Keynote Speakers
LEALI'IE'E DR TUFULASI TALENI
Originally from Vaiafai, Iva, Samoa, Dr. Tufulasi Taleni is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Canterbury and a holder of three Matai titles. Since moving to New Zealand in 1985, he has transitioned from classroom teaching to national leadership in Pasifika education.
A prolific researcher, he was the first Pasifika recipient of the NZARE Rae Munro Award (2017) and recently received the Sutton Smith Doctoral Thesis Excellence Award (2024). In 2025, he published his book, Tautai – Master Navigator. Guided by his father’s philosophy of humble service, Tufulasi remains a pivotal voice in national advisory boards and community initiatives.
MOEFIAINU DAISY LAVEA-TIMO
Moefiainu Daisy Lavea-Timo is a New Zealand born Sāmoan educator and poet whose work is deeply rooted in her ancestry and her role as a tulafale (orator chief). Lavea-Timo explores what it means to sustain and construct her identity as a product of the Sāmoan diaspora. The 2017 NZ Slam Poetry champion, her poetry is the dynamic and indigenous response of her Sāmoan-ness and her work strives to communicate ideas about the complex societal issues connected with culture and leadership. From her vantage point at the intersections of the many worlds she navigates: a wife and mama, a former teacher, Southern Regional Manager for the Ministry of Youth Development and current Director of Cross-Polynate, an indigenous Social Change Agency-Lavea-Timo facilitates transformational vā- spaces for reflection, appreciation, learning and celebration of Pacific ways of knowing, being and leading others, leading change and leading self.
SAUNOAMAALII KARANINA SUMEO
Saunoamaalii Karanina Sumeo is a Samoan-born human rights advocate, mother of three and lives in Tamaki Makurau, Auckland. She was the Pacific Advisor to the People's Select Committee on Pay Equity.
Karanina served as the Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner at the New Zealand Human Rights Commission from 2018 to 2024, where she advocated internationally and locally for social and economic equity for all, especially Pacific and indigenous peoples, women, migrants, and marginalized workers. Her professional background includes social work, tertiary education, health, women's rights and advocacy for marginalised communities. Karanina holds a PhD in public policy from Auckland University of Technology, and qualifications in social work, social policy and science
TRACEY SAVELIO
More to come
Workshop Speakers
CAMILLIA PADGETT
Camillia Padgett is a Visual Arts educator and curriculum leader based in Mangere. She is actively involved in the Pasifika arts education community, contributing to initiatives that support collaboration, cultural responsiveness, and creative learning. With expertise in NCEA Visual Arts, she is committed to empowering students to develop authentic, critically engaged artistic practice.
TUI EMMA GILLIES AND SULIETI FIEMEÁ BURROWS
Sulieti Fieme’a Burrows and Tui Emma Gillies are a Tongan New Zealand mother-and- daughter team that make and decorate tongan tapa cloth. The duo’s art manifests their shared passion and close relationship in a hybrid style harmonizing traditional tapa with contemporary elements. Apart from adding colour pigment onto designs that are customarily black and brown, their work also integrates themes that deviate from the standard of geometric grids and floral motifs, often featuring themes of femininity, nurturing, protection, and spirituality. Burrows and Gillies strive to utilize as many natural resources as they can in tandem with modern materials. Tapa cloth itself is entirely decomposable, and the glue they use to paste each piece together is mixed with tapioca starch, half-cooked until the texture’s right. Their main modern adaptations in creating tapa art include Indian ink and acrylic paint.
The mother-daughter duo have presented, exhibited, and sold their art to museums and private collections around the world and were the recipients of the 2018 Creative New Zealand Heritage Arts Award. They have works in collections around the world including Te Papa, The National Maritime Museum, Auckland War Memorial Museum, GRASSI museum in Germany, National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne and Pick Museum of Anthropology in Illinois, USA.
MARGARET KARANGA (FATA)
Kiaora, Talofa Lava and Warm Pacific Greetings. My name Is Margaret Karanga, this will be my 25th year teaching Visual Arts with a Sculpture Focus. I am currently the HOD of Art at Te Hai Kura A Kiwa, formerly known as James Cook High School. The first half of my presentation will be discussing the use of Tapa at all levels and disciplines within our school and my interpretation of the new curriculum standard "Imprints of Identity" at junior level.
Session Speakers
ADELE TOWGOOD
Adele Towgood is the PPTA Deputy General Secretary for Membership. Supporting the Field and Legal teams as well as ensuring all members are aware of their rights and responsibilities through the PPTA Education programme is a core part of Adele’s role. This includes the development of 'best practice' polices and processes to help schools establish and maintain positive work environments.
The Field Staff workshop for FONO is guided by experienced Field Officers Jo Martin, Kathleen West and Te Mataroa Daniel Hapuku
NEIL WILKINSON
Tēnā koutou, myself and Jocelyn are both teachers at Forest View High School in Tokoroa. Both born and raised here seeking to uplift our children and give back to the community that has given so much to us. Neil Wilkinson I am Māori & 3rd generation Aotearoa born Samoan, he uri ahau nō Ngāti Hako, Ngāti Kawiti, Ngāti Whakaue. I have been teaching digital technology for three years.
MELISSA DENZLER
Melissa Denzler (Ngāti Maniapoto, Te Rarawa)
is Kairangahau Māori and Kaitohu Mātauranga at the New Zealand
Council for Educational Research (NZCER). Before moving into education advisory
and research, she was a secondary school teacher for more than 25 years. Her
work is grounded in kaupapa Māori, equity, and culturally sustaining
education. Alongside her research and evaluation work, she works
with kura to support the equitable and thoughtful use of
assessment and data. She
is currently undertaking a PhD focused on cultural taxation, intersectionality,
and the lived experiences of kaiako Māori in English-medium
settings.
NATALIE FAITALA
BEd, BSocSci, DipTchg, DipYouth Development, GradDipTESSOL, PGDipEd, MEd, MEdLd.
Natalie Faitala is of Cook Islands, Tahitian, Samoan and European descent. Natalie is the PPTA Executive member for the Counties-Manukau Region and HOD English at Wesley College in South Auckland. Natalie also serves
on several panels and committees including the ASB Polyfest Komiti Whakahaere, NZQA Taupulega and is the secretary for the Cook Islands Teachers and Educators’ Collective Aotearoa. Natalie is a member of the Tirotiro Anō research panel seeking to understand the impacts that the proposed changes to our national assessment framework will have.
MAKERITA LEALAITAGOMOA-PAPALI'I
Makerita Lealaitagomoa-Papali'i is a qualified educator with over 30 years teaching
experience. Having held a wide range of roles and responsibilities from pastoral to academic as well as, cultural to servant leadership. Her passion and commitment of taking students and staff on Malaga Tautua / Service Trips
Abroad to the Pacific Islands (Tonga & Samoa) is very rewarding for those participating and those receiving. She is currently completing her Master of Educational Leadership and strongly believes that the foundation to connecting with our young people evolves around building strong responsive relationships (whakawhanaungatanga). One of her core belief and value is through a Samoan
Proverb - 'O le ala i le pule, o le tautua’ - The pathway to leadership is through service.
PHIL SCHWALGER
Phill Schwalger (BA Hons Psych, M.Ed) is a New Zealand-born German Samoan educator with over 25 years of experience in the Psychology and Social Science space. Since 1999, Phill has taught at a diverse range of institutions across Aotearoa and Victoria, Australia—including Te Kaupapa Whakaora (TKW), Kurunjang Secondary College, St Pauls, and Haeata Community Campus. A key highlight of his pedagogical career was contributing to the development of the Ministry of Education Teaching and Learning guide for Psychology (2012).
In 2024, Phill launched Schwalger Tautua, a community-focused initiative dedicated to safety in collision sports. Combining his psychological background with high-level athletic training (NRL Level 1 trainer; practitioner of Aikido and The Hurunui System), he provides strapping, mentoring, and "intellectual sponsorship" for youth and community ‘premier’ teams. His work sits at the intersection of physical safety and mental resilience.
SUSAN HAUGH-LEACH
Susan Haugh-Leach is an Advisory Officer at PPTA Te Wehengarua. She is the campaign co-ordinator, women's officer, and holds the portfolios for establishing teachers and political liaison.
JOCELYN PAITI
Tēnā koutou, myself and Neil are both teachers at Forest View High School in Tokoroa. Both born and raised here seeking to uplift our children and give back to the community that has given so much to us. I am a Aotearoa born Māori Kūki ʻĀirani, connecting to Rarotonga & Aitutaki.I am a business teacher who also runs a small business but has years experience teaching technology.
ALISI TATAFU
Ms ‘Alisi Tatafu is a God-fearing Tongan educator, researcher, storyteller, and cultural legacy builder from Māngere College. As a Social Science and Lea Faka-Tonga teacher and Year 10 Dean, she is passionate about revitalising Lea Faka-Tonga through bilingual, culturally grounded education that empowers young people to embrace identity, language, and belonging. Her research project, Ko e Tupulaki a e To‘a – Rise of the To‘a, explores a taulua (bilingual) approach to language revitalisation through Indigenous pedagogies, talanoa, tukufakaholo, ngatu making, QR codes, and intergenerational learning. Guided by the PPTA Pasifika Fono 2026 theme, “Nurturing the Seeds of Today to Grow a Strong and Connected Tomorrow,” Alisi continues transforming classrooms into spaces of cultural pride, resilience, leadership, and legacy for future generations. #TokoLisi#Meto#MTT#MC#Seekthe Heights
TE MATAROA DANIEL HĀPUKU
Daniel serves as Te Mataroa (Māori Field Officer - National) for the Post Primary Teachers' Association (PPTA Te Wehengarua) He is based in Christchurch.
He has previously taught Te Reo Māori and served as Head of Department, Dean, HOD Wharekura, Tumuaki Tuarua and teacher of te reo in for 24 years in schools in Christchurch and Hastings. He now advocates for Māori educators and those in secondary teaching.
Daniel Hāpuku's Background
• Current Role: Te Mataroa for PPTA Te Wehengarua, actively involved in national advocacy and education roles for educators across the country.
• He has also served as a lecturer at the University of Canterbury's School of Teacher Education and the Christchurch College of Education.
MARIA HERBERT (NEE LEMALIE)
Villages: Apai, Manono Tai and Salelavalu, Fa’asaleleaga, Savaii
I was born and raised in Bromley, Christchurch, and I am a proud alumna of Linwood High School, now Te Aratai College, where I have been honoured to serve as Tumuaki-Principal since 2024. I lead a Year 7-13 kura in Phillipstown, home to around 1,200 students, many of them Pacific. Returning to this school and this community has been one of the greatest privileges of my life.
My career in education has taken me through Shirley Boys High School and Christchurch Girls High School, where I had the privilege of championing Pacific student achievement through programmes including Tu'u Malohi and Pacific Bloom. Throughout my career, my conviction has remained the same: our young people flourish when who they are is seen, valued, and built upon.
I have been part of Canterbury Polyfest for 20 years, and it remains one of my greatest joys. I also help lead Tama'ita'i Toa, a PLD talanoa for Pacific female educators in Canterbury, a kaupapa very close to my heart. Supporting Pasifika women in education to step into leadership is work I will always show up for. I have also been involved in Christchurch Power Up, Talanoa Ako and I serve as Breast Screening Champion for Waitaha Canterbury through Te Puawaitanga ki Otautahi Trust.
In 2024 I was humbled to be named a Kiwibank Local Hero, one of 100 New Zealanders recognised nationwide. I am also a Justice of the Peace and a Marriage Celebrant, and I move between English, Te Reo Maori, and Samoan in my daily life and mahi.
ANA PERELINI
With 22 years of experience in Health and Physical Education, I am a dedicated educator of Samoan and Māori descent. Throughout my career, I have worked with students from all walks of life, nationalities, and abilities and have been driven by a core passion for helping every young person reach their full potential in the gym, on the court and in life.
While committed to the success of all learners, I hold a special place in my heart for Māori and Pasifika students. By relating through our shared heritage and lived experience, I hope to serve as a powerful role model for my students, recognising the vital connection between the classroom, the student, and their aiga/ whānau
KATHLEEN KAVENEY
Kathleen Kaveney is an Advisory Officer working in PPTA’s policy team at the National Office. She works with members to develop policies and practices on a range of professional issues, including curriculum, assessment, and teaching with digital tools and technologies.
PPTA is member-led, and in the policy work, the professional team is guided by member voice.
This workshop is an opportunity to hear about the professional work of the association and provide feedback on ways to strengthen the ‘member voice’ in this work.
Kathleen Kaveney (Ngāti Rārua, Ngāti Kuia, Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō, Rangitāne) is also a former teacher (secondary and primary) and senior leader.
PREETIKA KRISHNAN
Born in the beautiful islands of Fiji, Preetika moved to Aotearoa almost 30 years ago. Her personal journey as an immigrant navigating her culture and the classroom has inspired her teaching career.
Preetika Krishnan is a dedicated educator driven by a profound passion for fostering academic excellence, holistic well-being, and cultural pride of Pasifika students. Combining culturally responsive pedagogy with a community-first approach, Preetika specialises in creating inclusive learning environments where Pacific students feel seen, heard, and empowered to succeed. Known for building strong, collaborative relationships with families, community leaders, and students alike, she is committed to dismantling barriers to education and championing equitable outcomes for the next generation of Pasifika leaders.
SALAINAOLOA WILSON-UILI
Salainaoloa Wilson is a Chief Advisor Languages at the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, where she leads strategic work to strengthen and sustain Pacific languages, cultures, and identities in Aotearoa New Zealand. A passionate advocate for Gagana Samoa, Salainaoloa’s journey has been shaped by her upbringing in a Samoan family in Wellington, her love of languages, and her commitment to service grounded in her Samoan values. With a background in linguistics, Samoan studies, and language revitalisation research, she has worked across tertiary teaching, research, and government, bringing academic insight and lived experience to her leadership. Her work at the Ministry is driven by a deep commitment to creating a future where Pacific children can grow up secure in their language, identity, and belonging.
RUBY KNIGHT
Ruby Knight is a Principal Policy Analyst at the Ministry for Pacific Peoples. She started her career as a secondary school English teacher in Manurewa and has since gone on to study and work in Education policy with a focus on educational equity for Pacific learners. Since 2021 she has worked at the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, undertaking research and providing advice on Pacific language revitalisation and maintenance in New Zealand. She is passionate about learning from others, deepening her understanding of Pacific community aspirations and influencing decision makers to better serve diverse communities in Aotearoa.
DR IMRAN TUFAIL
Dr. Imran Tufail is an experienced educator working across both secondary and tertiary contexts. His practice sits at the intersection of science education, student engagement, and culturally responsive pedagogy. He has published in well-recognised research journals, contributed to newspaper articles and book chapters, and presented his work at international conferences worldwide.
Dr. Tufail brings a strong international perspective to his teaching and is committed to aligning his practice with the values of Aotearoa New Zealand, with a focus on inclusivity, equity, and partnership.
LIMU MANU
Limi Manu is a Tongan New Zealand educator, artist, and Head of Creative Industries at Liston College in West Auckland. His work sits across Visual Arts, Technology, Pasifika education, cultural leadership, and creative curriculum development.
Limi is passionate about creating meaningful learning pathways for Māori and Pasifika learners through the arts and creative industries. He has led the development of programmes across Visual Arts, Design, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Technology, Gaming, and Animation, with a strong focus on identity, excellence, contemporary practice, and student voice.
He has supported students to achieve national recognition in Visual Arts Scholarship, Top Scholar awards, and wider creative arts awards. Limi is also involved in the Pasifika Art Teachers Network and ANZAAE, contributing to teacher connection, professional learning, and the strengthening of Pacific arts education across Aotearoa.
His practice is grounded in service, creativity, community, and honouring the Vā.
JO MARTIN
Jo is both a field officer and legal officer with PPTA. She has a background in union organising and teaching. Jo is passionate about advocating for PPTA members.
NINA OBERG
More to come
SUSANA TOMAZ
Susana works at the intersection of AI, curriculum design, and future-focused education. With over 20 years’ experience across three education systems and countries, she brings deep expertise in pedagogical leadership, educational innovation, and system-wide change. As Futures Education and AI Lead at Westlake Girls’ High School, she leads strategic, school-wide AI Integration.
A Fellow of the International Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence (IRCAI) under the auspices of UNESCO, she also mentors educators internationally through the Asia-Europe Foundation, supporting the integration of AI within learning design and teaching practice. Susana led Westlake’s STEAM programme, recognised in an OECD study across five countries. She brings a powerful blend of future-focused innovation and a systems lens enabling her to bridge research, policy and practice in meaningful, context-driven ways.
Susana leads the Day of AI Aotearoa | New Zealand, a free programme that empowers teachers and students to navigate and shape an AI-enabled future. She is committed to ensuring AI education is inclusive, culturally responsive, and relevant to the diverse learners and communities of Aotearoa, creating opportunities for all young people to confidently and critically engage with an AI-enabled future.
GABBY MAKISI
More to come
KATE GAINSFORD
More to come
Questions? Contact us