Seuta’afili Dr Patrick Thomsen is of Samoan descent and was born and raised in South Auckland. He was the first Samoan and New Zealander to receive their doctorate from the University of Washington in Seattle’s Jackson School of International Studies. Dr Thomsen is now a Lecturer in Pacific Studies at the University of Auckland where his on-going research focuses on Pacific Rainbow LGBTIQA+ MVPFAFF communities and their health and wellbeing. Dr Thomsen leads the Manalagi Project, a proud partner of F’INE and plays an integral part as a board member of F’INE Pasifika Aotearoa Trust.
Dr Sisikula Sisifa is one of the first PHD Pasifika academics from the University of Auckland’s Business School and joins as a board member of F’INE Pasifika Aotearoa Trust. Raised by her grandmother and her family who values education alongside her four brothers and one sister, Dr Sisifa now works as a professional teaching fellow at the University of Auckland and is a published writer.
Pauline Pua is the Recruitment and Promotions Manager at Cut Above Academy. She has served in the creative industries for over 20 years and supported a multitude of pathways for aspiring hair & makeup learners. She has extensive experience in project management and recruitment and promotions. Pauline has a longstanding relationship with MVPFAFF+ / Pasifika LGBTQI+ / Rainbow and Queer Communities and has supported endless fundraising initiatives and joins as a proud board member of F’INE Pasifika Aotearoa Trust.
Phylesha Brown-Acton hails from the village of Fineone Hakupu Atua in Niue and identifies as Fakafifine. A recent Masters graduate of Applied Indigenous Knowledge, Phylesha is the Founder and Executive Director of F’INE Pasifika Aotearoa Trust. Phylesha has rooted her work in advancing the voice, visibility, and rights of MVPFAFF+ / Pacific LGBTQI+ people and their families for over 25 years. She serves in projects on both a national and international level such as being a co-investigator for the The Manalagi Project as well as being the co-chairperson of the Asia Pacific Transgender Network (APTN). In 2019 Phylesha received a Queens Honour – Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for her service to MVPFAFF+ / Pacific LGBTQI+ communities & Pacific communities. She describes F’INE as “A mana enhancing space that is there to uplift and honour experiences, journey, culture, story, family and people”.
Ms Tara Apa is of Samoan descent and a dedicated and experienced professional who has made significant contributions to various organisations throughout her career.
She has worked in a range of roles, from hospitality to theatre directing, community health, Public health, regional coordinating and mobilising, fundraising, human rights, and HIV and AIDS-related work, showcasing her versatility and adaptability in different sectors.
Tara’s commitment to professional development is evident through her participation in various training programs and workshops.
She has completed courses and received certifications in areas such as Liberal Studies, Public health, human rights, communication strategies, report writing, and train-the-trainer programs. Her dedication to continuous learning and improvement reflects her passion for making a positive impact in serving others.
Throughout her career, Resitara Apa has exemplified professionalism, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Her diverse experiences in theatre, hospitality, community, health, human rights, events management, and HIV and AIDS work have equipped her with a unique skill set and a deep understanding of expansive community networks and effective organisational management.
Amanaki is a Tongan award-winning choreographer, dancer, actress and writer. Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Performing Arts in 2018, Amanaki joins F’INE as a Creative + Navigator. With the experience of working within the public health sector over the last 3 years, Amanaki has used her creativity and leadership to implement various projects within the community such as THETA, a sex education road show as well as MOSO’OI an intergenerational talanoa between MVPFAFF+ & Pacific LGBTQI+ people and their mothers. Amanaki describes F’INE as being “a safe service that really helps build our Pasifika peoples to be the best version of themselves so that they can be of service to their own community”.
