The Taupulega provide advice, guidance and support that helps NZQA progress and achieve the goals outlined in our strategic priorities.
Mafua Malakai Koloamatangi - Chair
Mafua Malakai Koloamatangi holds a PhD in Political Studies from the University of Auckland. He is Adjunct Professor at the University of Fiji, and Foundation Professor at Lo’au University. He was the inaugural Director, Office for Pacific Excellence and former Acting Director, Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies at the University of Canterbury. He was, until the end of 2019, Associate Professor and Director of the Pasifika Directorate and Co-Director of the Pacific Research and Policy Centre at Massey University.
He has researched, commentated and written on human rights, democracy and related issues and has worked to connect research and application, most notably in creating 'national dialogues' in the Pacific as an indigenous approach to achieving development goals.
Until 2024, Dr Koloamatangi led the Research and Insights team at the Ministry for Pacific Peoples. His community commitments include, among other things, being President of the Auckland Tongan Community Inc and Chair of the Aotearoa Tongan Council. Dr Koloamatangi was bestowed the traditional hereditary Tongan navigator title, Mafua-‘ae-Lulutai by his Late Majesty King Tupou IV of Tonga in 2006.
Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban
The Hon. Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban was New Zealand's first Pacific Island woman member of Parliament and first Pacific Island woman Minister of the Crown. Until 2024, Luamanuvao was the Assistant Vice Chancellor (Pasifika) at Victoria University of Wellington, and currently spearheads the Pasifika Legal Education Hub, providing strategic advice and direction for Pasifika students and staff.
Since 2017 she has been a member of the Australasian Association for Institutional Research, the New Zealand Institute of Directors, the Commissioner of Police’s National Pacific Advisory Forum, and an Auditor for the Academic Quality Agency for New Zealand Universities.
She is a member of the National University of Sāmoa Council since 2012 and the Institute of Judicial Studies Board since 2011.
Leali’ie’e Tufulasi Taleni
Leali’ie’e is of Samoan Decent and hails from the village of Vaiafai, Iva. He is Kaiarahi Pasifika and a Senior Lecturer in the School of Leadership and Professional Practice at the University of Canterbury.
In 2017, Leali'ie'e was the fist Pasifika researcher to receive the NZARE Rae Munro Award for excellence for his master’s thesis. He has been awarded the Pasifika Community Researcher Award, and the Pacific Circle Consortium’s Peter Brice Award.
Through his research, Leali'ie'e developed the Soalaupulega Samoa framework, which calls for dialogue and close collaboration to drive improved outcomes for Pacific students. He led the Pasifika Education Initiative – Samoa Malaga, fostering greater cultural understanding and facilitating the development of culturally responsive education programmes.
in 2023, Leali'ie'e completed his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D), Leadership in Education from Canterbury University. Most recently, Leali'ie'e has published a book: Tautai: The Master Navigator - Navigating Pacific students’ education, health, and wellbeing from a Pacific leadership perspective.
Pulotu Selio Solomon
Pulotu is of Samoan descent hailing from the villages of Malaemalu, Falealili and Afega.
Pulotu has worked for the Ministry of Education for the past 8 years and is currently Manager Integrated Services for Papakura and Franklin District (South Area) for the Ministry of Education. In this role he leads initiatives to raise achievement for Māori, Pacific, and learners with learning support needs.
Pulotu is the former chair of the Men’s Health Trust New Zealand, a role that he held from 2016 to 2024. He is passionate about raising awareness and leading initiatives that help and support Māori and Pacific men to engage in exercise, nutrition and counselling that can assist them in their daily lives.
His work in the Pacific and South Auckland community inspires collaborative partnerships between communities, families and supporting agencies to see meaningful and purposeful change. Previously, Pulotu was the CEO of Martin Hautus Institute.
Dr Cherie Chu-Fuluifaga
Dr. Cherie Chu-Fuluifaga is a passionate educator and mentor with deep roots in the vibrant villages of Faa’a, Tahiti, and Sungtong, China. Drawing inspiration from her Tahitian heritage, Dr. Chu-Fuluifaga embodies the values of community, connection, and collective growth, principles that guide her work in mentoring and coaching. Drawing from her Tahitian roots, her approach reflects the spirit of the Tahitian proverb, "Te fenua, te ora, te mana" (The land, the life, the spirit), emphasizing the importance of nurturing relationships and empowering others to thrive.
Cherie is a distinguished academic and mentor, recognised as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (2024) and a finalist for the 2023 Wellingtonian of the Year in Education. She has spent over 20 years advancing Pasifika success in tertiary education through mentoring, leadership development, and culturally responsive research.
At Victoria University of Wellington, Cherie founded a successful mentoring programme and leads a Pasifika leadership network that supports students and staff. Her work spans identity, cultural change, and leadership in Pasifika and indigenous contexts.
Cherie regularly speaks at national and international forums and has led leadership programmes across the Pacific. She has contributed to research for organisations such as Ako Aotearoa, NZCER, and the Ministry of Education, and designed cultural training for professionals across sectors.
Her leadership is grounded in strong relationships with Pacific communities, where she actively advocates for educational priorities.
Cherie is known for her empathetic, transformative approach that inspires students and drives innovation in research and is well sought after by PhD and Master’s students across Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Natalie Faitala
Natalie is an accomplished secondary educator with over 25 years of teaching experience. She currently serves as the Head of English at Wesley College in South Auckland, where she leads with a passion for literacy and student success. Her teaching journey began in the Cook Islands and has continued in Aotearoa, reflecting her deep commitment to education across the Pacific.
Of Cook Islands, Samoan, and French Polynesian heritage, Natalie proudly hails from Omoka (Penrhyn), Apia, and Tahiti. Her cultural roots strongly influence her approach to teaching and leadership, ensuring that Pacific perspectives remain central in education.
Beyond the classroom, Natalie has contributed extensively to national education leadership. She has served on multiple Ministry of Education advisory groups, particularly in curriculum and assessment development. Natalie is a former Komiti Pasifika executive member for NZPPTA and currently represents the Counties-Manukau region on the executive. She also plays an active role in the wider community as a member of the Komiti Whakahaere for ASB Polyfest and serves as Secretary for the Cook Islands Teachers and Educators Collective Aotearoa.
Outside of her professional commitments, Natalie finds joy in the outdoors and the Moana. She loves paddling in the ‘oe vaka and swimming in the ocean. Her passion for Pacific theatre, arts, music, dance, and culture keeps her grounded and connected to her heritage.
Sinapi Taeao
Sinapi is of Samoan heritage, with ancestral ties to the villages of Falelatai, Saipipi, Falealupo, Falevao, Fagamalo, and Saleaula. She brings over 18 years of experience as an education practitioner and is dedicated to advancing Pacific excellence through her work.
She is currently Deputy Principal at Sacred Heart College Lower Hutt and was previously a Whānau Head dean at Naenae College. Sinapi served on the PPTA Komiti Pasifika executive for numerous years and is currently an executive member of the HuttFest Trust Board and P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A Inc. Hutt Valley branch.
She has co-authored articles titled 'Cast the net into deeper waters - Using research and practice to rethink mathematics pedagogy' and 'Polyfest and PolySuccess'. Sinapi is also a graduate of Victoria University of Wellington with a master’s degree in education and a proud Tenor member of the 2025 International Barbershop Bronze Medallists Chorus Pacific Connection Choir.
Tony Patolo
Tauā Tony Patolo is of Samoan decent hailing from the villages of Sinamoga, Afega and Vaimoso.
He currently teaches the Master of Community Action & Social Impact at Ako Mātātupu Teach First NZ and is a Kaihautū at the Māia Centre for Social Justice and Education.
Tony’s expertise and experience in education have connected him to multiple sectors, communities and groups within the Auckland region.
Tony is currently undertaking a PhD that focuses on the development of Pacific Studies for New Zealand secondary schools. He also runs the Hustle Network Programme, which supports early school leavers in finding employment and celebrates their career successes.
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.
Tanumia Matega
Tanumia is of proud Samoan heritage, with ancestral ties to the villages of Tiavea, Lalovaia, and Vailima.
Tanumia is studying towards a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Health at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington (VUW), with a major in Population Health Policy and Service Delivery.
Tanumia has held a number of leadership and service roles, including Class Representative, Student Mentor, and Student Ambassador. She currently serves as the President of the VUW Pacific Students’ Council, where she leads initiatives that empower and uplift Pacific students. She’s previously held leadership roles during her time on the Victoria University Law Students’ Society Executive, serving as both Junior Representative and Publications Officer.
Tanumia’s passion for storytelling and student engagement was further demonstrated through her role as host of the Salient Podcast, the official podcast of the university’s student-run publication.
Beyond academia, Tanumia is actively involved in her community through AOG Kilbirnie and is a proud member of the Norths Club Netball team.
Lufilufi Lene-Isara
Lufilufi is currently studying a Bachelor of Engineering at the University of Canterbury. He is of Samoan decent hailing from the villages of Salamumu, Safotu and Lefaga (Tafagamanu).
In 2019, he was Head Boy of Rongotai College. Lufilufi is currently the Vice-President of the Canterbury University Samoan Students Association and is also the co-founder of the Maori and Pacific Engineering Society at the University of Canterbury (est. 2024).
Lufilufi has been involved with many Pacific Secondary School Cultural Groups both in Christchurch and in Wellington as a tutor, drummer and instrumentalist.
He is an NCEA Champion, who are NZQA's Pacific Tertiary Student Voice who also facilitate the NCEA ma le Pasifika workshops.
Lufilufi has served as a member of the Taupulega since 2021.