Kathleen Tuai-Ta’ufo’ou
Chief Executive Officer
BA, LLB
Sesimani ‘Ahio-Havea
Executive Director
Sesimani Ahio-Havea is a dynamic leader driving strategic growth and operational excellence at Siaola. With nearly four years of dedicated service, she has held key positions including Business Development Manager and currently serves as the Acting General Manager, Operations. Additionally, she has overseen critical functions such as Human Resources, Quality Management, and Financial Management, demonstrating her versatility and strategic acumen.
Sesimani’s unique blend of academic expertise in Pacific Studies and Criminology, coupled with her practical experience in the non-profit sector, provides her with a deep understanding of the Pacific community’s needs and challenges. Her Master’s dissertation, focused on the Pacific community’s resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand, further solidified her expertise in public health and social policy. She is committed to leveraging this knowledge to drive positive change and empower the Pacific community.
BA, Hons, MA Arts
‘Osaiasi Kupu
TEAM LEADER, Family Wellbeing Services
Osaiasi Kupu is an experienced and dedicated social worker with over 25 years of professional experience, primarily focused on supporting vulnerable individuals, families, children, and youth within Māori and Pacific communities. With a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Auckland, Osaiasi has a strong background in person-centered care, comprehensive case management, and multi-agency collaboration.
Throughout his career, he has held key roles such as Child and Youth Services Manager and Senior Lead Social Worker, demonstrating a proven ability to manage high-volume caseloads and provide crucial advocacy for his clients’ needs, including housing, healthcare, and financial aid. He is highly skilled in crisis intervention, conducting psychosocial assessments, and is well-versed in safeguarding protocols and legislation. His work is characterised by a deep commitment to cultural sensitivity and a strengths-based practice that champions equality and human rights.
Cindy Maka
TEAM LEADER, Family Wellbeing Services, Gisborne
Cindy Maka is a dedicated leader in community services, heading the Family Wellbeing Services in the Tairāwhiti, Gisborne region. With four years of experience, she manages several successful programs focused on empowering Pacific communities.
Her key initiatives include:
- Homeownership Programme: Helping families achieve their goal of owning a home.
- Employment Service: Providing support and resources for securing employment.
- Drivers License Programme: Facilitating the process of obtaining a driver’s license.
Cindy is known for her passionate approach and deep commitment to community development.
Manavahe Ata
TEAM LEADER, Financial Wellbeing Services
Manavahe is a dedicated finance and administration professional who joined the SIAOLA GREI team in 2020. As a key leader in the Financial Wellbeing department, he has helped over 100 families achieve their goal of homeownership.
His leadership extends to managing several vital initiatives:
- Digital Banking education
- Ready to Rent/Ready to Buy programs
- Financial Literacy workshops
With a background in business administration and FinCap mentoring, Manavahe is committed to professional growth. He is currently finalizing his Financial Advisor course with the Strategi Institute to further enhance his expertise.
Sione Sialetonga
TEAM LEADER, Family Wellbeing Services
Sione is a financial professional and community leader who directs the Drivers Licensing Programme for the Auckland region. He has directly helped hundreds of clients successfully obtain their Learner, Restricted, and Full licenses, a critical step toward independence and employment.
Beyond his professional role, Sione is an active community and church leader who conducts workshops to support local families. He is passionate about empowering Pacific families by providing them with the tools for employment and financial prosperity.
To further his commitment, Sione is currently studying Accounting demonstrating his dedication to a career focused on financial empowerment and community well-being.
Lavoni Manukia
Team Leader, Media and Communications
Lavoni Manukia is a multi-talented media host who uses a blend of traditional and digital media to serve the Tongan community. As a long-time host for Pacific Media Network, she has been a key voice in delivering culturally relevant content to Pacific communities in New Zealand.
Manukia’s primary role is hosting the LIKA OLA Programme through the facebook AtaOngo o Aotearoa page under the SIAOLA umbrella. This program focuses on community well-being and practical services, demonstrating her commitment to tangible, positive impact.
A core principle of Manukia’s work is language and cultural advocacy. By disseminating information in Tongan, she ensures that the content is accessible and culturally appropriate, helping to maintain cultural identity within New Zealand’s diverse population.
Cassandra Vaea
Executive Administrator
Cassandra is a highly experienced and reputable professional with nearly three decades of experience in executive administration, public relations, and management within government, State-Owned Enterprises, and private sectors in both Tonga and New Zealand.
- Executive & Board Support: Proven ability to provide high-level administrative and secretariat support to C-suite executives and Boards of Directors. Skilled in preparing official reports, managing board communications, and ensuring timely, efficient governance.
- Strategic Communications & Public Relations: Extensive background in media and corporate communications, including roles as a TV Presenter and Corporate Service Manager. Cassandra is adept at creating a positive public image, engaging with key stakeholders, and managing public relations for a variety of organisations.