About Us
Supporting Pacific Families Through Every Challenge
About Us
Supporting Pacific Families Through Every Challenge.
We don’t just work in the community; we are the community. — Pakilau o Aotearoa Manase Lua, Chairman of the Board .
Fonua Ola was born from a bold vision — a united front of 13 small Pasifika service providers and voluntary groups who came together in 2009 with a single shared purpose: to support Pacific families in Aotearoa through some of their toughest social challenges. Driven by love for our people, guided by faith, and built on the deep belief that “no one knows us better than us”, this grassroots movement was never about waiting for change — it was about becoming the change. In 2011, this collective became officially known as Fonua Ola — a name that embodies unity, wellbeing, and service to our communities. What began as a voluntary effort has now grown into a trusted organisation with more than 50 staff across three Auckland locations, and an annual turnover approaching $10 million.
Leadership & Teams
As you walk through the doors of Fonua Ola, you’ll be welcomed with a warm smile and the kind of presence that makes you feel like family. This spirit of hospitality sets the tone for a space that is caring, respectful, and truly grounded in our Pacific values.
Our skilled team of five, led by our Administration Team Leader, brings deep experience, leadership, and insight to their work. As the heartbeat of our organisation, they ensure everything flows smoothly behind the scenes, providing strong support for our staff and the Pacific communities we proudly serve.
Each team member carries the gift of their island language and cultural knowledge, helping everyone who walks through our doors feel seen, heard, and understood.
With a blend of experience, cultural wisdom, and a heart for service, their dedication, and teamwork reflect the very essence of Fonua Ola, community, respect, and care for one another.
We don’t just work in the community; we are the community. — Pakilau o Aotearoa Manase Lua, Chairman of the Board
Fonua Ola was born from a bold vision — a united front of 13 small Pasifika service providers and voluntary groups who came together in 2009 with a single shared purpose: to support Pacific families in Aotearoa through some of their toughest social challenges. Driven by love for our people, guided by faith, and built on the deep belief that “no one knows us better than us”, this grassroots movement was never about waiting for change — it was about becoming the change. In 2011, this collective became officially known as Fonua Ola — a name that embodies unity, wellbeing, and service to our communities. What began as a voluntary effort has now grown into a trusted organisation with more than 50 staff across three Auckland locations, and an annual turnover approaching $10 million.
Meet William & Michael
Meet Dewayne E. Morton
We’re in this business since 1988 and provide the best services
As you walk through the doors of Fonua Ola, you’ll be welcomed with a warm smile and the kind of presence that makes you feel like family. This spirit of hospitality sets the tone for a space that is caring, respectful, and truly grounded in our Pacific values.
Our skilled team of five, led by our Administration Team Leader, brings deep experience, leadership, and insight to their work. As the heartbeat of our organisation, they ensure everything flows smoothly behind the scenes, providing strong support for our staff and the Pacific communities we proudly serve.
Each team member carries the gift of their island language and cultural knowledge, helping everyone who walks through our doors feel seen, heard, and understood.
With a blend of experience, cultural wisdom, and a heart for service, their dedication and teamwork reflect the very essence of Fonua Ola, community, respect, and care for one another.
Call Anytime
+ 1 (307) 776-0608
We’re in this business since 1988 and provide the best services
We cater for the Auckland region covering the areas of South, West, Central and East Auckland. We provide social work support, counselling, youth programmes, building financial capability, family violence intervention, whanau ora support and group parenting programmes. Our aim is to achieve better outcomes for our children and young people through journeying with their families on their voyage to sustainable futures.
Call Anytime
+ 1 (307) 776-0608
Brenda Simmons
Natalie Leger
Ailaoa Aoina
Hala Ora Clinical Team Leader
Peniel Fa'amausili
Pasfika Youth Wellbeing Team Leader
Peter Tupou
Social Work/Whanau Ora Team Leader
Katie Ieriko
Financial Mentor Team Leader
Eseta Malifa
BFC Plus & Kahukura
Nick Tuitasi
F.O.R.W.A.R.D Project Coordinator
Toleafoa Neil So'onalole
Fa'avae Ofanaki Project Manager
Oropai Taria
Executive Assistant
Mary Suamili
Administration Team Leader
Katie Ieriko
BFC Team Leader
Oropai Taria
Personal Assistant to CEO
Nick Tuitasi
Projector Coordinator
Lau Makota-Stanley
Mt Albert Office Admin Support
Sarah Vea
Manukau Office Admin Support
Lupe Karene
Otahuhu Office Admin Support
Eseta Malifa
BFC Plus Kahukura
Ricky Sione
Counsellor
Marica Finaulahi
Hala Ora Counsellor
Mele Pohahau
Hala Ora Addiction Counsellor
Elena Peteru
Youth Work Counsellor
Viliami Hopoate
Counsellor
Jeff Cummings
Counsellor
Pepe Lokeni
Triage Specialist/ Social Worker
Anna Meek
Triage Specialist/ Social Worker
Elisiva Alele
Social Worker
Si'ulagi Tuigamala
Social Worker
Alaimanu Toli
Social Worker
Maria Levao
Family Harm / Social Worker
Joyleen Savelio
Hala Ora Peer Support Worker
Ane Faleafa
Family Harm Community Support Worker
Penehuro Tualega
Community Connector
Seluvaia Tatu
Hala Ora Social Worker
Beka Maiava
Health Navigator
Cathy Johnny
Whanau Ora Navigator
Alicia Lio
Health Navigator
Mele Tuimoala
Whanau Ora Navigator
Richard Kepu
Whanau Ora Navigator
Marcus Hipa
Pasifika Youth Wellbeing Practitioner
Selemaia Ofamooni
Pasifika Youth Wellbeing Practitioner
Meroma Tofae
Youth Wellbeing Practitioner
Naomi Esera
Pasifika Youth Wellbeing Practitioner
Masele Tolai
Whanau Resilience
Haley Samu
Financial Mentor
Gail Toetu
Financial Mentor
Junior Safole
Financial Mentor
Brittney Fuko
Financial Mentor
Talaetau Tuatagaloa
Financial Mentor
Edward Leitao
Financial Mentor
Rakanui Tangi
Financial Mentor
Mary Suamili
Administration Manager
Paulina Pilimai
Administration Support
Lupe Karene
Administrative Support
Sarah Vea
Administrative Support