Meet our Team
Behind the work that is demonstrated by Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu is an experienced team of people who are passionate about the work they do. Scroll below to find out more.
Akesa Filimoehala-Burling
Programme Manager
Akesa Filimoehala-Burling
My name is Akesa Filimoehala-Burling and I spent the first 17 years of my life in the beautiful islands of Tonga. Growing up, my family operated a thriving hospitality business that had been serving the international market for over four decades. Tragically, this legacy was recently devastated by the Tongan tsunami.
My early years were immersed in the family business, where I learned the ropes and developed a strong work ethic. However, my thirst for knowledge led me to pursue further studies abroad, focusing on business and Project Management.
During the early stages of my career, I dedicated myself to serving Pacific communities in the Health sector, driven by a deep sense of responsibility and a desire to make a positive impact. My journey took me overseas for the almost 10 years and in 2016, I returned to New Zealand, determined to contribute to the betterment of my Pacific communities. I took on the role of leading Nga Vaka, a position that allows me to merge my cultural framework with my business professional expertise.
My upbringing, surrounded by my close-knit Tongan family, instilled in me strong faith and family values. These values continue to shape my journey, as I am deeply passionate about serving my Pacific communities. I envision a future where strong Pacific families thrive in the context of Aotearoa New Zealand, preserving their rich cultural heritage while embracing opportunities for growth and empowerment.
Koli Funaki
Programme Designer
Koli Funaki
As a child of the diaspora, I was born in Dharawal country, Sydney Australia, before my family relocated to Aotearoa when I was 17. My roots trace back to Kolomotu’a and Pukotala, Tonga, and today I call Ōtāhuhu, Tāmaki Makaurau home, where I live with my wife and three boys.
I currently serve as Programme Designer and Educator at The Cause Collective, where I play a role in supporting the Nga Vaka training programmes and the development of our online learning platform. It is a privilege to be part of a team that is dedicated to strengthening the skills of our workforce, aiding Pasifika families affected by family violence.
Throughout my career, I have gained diverse experiences working in alternative and adult education, as well as working in learning and development within the corporate sector. My transition from the corporate world to social change is driven by a profound desire to leverage my expertise to tackle pressing social challenges and contribute to a more equitable and compassionate society.
I am deeply committed to this cause, and I am excited to continue working alongside The Cause Collective in our shared mission to create positive and lasting change within our communities.
Manu Otutaha-Bennett
Implementation Coordinator
Manu Otutaha-Bennett
My name is Manu Talaloa Sesalina Otutaha – Bennett, I am of Tongan descent, my parents hail from Falaleu Vavau and Ma’ufanga. I was raised in Kingsland in my early years than my parents moved to the North Shore where we continue to reside.
My most cherished roles are those of a devoted mother to four wonderful children and a nana to two precious grandchildren. Being a part of their lives brings me joy, and spending quality time with them is my favourite thing.
In February 2020, I embarked on this journey with The Cause Collective. My role involves supporting and coordinating the Nga Vaka o Kaiga Tapu training programmess and engaging with the community through the Champions of Change initiative. Drawing from my extensive experience working with parishes and implementing church activities and programs within the Catholic Diocese, transitioning into this space felt like a natural evolution.
It allows me to continue my lifelong commitment to serving our people, our families, and our communities.
A Māori proverb that has always resonated deeply with me is, “What is the most important thing in the world? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata. It is the people, it is the people, it is the people.” This proverb reminds me daily of the significance of our communities and the positive impact we can create together.
Working alongside an incredible, dedicated team who share my passion for promoting positive change has been an absolute privilege.
Danny Gautusa
Community of Practice Lead
Anasetasia Fou
Talofa lava, my name is Danny Gautusa and I am a proud South Auckland Native. I’m currently in the role of the Community of Practice Lead under Nga Vaka, where I am given the privilege of working alongside 8 ethnic groups to bring about transformational change across their varied generations targeting family violence prevention.
I have served over 20 years across the Education spectrum in the Primary, Secondary and Tertiary sectors. In the last 10 years I have worked in the Sport industry both in the Provincial and Professional arena.
I have a strong passion for advocating and uplifting our Pasifika communities and will endeavour to utilise what I have experienced over my time to be share with and support our communities.
Jessica Fonoti
Practice Lead
Jessica Fonoti
Born and raised in Otara, South Auckland, Jessica Fonoti has dedicated the past two decades to a career in the social services sector, driven by a deep commitment to support those affected by family harm. Her work spans various areas including high and complex needs, family therapy, financial capability, family and sexual harm crisis intervention, elder abuse response and her current role, as Practice Lead for Nga Vaka.
Jessica pursued her education at the University of Auckland. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work and a Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Supervision. Having been raised within the EFKS church in East Tāmaki, she also plays an active role in supporting Auckland Parents of Deaf Children and the Dressed in Confidence programme.
Danny Gautusa
Community of Practice Lead
Anasetasia Fou
Malo le soifua maua ma le lagi e mama.
My name is Anasetasia Fou, I am of Samoan decent and hail from the villages of Falelatai, Tuana’i, Leáuva’a and Leulumoega. I am honoured to be a part of the Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu team and am currently a implementation coordinator for the Champions of Change.
As part of my role as implementation coordinator, I provide support for our champions in the work that is being done today in our Pasifika community. My role allows me to work with our champions who share the same passion in addressing violence in the Pacific families and communities. The work the champions of change are currently doing is across 8 ethnic groups, including intergenerational, youth, gender specific as well as our church communities,
I am fortunate enough to be surrounded by aunties, uncles, cousins, grandparents, my beautiful parents, and siblings whom I call my village. Growing up as a only daughter surrounded by older brothers, my parents often remind me of the Samoan proverb; “o le tuafafine o le ioimata o lana tuagage – a sister is the very pupil of her brother’s eye- she is the centre of his being”, this proverb has helped mould me into the person I am today, I am continuously supported and protected by my older siblings and my husband as a bonus who helps me in my coordinator role today.
I believe the work lead by our Champions of Change and lead by our Nga Vaka team is the future for our beautiful Pasifika communities.
“Tautua nei mo se manuia taeao – Serve now for a better tomorrow.”