for Moana Vā, creating engaging content across platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.
Additionally, she is the producer for the Two Fat 'Fine podcast, contributing to marketing promotions and providing technology support. Selina plays a crucial role in managing and enhancing Moana Vā's online presence and podcast initiatives.
Pearl (She/Her)
Admin/Events Assistant
Pearl is a proud Rotuman Fijian and the Admin and Events Assistant at Moana Vā. A full-time student, she is passionate about supporting Pacific Rainbow+ communities and creating safe, inclusive spaces where people can connect and thrive.
Moana Vā Contributors
Afutele (Tele) (She/Her)
Afutele is a proud ally and volunteer with Moana Vā, supporting and advocating for our Pasifika rainbow community. She is passionate about inclusion, equity and supporting safe spaces where everyone feels seen and valued.
Alex (She/Her)
Alex Faimalo, a founding member and past board member of Moana Vā, now co-hosts Moana Vā's podcast Two Fat 'Fine. Alongside MahMah, Alex brings an unfiltered and joyous celebration of life in all its vibrant dimensions.
Alex (She/Her)
Alex has been a steadfast ally to our Pacific community, bringing her unique perspective as the wife of a Pacific woman and mother to Pasifika pēpi.
Alex (He/Him)
Alex Saimoa is a key connection of Moana Vā to Christchurch Pride, playing an instrumental role in ensuring Pacific Rainbow community representation at Christchurch Pride's annual events.
Chris (She/Her)
Chris is a dedicated Māori and Pacific health promoter with a rich background in serving the Canterbury Pacific community. Of Cook Island Māori descent, Chris champions healthy living through various roles, including nutrition advocacy, culinary education, and waka ama.
Darren (He/Him)
Darren Folau is an member of Moana Vā and also serves as the The Project Manager for The Moana Mālie Health and Wellbeing programme. As a Certified Health and Wellness Coach, Darren brings his expertise to Moana Vā, dedicating his skills to promote health and wellness within the community.
Fesny (He/Him)
Fesny Situe is the youngest founding member of Moana Vā, known for his passion in supporting our kaupuaua and his eagerness to grow Moana Vā and build community.
Howard (He/Him)
Howard Jamieson is of Māori and Fijian descent with a background in policy, advice, and community work. He is a creative, self-taught sewing tutor who started Moana Vā's "Sew What?" initiative, teaching sewing lessons to the community.
Jessee (She/Her)
Jessee(Ngāti Pāhauwera) is a Health and Wellbeing Consultant. Winner of the 2019 New Zealand Exercise Industry awards for Personal Trainer of the Year, Jessee is a passionate and dedicated health and wellness professional with extensive experience
Kophie (She/Her)
Kophie Su'a Hulsbosch is The Graphic Designer and creative powerhouse for Moana Vā. She brings the collective's vision to life through art and design.
Lana (She/Her)
Lana Afu is a proud Tongan Leiti and The Sports Engagement Coordinator of Moana Vā. She played a pivotal role in starting their netball team and training for the inaugural Rainbow Games 2024 and Moana Vā Games 2025
Lia (She/Her)
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.
Louise (She/Her)
Louise is a proud ally and volunteer with Moana Vā, supporting and advocating for our Pasifika rainbow community. She is passionate about inclusion, equity and supporting safe spaces where everyone feels seen and valued.
Dr. MahMah (They/She)
Dr. MahMah Timoteo (Tohoa Tetini) is a Cook Island multidisciplinary teacher and researcher, holding a PhD in Anthropology from the University of Canterbury. Their research focuses on the lived experiences of Pacific peoples navigating climate change spaces within Aotearoa
Rev. Dr Matthew (He/Him)
Born in 1963 and educated in local state schools, Matthew (He/Him) has been the minister at Knox Presbyterian Church Ōtautahi Christchurch since 2014. Matthew thinks that he is the only out gay man in a front-line parish appointment in the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Nathan (He/Him)
Nathan Auimatagi, of Samoan descent, is a founding member of Moana Vā. He is a school teacher and advocate for the rainbow community, passionately supporting LGBTQIA+ rights and inclusion
Sipola (She/Her)
Sipola Paris is of Tongan, Fijian and Māori descent with affiliations to Ngāpuhi. She serves as the Manager of Education Delivery at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and our connector to Kahukura Pounamu (our indigenous sister rainbow organisation).
Tamapua (Mama Pua)
(She/Her)
Tamapua Pera, affectionately known as Mama Pua, is a prominent community leader within the Cook Island community. She is renowned for her cultural cooking and catering skills, delighting the community with her culinary creations.
Tonia (She/Her)
Tonia is a proud ally and volunteer with Moana Vā, supporting and advocating for our Pasifika rainbow community. She is passionate about inclusion, equity and supporting safe spaces where everyone feels seen and valued.
Uefa
Uefa is a proud ally and volunteer with Moana Vā, supporting and advocating for our Pasifika rainbow community. She is passionate about inclusion, equity and supporting safe spaces where everyone feels seen and valued.
Zoe (She/Her)
Content Creator
Zoe Norton - She/Her is the content creator for Moana Vā and brings a wealth of experience in broadcasting, storytelling, and creative production to the role.
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
