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Atafa o le Moana is a first-of-its-kind leadership journey for Pacific youth trailblazers — already creating change and shaping stronger futures for their communities.
Meet the Atafa o le Moana 2025 Cohort
Annika Schwalger
Ioanna Corrie
Linzie Mata'afa
Esmae Salesa
Jesse Tima
Maia Lusia Anitelea
Ezra Setefano
Keneti Lema
Matelita Elisala
Ifalame Lui
Leyshatte Teuila O'Connnor
Ngatu Lui
Saulala Tafa
Uelese Motusaga
William Tupai Telea
Xavier Jennings-Sio
Annika Schwalger
16, Samoa
(Pata Falelatai, Vaiafai Iva)
Student at Waitākere College, passionate about neurodiversity and mental health.
At just 16, Annika is already shaping spaces of awareness and advocacy around mental health and neurodiversity. A proud Samoan student at Waitākere College, she draws strength from her grandparents’ wisdom and the memory of her father, who passed away in 2022 due to mental health struggles. Living with ADHD herself, Annika understands the stigma and misunderstanding that often surrounds Pasifika youth with neurodiverse needs. Rather than be silenced, she has chosen to use her voice to educate and empower. Whether through school, church, or community, she raises awareness, challenges stereotypes, and stands as a beacon for other young people navigating similar challenges. Annika dreams of a future where Pasifika youth can embrace their unique ways of thinking and be supported to thrive - carrying her family’s legacy of resilience and creativity forward.
Esmae Salesa
20, Tongan & Samoan
(Kolofo‘ou, Kolomotu‘a, Tefisi, Neiafu, Falealupo, Vaisala, Satapuala)
Bachelor of Design student majoring in fashion, exploring Pacific heritage through creative design
Esmae is reimagining the fashion world through a distinctly Pacific lens. Of Tongan and Samoan heritage, she first learned weaving from her Aunties at just 16, where lalaga (weaving) became a bridge across generations and language. Now a Design student at AUT, Esmae infuses her work with ancestral craft, seeing each piece not just as adornment but as storytelling and resistance. She is passionate about decolonising fashion, reclaiming narratives through design and ensuring that Pacific creativity is celebrated and preserved for diaspora youth. Her mahi honours the hands of her ancestors while pointing boldly to the future, where Pasifika identity takes centre stage in global creative industries. Esmae’s vision is clear: to create fashion that carries culture, empowers youth, and reclaims narratives that have too often been overlooked.
Ezra Setefano
19, Samoa
(Matāutu, Gagaifo i Lefaga, Safune Savai‘i, Malie)
Bachelor of Arts student at AUT, majoring in Education with aspirations to impact Pacific learning systems.
Ezra is a Samoan student at AUT who weaves creativity, leadership, and entrepreneurship into everything he does. From a young age, Ezra connected to culture through piano, singing, and dance — using the arts as a way to both express and uplift. That same creative drive carried into business when he co-founded Pacific Jewelz, a Pasifika-inspired jewellery venture that won Excellence in Product Development and People’s Choice at the Young Enterprise Scheme. More than a competition win, it proved the power of cultural pride in entrepreneurship. Now studying Education, Ezra believes deeply in the transformative potential of learning and teaching, particularly for Pacific youth. His dream is to combine creativity, education, and leadership to open new opportunities for the next generation — showing them that cultural identity and innovation can walk hand in hand.
Ifalame Lui
18, Tonga
Year 13 student developing leadership
through cultural and educational pathways
At 18, Ifalame embodies resilience, leadership, and quiet determination. A proud Tongan and Year 13 student at Dilworth School, he has served as Head of House for Armagh, a prefect, and a role model for younger boys navigating boarding school life. Excelling academically in the sciences while competing nationally in discus and shot put, Ifalame has proven himself as both scholar and athlete. But beyond achievements, his journey is defined by setbacks overcome, lessons learned, and a constant drive to build legacy. Honest about still seeking a deeper connection to his Tongan culture, he is determined to create spaces where Pasifika youth can believe in themselves, step into leadership, and carry their heritage proudly. For Ifalame, success is never just about individual gain — it is about lifting others while climbing, ensuring the fire of belief spreads to the next generation.
Ioanna Tekenimatang Corrie
19, Banaban
Conjoint Bachelor of Law and Arts student, focused on justice and advocacy for Banaban communities.
Ioanna is a proud Banaban woman whose life has been defined by advocacy, leadership, and cultural resilience. Migrating from Fiji to New Zealand with her grandparents as a child, Ioanna grew up immersed in the stories of her people’s struggles and survival despite colonisation and displacement. For over six years, she has served as Secretary of the Banaban Cultural Community of Auckland Youth, choreographing cultural performances and raising awareness at events like Fiji Day and the Pacific Medical Association Scholarship Night. Currently studying a conjoint Law and Arts degree at Auckland University of Technology , she is Vice-President of AUT Moana Nui and an active youth leader in her church. Recognised internationally as a passionate advocate for indigenous rights, Ioanna blends her faith, studies, and activism to ensure that Banaban voices are never silenced. Her journey is rooted in honouring her ancestors while building a stronger future for Pacific youth across Aotearoa.
Jesse Tima
Year 12 student at Dilworth School, committed to serving his community through cultural leadership
At 16, Jesse is emerging as one of the most powerful young Pacific orators of his generation. A Samoan student at Dilworth School, Jesse has already made his mark in speech competitions, debates, and case studies at both regional and national levels. Using his voice to teach his community skills to navigate society, he shows a deep commitment to equipping others for social mobility. Known for his commanding voice and sharp debating skills, Jesse embodies the Samoan proverb “E pala ma‘a, ae le pala upu” — stones may decay, but words endure. He dreams of studying law to fight for Pacific representation and justice, ensuring that the voices of his community are heard at every level of society. For Jesse, advocacy is not just a passion; it is a calling — and silence will never be an option.
Keneti Lema
17, Samoa
Gataiva (Savai‘i), Mulifanua, Matatufu-Lotofaga (Upolu)
Student at Sir Edmund Hillary College, passionate about Pacific history and governance.
Keneti Lema, 17, is a proud South Aucklander of Samoan heritage, fluent in Gagana Samoa and grounded in the values of respect, love, and service. With family roots in Gataiva, Mulifanua, and Lotofaga, Keneti grew up immersed in the strength of his culture and community. Aspiring to study law and business, he hopes to break barriers for Pasifika voices in spaces where they are often absent. His leadership has already been felt at school and in community spaces, where he consistently demonstrates pride in his culture and commitment to service. For Keneti, representation is not just about personal ambition but about showing other Pasifika youth that they belong in every field of influence. His dream is to carry his family’s legacy forward while creating opportunities for others to step into their own leadership journeys.
Leyshatte Teuila Asi O’Connor
19 (Samoa, Cook Islands, Tonga, Irish, Chinese, Australian, Hawaiian)
Bachelor of Arts student, Pacific Art Form Advocate
With roots in the Cook Islands and Samoa, 19-year-old Leyshatte Teuila Asi O’Connor carries a deep sense of cultural richness. Growing up in South Auckland as a girl of fair skin and unable to speak her native tongue, she has long navigated questions of cultural identity — a journey that continues to shape her today.
Her strongest connections to culture come through creative expression, whether in dance, costume-making, or other Pacific art forms. Teaching her niece these traditions has been one way she keeps stories alive through creativity. Now in her second year at the University of Auckland studying Pacific Studies and Art History, Leyshatte is passionate about opening doors for Pasifika youth in Aotearoa and across the islands to serve, learn, and connect across all platforms.
Her vision includes supporting Pacific countries most at risk, empowering young people, and encouraging cultural exchange across communities. Though speaking up in large groups can be challenging, she embraces it as part of her growth as a leader. Leyshatte hopes to combine her studies, creativity, and cultural passion to amplify Pacific voices and build stronger pathways for the next generation.
Linzie Mata'afa
18, Samoa
(Sāfa‘ato‘a Lefaga, Sāleapaga)
Year 13 student at McAuley High School, dedicated to uplifting Pacific youth voices.
At 18, Linzie Mata‘afa is proving that stereotypes do not define Pasifika youth. A proud Samoan fluent in Gagana Samoa, she was raised in South Auckland by her hardworking mother. Despite the challenges of a single-parent household and attending Decile 1 schools, Linzie has achieved remarkable success - from sparking the first South Auckland Model UN event to receiving a Toloa STEM scholarship and placing in the top 10 of an international NASA writing competition. She has also been a strong advocate for equity in education, pushing for more quality resources for students in underserved schools. For Linzie, community is love, resilience, and support - and she is determined to give back by breaking barriers and building opportunities for her peers. Her voice and leadership reflect the strength of her ancestors and the vision of a brighter future for Pacific youth.
Maia Lusia Anitele‘a
18, Samoa – Lotofaga, Mulivai Safata
AUT Bachelor of Arts student, studying in Social Science & Māori Media and passionate about community wellbeing, strengthening education & spreading hope through creativity.
Maia Lusia (Sia) is an Afakasi Samoan youth leader, mentor, and creative leader whose life is grounded in faith and service. She is the founder of LeVai of Hope — a creative platform that uses media and workshops to reshape Pasifika narratives and equip Pasifika youth with Hope & practical outcomes to build better futures. To strengthen & thrive in education.
Currently studying Social Sciences & Māori media at AUT, she leads across multiple ministries and youth spaces, including RevolutionYouth, BytheGate. Raised in South Auckland, Maia Lusia grew up surrounded by stereotypes and inequities but chose instead to reimagine her story and the stories of her people. Through spoken word, art, and community leadership, she has become a strong advocate for breaking cycles and uplifting Pacific youth. Her mission statement is clear: "My people will be free from the chains of inequity and uplifted beyond what we ever knew possible."
Matelita Elisala
20, Tuvaluan
University student, passionate about uplifting Tuvaluan voices in leadership and education.
Matelita is a Tuvaluan student at the University of Auckland, passionate about education, equality, and climate action. Studying BCom/BSc majoring in Economics and Statistics, she has contributed to her community in many ways, including being a Youth Leader and Sunday School teacher in her Tuvaluan Christian Church at Henderson and an active member of the wider Tuvaluan community.
A former Head Girl of Massey High School, Matelita has had a passion for community her whole life, fostering this in roles such as Rotary Co-President, mentoring through the Young Enterprise Scheme, and ongoing support of Pasifika students. At university, she served as the First-Year Representative for Pacific Commerce Students, endeavouring to build spaces of support and belonging, and she still empowers other students as she continues.
Led by Tuvaluan values of fale pili (neighbourliness) and kaitasi (sharing together), she is eager to raise Pacific numbers within arenas of education and climate change. Through economic research, she hopes to contribute to people- and planet-centric decision-making that empowers communities like her own. Matelita is determined to bridge the gap between Tuvaluan youth and tertiary study to prepare her people to deal with climate change and social challenges.
Ngatu Lui
18, Tonga – Vava‘u
St Paul’s College student,
committed to cultural pride and Pacific leadership.
Ngatu E Hau Rodrigues Lui is a proud Tongan student at St Paul’s College and a multi-talented athlete in basketball, volleyball, rugby, and participant in choir.
Active in the Logos Project and Vinnies, Ngatu is passionate about service, leadership, and cultural pride. For him, community means carrying on the traditions of his ancestors and sharing culture unapologetically with the world. Alongside his sporting and academic pursuits, Ngatu is deeply motivated to address the impacts of climate change on Pacific communities. He believes in combining modern innovation with traditional Tongan knowledge to create sustainable futures - from renewable energy to eco-friendly farming.
For Ngatu, leadership is about responsibility: ensuring that Pacific youth inherit both cultural strength and practical tools for resilience. His dream is to help build a future where culture and sustainability walk hand in hand.
Saulala Tafa
18, Tonga
(Ovaka, Ha‘apai, Esi‘o‘lopau‘kamea, Maka‘hoko‘valu)
Head Prefect at Dilworth School, focused on sports, culture, and youth leadership.
At 18, Saulala leads with humility, strength, and vision as Head Prefect of Dilworth School. Born in Tonga and raised in Aotearoa, Saulala balances academic excellence with sporting and cultural leadership. Excelling in economics and accounting, he aspires to become an investment banker or chartered accountant, determined to use these skills to create opportunities for his community to be uplifted with financial literacy. Beyond the classroom, he has led cultural groups at Polyfest, represented in weightlifting and rugby, and achieved recognition in debating and national case competitions. For Saulala, Dilworth is more than a school - it is a brotherhood that has taught him resilience, service, and the value of lifting others. His dream is to inspire Pacific youth to break past limiting beliefs and chase their full potential. He embodies the belief that when one rises, the whole community rises.
Uelese Motusaga
15, Samoa
(Iva, Tuana‘i, Salagi)
Student at Kelston Boys’ High School,
governance and debate advocate.
At just 15, Uelese is already a rising Samoan leader and one of the youngest voices on the Whau Youth Board, where he serves as Secretary. With roots in Salagi, Saleilua, Iva, and Tuana‘i, he carries the pride of his parents’ and grandparents’ villages into everything he does. Growing up in a family of 14, he has learned the power of collective strength and the responsibility of leadership.
A gifted debater and spoken word artist, Uelese uses his voice to challenge inequities and represent Pacific youth in both community and school spaces. He believes in the enduring power of words, echoing the proverb “E pala le ma‘a, ae e le pala le upu” — rocks decay, but words endure. Beyond the Youth Board, he has served in leadership roles in his church and continues to champion youth advocacy wherever he can. For Uelese, silence is never an option… he is determined to inspire his peers to stand tall, speak up, and embrace their power as the next generation of leaders.
William (Amu) Tupai Telea
18, Samoa
(Vaitele Uta, Faleatiu, Siufaga, Letui, Sataoa, Tuana‘i, Vailuutai)
Law and Pacific Studies student at the University of Auckland, passionate about advocacy and justice.
William A.K.A Amu, is an 18-year-old Pasifika creative and aspiring lawyer raised in Kelston, West Auckland. Of Samoan descent, William was raised in a single-parent household where he learned the values of humility, service, and resilience from his hardworking mother.
His passion lies in storytelling - through spoken word, poetry, and creative writing - as a way to reflect the struggles and strength of his community. William has been a consistent advocate for Pacific youth, calling for more spaces where young people feel seen, heard, and empowered. Currently pursuing pathways into Law and Pacific Studies at the University of Auckland, he hopes to use his voice to challenge inequity and create change.
For William, community is every brown face in West Auckland, every shared meal, every prayer whispered in church. His journey is about proving that Pacific youth are not broken - they are powerful storytellers ready to ignite change.
Xavier Jennings-Sio
Year 12 student; governance advocate and choir champion
Xavier is a Samoan creative whose leadership and artistry uplift culture and youth alike. A Year 12 student at Dilworth School, he serves on the Student Council and the Cultural Committee, and leads as Deputy Head Chorister of Fortissimo, the school’s premier choir. Under his leadership, Fortissimo earned a Gold award at the NZCF Big Sing National Finale. He also represents New Zealand nationally as a member of the NZ Secondary Students’ Choir. Music has always been his anchor, teaching him the power of creativity to connect people and inspire pride.
Beyond music, Xavier has led cultural groups at Polyfest, organised political panels, and served his church as cantor, altar server, and youth leader. He has also volunteered in community initiatives such as pollution clean-ups and Toa Samoa celebrations in Māngere. For Xavier, creativity is more than expression — it is a tool for connection, resilience, and cultural pride. His dream is to create platforms where Pacific youth can use their gifts to strengthen identity and lead with confidence.
From orators and creatives to activists and educators, the Atafa cohort embody the diversity and depth of Pacific excellence. They challenge stereotypes, inspire belonging, and model what it means to lead with heart. These are not stories of potential — they are stories of purpose already in motion.
Contact kayla.schwalger@tapasa.org for more information or media opprtunities