A strong wahine is one who feels deeply and loves fiercely. Her tears flow as abundantly as her laughter. A strong wahine is both soft and powerful, she is both practical and spiritual. A strong wahine in her essence is a gift to the world.

What issues are most important to you?

My passion is for indigenous health, LGQTBI/Pasefika Rainbow space, social justice, equity and equality, advocacy and activism, that expands over 20 years.

The impact of colonisation, globalisation, climate change and historical influences with its global implications on our whenua, our moana and iti tangata.

Often it takes just a small collective or community to remind us all of the reality of the issues that we are currently fighting for and against.

What achievement are you most proud of?

My role as a health professional and community leader, and the influences and impacts on the health and wellbeing of our iti tangata. We have seen changes within our Cook Islands community here in Tāmaki Makaurau, across Aotearoa, and even back home in Rarotonga.

Many of our activities are voluntary and so, with the blessing and respect from many in our community, we also work as a collective. This is about increasing the consciousness and awareness of many other inspiring leaders. We engage and empower others to utilize the resources available, enabling tools to mobilize initiatives and strategies to drive change and synergies.

Who inspires you?

My mother, my whānau, my kopu tangata, our community, our iti tangata.