Spotlighting Matalaoa and SINA: A Sacred Gathering
Meet Matalaoa, a proud daughter of the Moana anchored in the villages of Matamatanonofo Falelatai, Satalo Falealili, Mulinu’u, Safotu, Manase, and Samata in Samoa. Shaped by ancestral resilience and a village of mentors, colleagues, and family, Matalaoa believes that true leadership begins with tautua (service) and the courage to act.
Matalaoa represents a shared story among Pacific migrants in pursuit of a better future. Arriving in Aotearoa New Zealand alongside her hapū mother and younger brother, Matalaoa’s early years were marked by the sharp winds of displacement and weight of adaptation separated from her homeland and extended family. Yet it was her mother’s strength, and the sense of belonging found within her community that became her guiding star.
With a background in Pacific health, policy, and community development, Matalaoa has contributed to both local and national initiatives. Matalaoa led Pacific youth vaccination efforts during the COVID-19 response, championed community-driven wellbeing approaches and co-designed frameworks grounded in Pacific knowledge systems. Her mahi spans across multi-sectors including contributions to the Dawn Raids Historical Report, the New Zealand Police Strategy, the Pacific and Child and Youth Wellbeing Strategies, and the launch of the Siu Ki Moana Pacific Youth Health Action Plan. She has been a key voice in enabling guardianship initiatives such as the Pacific Wardens Programme, securing funding for grassroots sports, facilitating talanoa ako in community spaces, and leading policy discussions that centre Pacific voices.
Matalaoa’s work bridges systems and lived experience, ensuring that the solutions and realities of Pacific communities are at the heart of decision-making.
Introducing SINA: A Sacred Gathering
From these lived experiences comes SINA, a sacred space inspired by Pacific legends and women leadership. SINA offers restoration and radical hope. It is a sanctuary where Pacific women and youth can rise above challenges and gather strength for what lies ahead. Matalaoa reminds us “E fofo e le alamea le alamea—the starfish heals itself.” The solutions lie within our communities. Through SINA and beyond, Matalaoa is crafting spaces that reflect both ancestral wisdom and bold, future-facing leadership. Whether at grassroots or governance levels, every strand of her work is a promise for a brighter tomorrow. We celebrate Matalaoa not only as a grantee, but as a weaver of futures—securing the path for the next generation to soar.
