Deb has been the Pasifika liaison at Springlands School for the last 7 years where the Pasifika Proud Programme started. 

Going from lunchtime practices at Springlands with Vita to now seeing the programme being shared throughout Marlborough schools brings such Joy.

"I have seen the program give our Pasifika learners status and mana with their peers and in their classrooms" says Mrs Daly.

"I'm excited to be out in the schools again this year and amongst all our Tamariki, learning with them and growing the vision".

Fili no stranger when it comes to Fua Creative. He has been involved and been trained under the company directors since 2016. He is an experienced and diverse performing artist (acting, singing, and dancing). Currently, he is dedicated to empowering youth in Marlborough through his work with the Graeme Dingle Foundation and as a Hip-Hop teacher at the Marlborough Academy of Dance. As a creative individual, Fili is passionate about the performing arts, celebrating his cultural heritage and exploring new artistic expressions. As a Pasifika Proud Facilitator, he is committed to sharing his knowledge and personal experiences to inspire and educate the next generation.

Rebecca founded the Le Taupou o Aiga Dance Group in Marlborough New Zealand. Dance has always played a major role in her life. What was a hobby under the ulu tree in Samoa dancing with her grandmother, fueled her passion to feel connected to the art of dance today. With her extensive experience in Pacific dance when she moved to blenheim, she was defintely going to be involved with Fua Creative. She acted in Marlborough's Pasefika Production - Mafana, supported Vita & Nicole with Marlborough Girls College Group, and performed and chory pieces for BCreative NZ. She grew to now lead her own dance group "Le Taupou o Aiga" which won 2-titles during the Marlborough Samoan Independence Day cultural competition in 2019 and 2021. As a recipient of Matala Artist in Residence programme and a lead facilitator for the Proud Pasifika Programme, she continues to grow, learn and develop as a leader and a artist. "It is a rewarding opportunity where I get to inspire the young generation to be proud of who they are, learn who they are through Pasifika dance and show their talent to the community. Here's to greatness !"

We are so excited to Have Fiaalii as part of the Fua team. Fiaalii has been a part of Fua's Pasifika contemporary Dance project for the past 2 years. Fiaalii is part of the Taupou O Aiga dance group that won two titles at the annual Independence Day celebration dance competition. Fiaalii has won several community awards such as Tautua Award and Pasifika Leadership Award for contribution and leadership in school. Fiaalii is also a current Tasman Mako and Matatū player. Fiaalii is passionate about Pasifika performing Arts and we are so lucky to Have her facilitating in our Marlborough school.

Selapina Faolua-Lasi is a passionate graduate student from Exploration Bible University, where she earned her degree in Theology in 2023. As a dedicated youth leader in the Timaru Falcm church ministry, she not only imparts spiritual guidance but also shares her love for culture and the performing arts by teaching and learning traditional Samoan dances with the youth group. Proud of her Samoan heritage, Selapina is motivated to share the beauty and significance of cultural expression through dance, inspiring children to connect with their roots and embrace their identity through the vibrant art of movement.

Sauku Resta Elise, fondly known as Uku, originates from the stunning Island of Tuvalu, where Tuvaluan dance has been a lifelong passion. During her placement while pursuing her Early Childhood Education qualification, Uku supported a primary school's Pasifika group and guided a high school ensemble to the Polyfest celebrations in Dunedin. She recently completed her Level 3 Health and Wellbeing studies at Ara Institute of Learning and is excited to share her cultural heritage while exploring new cultures in her role.

Sesilia Faka’anaua Ki Matoto Aho all the way from Holonga Tonga and Vavau Feletoa.
Sesilia is a previous Family Violence Navigator that work with the pasifika community in 2022 -2023 supporting our pasifika communities with challenges and supporting with opportunities in life making changes to family’s and individuals.
Sesilia has used her cultural & professional knowledge gained from managing Secondary Schools to take a new step into her Facilitating role in Fua Creative.
She recently worked in 2023 as a pasifika facilitator with a big group at Oceanview Heights Primary in Timaru.
In this role Sesilia aims to teach, inspire, empower, motivate and support the students to develop awareness of cultural inclusivity.