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ABOUT US
The term "Tapasā" originates from the Sāmoan language, representing the tools and ancestral wisdom used by Pacific islanders for navigating Te Moana Nui a Kiwa, the vast and profound Pacific Ocean.
Tapasā is a social change organisation working across communities, organisations and systems to support meaningful and lasting change.
We bring a distinct Pacific Indigenous approach to the social change landscape, grounded in wayfinding principles and Indigenous knowledge, while working across diverse communities, sectors and partnerships.
Our strength is our ability to move across different contexts, connect people and ideas, and draw on the approaches most relevant to the work. This allows us to build trusted partnerships and respond in ways that are both culturally grounded and fit for purpose.
Mission
Tapasā is a social change organisation at heart. We work across communities, organisations and systems, locally and globally, drawing on a range of approaches to support meaningful and lasting change. Our work is grounded in Pacific Indigenous knowledge, principles and wayfinding, while serving and working alongside everyone.
Vision
A world where people, communities, organisations and systems have the power to shape better futures.
ALOFA /
LOVE
TAUTUA /
SERVICE
MAFUTAGA /
CONNECTION
TA'ITA'I /
LEADERSHIP
Our Values
Meet the Team
Executive Director and Co-Founder
Ruta Tonumaivao Tai
Ruta, a passionate disruptor of systems and a systems innovator, is currently pursuing her Master's in Indigenous Practices.
With a background in athlete and coach development in the Pacific and Aotearoa, as well as community development and relationship building skills, she brings a wealth of experience to Tapasa.
Ruta is deeply committed to fostering community connections and providing navigational support to access opportunities that enhance the wellbeing of individuals and whānau, enabling them to achieve their goals and aspirations.
Creative Director and Co-Founder
Kayla Schwalger
Kayla is a passionate advocate for mental health and Pacific empowerment, using culture as a superpower to uplift Pacific communities. With a Master’s in Communications and a thesis titled "Navigating Mental Health in the Digital Age: Insights from Young Samoans and Their Communities,"
Kayla combines cultural insight and innovative thinking in her work.
As the creative force behind Tapasā, Kayla designs impactful content and leads campaigns that drive transformational change across generations.
General Manager
Ella Falakoa
Ella, a proud Niuean, is dedicated to weaving a Pacific worldview that nurtures and strengthens the health and wellbeing of the Pacific community. She is passionate about implementing strategic innovation that drives cultural renewal and supports sustainable change.
With a focus on achieving positive health outcomes, Ella enjoys creating solutions that are both impactful and culturally grounded. Her work is driven by a deep commitment to empowering the Pacific community and ensuring their wellbeing is prioritized.
Youth Lead - Systems Innovator
Grace Senio
Grace is a passionate youth navigator dedicated to empowering Pacific youth and challenging stereotypes. Graduating with a Diploma in Youth Development from Praxis NZ, she honed her skills in upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi authentically and engaging in cultural practices like talanoa, whanaungatanga, and whakarongo.
Grace has actively worked with young people, delivering programs that integrated faith and life, fostering holistic development. Her commitment to nurturing youth potential and fostering cultural identity makes her a valuable asset in any initiative aimed at empowering and uplifting young people.
Systems Innovator
Sisifa Lui
Rooted in the islands of Tongatapu, Vava'u, Rotuma and Ovalau in Fiji - Sisifa is a proud queer woman, passionate about empowering rainbow and takatāpui youth through authentic connection, creativity, and cultural pride. She is a strong advocate for deepening relationships between Tangata Whenua and Tangata Tiriti, championing spaces where Pasifika whānau can stand confidently in their identity as a pathway to upholding Te Tiriti and uplifting mana whenua.
With a strong background in student leadership, and community advocacy, she brings heart, storytelling, and lived experience to her role. She values the power of culture as a tool for transformation and believes that belonging, visibility, and understanding are vital for thriving communities.