Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini “I come not with my own strengths but bring with me the gifts, talents and strengths of my family, tribe and ancestors.”

My ancestors hail from Samoa, Tonga, and Germany. I was born in Auckland and I grew up in Samoa and West Auckland. I have four sisters and one brother. I currently live in West Auckland with my parents, my husband and our two young children. I also have three adult children and four grandchildren.

My parents Motuopua’a Mataafa Siaki Lauaki and Tofilau Temukisa Lauaki are currently serving God through the Henderson Methodist Parish in West Auckland under Sinoti Samoa Methodist Church of New Zealand. Many years of following and observing my parents’ commitment in serving God has shaped the person that I am today.

Spiritual matters and church play an important role for my Samoan family living in Aotearoa. Spirituality became a central part of my parents’ lives as it gave them the opportunity to identify their beliefs and values, and pass them on to their children.

I am a proud member of the Henderson Methodist Church. I am a certified and active lay preacher, a Sunday school teacher, a member of our church choir and a committed member of the Mafutaga Tama’ita’i Sinoti Samoa Ekalesia Metotisi Niu Sila. I am also a member of the New Zealand Methodist Women’s Fellowship Executive team as the Diaconate Link.

Taking on the Diaconate Link role, I had little knowledge about NZMWF. Now after many meetings and professional development discussions, I have developed a broader understanding of the national and international relationships of MTSSEMNS. I thank God for this opportunity, and I will forever be grateful to our current NZMWF President, Tuitui Salevao for selecting me to join the NZMWF Executive team and participate in this wonderful journey.

I am studying towards a Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Auckland. It is a journey that God is leading and guiding me through as I discover what the future holds for me. I am excited by the unrealised potential that exists.