02/06/2026
Talofa lava 🤍
‘O lo’u igoa o Lia, a proud Aotearoa-born Samoan woman, with roots in Lalomanu (Taufua-Siose), Fasito’outa (Aiono) and Aleisa (Ah Mu).
I’m the Communications & Media kaimahi at ScreenSouth, and for Samoan Language Week I wanted to share a bit of my journey.
Like many NZ born Samoans, my connection to culture hasn’t always felt straightforward. There were times I didn’t feel “Samoan enough” I couldn’t sing, dance, or spike a volleyball 😅 But over time, I’ve learned that our culture shows up in so many different ways.
Mine grew through education and storytelling. While studying History at UC, I discovered narratives like the Dawn Raids, stories our families didn’t always speak about, shaped by silence, misunderstanding, and hurt. That learning shifted something in me.
Now, through my work in health communications, I’ve found my way to serve our people. I’m passionate about breaking down barriers, addressing inequities, and creating messages that truly resonate with our Pasifika communities.
I may not be on the stage, but I am using my voice to uplift, inform, and contribute to better outcomes for our people ❤️
At ScreenSouth, I’m proud to help break the tapu around screening health and encourage our communities to put themselves first. That, to me, is part of honouring my culture.
Still learning, still growing but always proud.
Fa’afetai lava ✨
