About Us
Le Moana West began as a call to action — a collective desire to unify Pasifika leadership, advocate for equitable systems, and create outcomes where Pasifika people not only survive but thrive. Our name reflects the vastness and depth of the Moana, and the values carried across oceans by our ancestors.
Rooted in the journeys of Pacific peoples to Aotearoa, Le Moana represents a collective voyage. All Pacific nations are central to our kaupapa, and their voices guide everything we do.
Today, Le Moana West is a growing collective of individuals and organisations in West Auckland, united by a shared vision: to ensure resourcing and funding flows meaningfully into Pasifika communities across Waitākere, supporting and amplifying the incredible work already happening on the ground.
We honour the late Efeso Collins, whose leadership and belief in our collective potential helped lay the foundation for what Le Moana West has become.

Introducing the Collective
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Ruta Tonumaivao
Collaboration Broker - Le Moana West Collective / Executive Director Tapasā Navigating the Future
Pata-Falelatai, Vaiafai Iva - Samoa
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Fole (Daleki) Finau
Intrapreneur - The Southern Initiative
Masilamea, Ma’ufanga – Tongatapu, Tonga
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Therese Mangos
Director at Pacific Vision Aotearoa
Makea Karika , the vaka Te Au O Tonga, and tapere, Rua-O-Te-Tonga
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Ella Falakoa
Pacific Systems Lead - Healthy Families Waitakere
Liku Tamahaleleka - Niue
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Dale Rasmussen
General Manager - Tuilaepa Youth Mentoring Services
Tufiopa, Vaiala - Samoa
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Repeka George-Koteka
Executive Director - Ei Moana Consultants
Villages: Titikaveka & Arorangi / Homelands: Aitutaki, Mangaia, Mitiaro, Rarotonga.
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Kayla Schwalger
Creative Director and Community Storyteller - Tapasā Navigating the Future
Pata-Falelatai, Vaiafai Iva, Aleisa, Lotopa - Samoa
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Fiasili Ah Tong
Pacific Cancer Navigator – Te Puna Manawa Trust
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Louisa Vaeluaga
Local Board Engagement Advisor - Auckland Council
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Louise Fruean
Tenancy Services Lead – VisionWest Community Trust
Alamagoto, Falelima Savaii - Samoa
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Ange Tuaputa
Senior Programming & Activation Specialist - Te Manawa Community Hub
Tamarua, Oneroa & Ivirua - Mangaia / Vaka Puaikura & Vaka Takitumu in Rarotonga & Huahine - Tahiti
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Misa Janet Ta'afili Tuitama
Chief Executive Seed 2 Harvest Trust / Director of NIU Perspective Consultant Services
Matautu Falelatai, Lalomanu Aleipata, Alafua, Falese'ela - Samoa
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Jacqui Passi
Deputy Principal - Waitakere College
Sinamoga, Vaimoso, Vaivase Tai - Samoa
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Sera Schwalger
Caring for Creation Facilitator - Pacific Vision Aotearoa
Lufilufi, Upolu - Samoa
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Aumua Rosetta Fuimaono
Community Broker – Whau Local Board
Savaia, Salesatele, Sapunaoa, Saoluafata
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Evalesi Tu'inukuafe
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Asita. I. Molotii
Secretary - Tuvalu Auckland Community Trust