Introducing the NZMWF Committee
Grow in Christ and be a life-giver. Ka whakamana tatou ia Ihu Karaiti, ka ora te tangata. Tupulekina ‘ia Kalaisi ‘o hoko koe Fakamo’ui. This is the our vision for National Women’s Fellowship 2023-2025.
It is my honour to introduce to you our new NZMWF National Executive Committee. We are excited to share our vision, one that is supported by Luke 10:37 and Philippines 4:19.When we think of women’s fellowship, we can think of different ways we see our women within the church and our national committee represents this well. Our committee is a mixture of intergenerational, experience and different examples of ministry.
I come from Papatoetoe Tongan Parish. I am also involved in the ministry as Vice President for Tonga District Women Fellowship and a Lay Preacher. I have a strong interest in women’s fellowship and ministry service and have over 20 years’ experience as a Social Worker. For the past four years I have been working at the birthing unit of one of New Zealand’s biggest hospitals. My goal is to empower women's active involvement in the work of New Zealand Methodist Women’s Fellowship.
Rev. Siutaisa Toutai Tukutau is our NZWMF National Chaplain. She serves as the presbyter at Vaine Mo’onia Tongan Methodist Church in Ponsonby. Rev. Siutaisa intends to provide spiritual guidance and offer confidential counselling on religious and moral matters. She emphasises the importance of mutual support and encouragement within the team, aiming to empower women's ministries.
Dr. Soana Muimuiheata is our National Secretary. She is associated with Lotofale’ia Mangere Tongan Methodist Parish, where she holds positions such as Parish Secretary, Secretary for Lotofale’ia Akoteu Board, and Vice-Chair of the Health Committee for Lotofale’ia. She works as a Dietitian Consultant and holds roles in wider civil society governance
Tokanga Filiai is our National Treasurer. She is affiliated with Panmure Methodist Church. She holds the role of Preacher and finds inspiration in the quote by Reinhold Niebuhr about having the wisdom to discern what can and cannot be changed. Professionally she works in finance.
Ofa Matakaiongo is our National Liaison Link and an active member of Onehunga Tongan Methodist Church. Her roles include Assistant Secretary, Treasurer for the church and the Women's committee, Youth Leader, Sunday school teacher, and Inspector for the Vahefonua Tonga Sunday school committee. Ofa works as a banker specialising in Credit Solutions.
‘Iunisi Vaitohi is our National Representative for the National Council of Women. She is associated with Dominion/Kingsland Tongan Methodist and holds positions as a Lay Preacher and Leader of the Women's Fellowship. She has an extensive background as a Legal Secretary, with over 30 years of experience in intellectual property rights. She currently works for the Public Defence Service.
Selina Lavaka Manukia is our National Diaconate Link. She attends Pulela’a New Lynn Methodist Church. Selina works as a Diabetes Liaison nurse. In her church activities, Selina is a Sunday school teacher, involved in home groups and serves as a Youth Leader alongside her husband.
Saloni Manase is our National Uniting Congregation Link. She is associated with Saione Parish in Papatoetoe and holds the position of Parish Treasurer. Her ambition centres around contributing her skills and strengths to the upliftment of Fafine 'ae Metotisi Nu'u Sila (Tongan Methodist Women's Fellowship in New Zealand) and the broader Tongan community.
Melevea Tupou is an active member at Otara Tongan Parish. Her identity centres around being a servant of Christ. Her professional role is that of a Healthcare Assistant and Caregiver. Her goals within the NZMWF include sharing the insights she's gained with her local women's fellowship and collaborating with her fellow committee members to fulfil their calling.
Simulata Pope is our National World Federation Link and Vice President. She is driven by a deep appreciation for Methodist values related to addressing social injustice. Simulata is a children's rights advocate within the public sector based in Wellington to which she is dedicated to championing the rights of children and young people within government spaces.