The NZQA Taupulega provides advice, guidance and support.
It helps us achieve the goals of the Takiala Pasifika, our action plan for Pacific learner success.
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NZQA Taupulega's objectives
- help NZQA improve equity among students
- help NZQA find ways to support Pacific students
- find ways for NZQA to improve Pacific learner participation and achievement.
On this page
Professor Malakai Koloamatangi - Chair
Malakai is a Political Scientist of Tongan descent. He has lectured at the Universities of Canterbury, Auckland and Lo’au.
He was the Director of the Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies at the University of Canterbury. More recently, Malakai was Massey University's Director of Pasifika.
Associate Professor Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban
Luamanuvao is the Assistant Vice Chancellor (Pasifika) at Victoria University of Wellington. In this role she provides strategic advice and direction for Pasifika.
She heads the Pasifika student success team with a focus on excellence, personal growth and wellbeing. Dame Winnie Laban was recognised for her services to education and the Pacific community.
Dr Cherie Chu
Cherie is of Tahitian descent. She's a Senior Lecturer in multi-ethnic and Pacific education at Victoria University of Wellington. She is also the co-director of He Paenga.
Cherie is an Ako Aotearoa national workshop facilitator, and an ACE Aotearoa steering group member.
Lealiie’e Tufulasi Taleni
Lealiie’e is of Samoan descent. He's currently Kaiarahi Pasifika at the University of Canterbury's College of Education.
In this role, he leads Pacific development to initial teacher education programmes of study.
Lealiie’e is also the University of Canterbury’s Pasifika Education specialist.
He is the first Pacific researcher to receive the NZARE Rae Munro Award for Excellence for his Master’s thesis.
Dr Seulupe Falaniko Tominiko
Seulupe is of Samoan descent. He's the Director of Pacific Success at Unitec, Institute of Technology.
In this role, he's committed to providing support to Pasifika people and using a holistic approach to achieve Pasifika success.
Before this, Dr Seulupe was the Director of the Pacific Centre for Learning, Teaching and Research at Unitec.
Tufaina Faraimo
Tufaina is of Tokelauan descent. She's currently the Assistant Principal of Glenview School in Porirua.
Tufaina is the Atafu Tokelau community in Aotearoa's secretary.
She leads cultural and educational initiatives that support the Tokelauan language and culture.
Pulotu Selio Solomon
Pulotu is of Samoan descent. He's currently the Education Manager (South Area) for the Ministry of Education.
In this role he leads initiatives to raise achievement for Māori and Pacific learners in South Auckland.
Pulotu was previously the CEO of Martin Hautus Institute. He's also the President of the Men’s Health Trust New Zealand.
Ivana Samani
Ivana is of Samoan descent and is a student voice member on the NZQA Taupulega advisory group.
She was also an NCEA Navigator working closely with NZQA.
Ivana is currently studying a Bachelor of Commerce at Victoria University.
Lufilufi Lene-Isara
Lufilufi is of Samoan descent and is a student voice member of NZQA Taupulega.
Lufilufi is currently studying a Bachelor of Engineering at the University of Canterbury.
In 2019, he was Head Boy of Rongotai College. He was also an NCEA Navigator working closely with NZQA to encourage Pasifika students to study STEM subjects.
Sinapi Taeao
Sinapi is of Samoan descent and is currently the Dean and Whānau lead at Naenae College.
She's also a maths teacher and co-author of an article titled 'Cast the net into deeper waters - Using research and practice to rethink mathematics pedagogy'.
Sinapi has worked on NCEA reviews in her role as a Post Primary Teachers Association (PPTA) Pasifika representative.
Natalie Faitala
Natalie is of Cook Islands descent. She's currently heads the English department at Wesley College.
Natalie is a representative of the PPTA Komiti Pasifika, and an executive member. She has worked in the education management and education consulting industries.