Our Heart and Our Purpose
Pasifika o Aoraki Services is a dedicated NGO in South Canterbury, committed to a "For Pacific, By Pacific" approach. We walk alongside our whānau and youth to build resilience through culturally grounded advocacy and navigation. This page introduces you to the heart behind our work. Here, you can learn about our navigation services, meet the dedicated team serving our community, and understand the governance and leadership that ensure we thrive for generations to come.
Meet Our Compassionate Team
Aliana Siaosi
General Manager
He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata What is the most important thing in the world? It is people! As General Manager of Pasifika o Aoraki Services, I am guided by this principle in all that we do. As a kaitiaki of the land we call home, I feel privileged to walk alongside our Pasifika communities, supporting whānau to strengthen wellbeing, resilience, and opportunity. No Ngāti Hauā, Waikato ahau, but I have proudly called Te Tihi-o-Maru home for over 16 years. My work is grounded in service, relationships, and collective strength - bringing together community, culture, and practical support to create lasting impact. I am passionate about building sustainable services that honour our people, uphold trust with partners and funders, and ensure our communities not only succeed today but thrive for generations to come.
Our Pacific Governance Team
Chair: Jo Seniloli • Treasurer: Amy Logavatu • Secretary: Atu Siwatibau
Board Members: Katy Houstoun • Sam Kolovatu
Our Pacific Governance Team is made up of dedicated community leaders who bring a wealth of cultural knowledge, experience, and passion for serving Pacific communities. Together, they provide strategic direction and guidance to support the wellbeing and aspirations of Pacific people and families across the Aoraki region.
Ngatoa Mana
Pacific Va Navigator
Ōtara raised and of proud Cook Islands descent, I am deeply family-orientated and grounded in strong cultural values. My upbringing shaped my belief that whānau, respect, and identity are the foundation of strong communities. For the past 11 years, I have called Timaru home, building meaningful connections across South Canterbury. I am a proud father, partner, and Rugby and Rugby League coach. I am passionate about developing not just skilled players, but strong young leaders. I believe sport is a vehicle for discipline, unity, and resilience, and team building comes naturally to me. Family is my main reason for loving this role — I genuinely want our people to flourish in life through the support of our surrounding community. My leadership style reflects my culture - collective strength, loyalty, and service to others. Whether on the field or within the community, I lead with integrity, commitment, and a deep belief in empowering others to reach their full potential.
Lo'i Young Yen
Whanau Resilience Navigator
Talofa, I'm Lo’i Young Yen, married to my handsome husband, Ropeti Falaniko. We have three beautiful daughters—Ruth, Rinah, and Runah—lovingly called “Triple R” by their father. I am always a proud mother. I am originally from Samoa, from the villages of Neiafu, Lelepa Fagamalo, and Tulaele, and I moved to New Zealand at the end of 2024. I began my career with Pasifika o Aoraki on 17 February 2025 as a Pacific Resilience Navigator. Many people say they are too old or too busy with children to study, but I want to show that it is possible. I am in my final year of my Applied Business Management degree with BYU–Idaho while working full-time, serving in my callings, caring for my family, and managing my health. Working with Pasifika communities is a blessing, helping me connect, learn, and support my people with love, patient and kind.
Learn More About Our Services
By Pacific For Pacific - Right Service at the Right Time
01.Family / Aiga Support
We walk alongside Pacific families and aiga, providing culturally responsive support, advocacy, and practical assistance. By connecting people with the right services, resources, and opportunities, we help strengthen wellbeing, build resilience, and empower families to thrive within their communities.
02.Health & Wellbeing Support
We empower Pacific people and families to make informed health decisions, access the support they need, and strengthen their physical, mental, spiritual, and social wellbeing.
03.Cultural & Community Support
We strengthen cultural identity, community connection, and belonging through Pacific-led programmes, events, workshops, and initiatives that celebrate our diverse cultures while connecting individuals and families with Pacific groups, churches, and community networks across the Aoraki region.
04.Community Connection Initiative
This service strengthens the bonds within our community by organizing events and facilitating communication channels. We aim to keep families and individuals informed about important local stories, achievements, and upcoming opportunities. Join us to cultivate a vibrant and interconnected Pacific community.
05.Advocacy & Systems Navigation
We walk alongside Pacific people and families, helping them understand services, access support, and navigate systems with confidence. Through advocacy, guidance, and trusted relationships, we ensure individuals and aiga are connected to the right services and opportunities to achieve their goals.
06.Community-Led Support & Opportunities
If it matters to Pacific people and families, it matters to us. We work with our community to identify needs, remove barriers, and create opportunities that strengthen wellbeing, celebrate culture, build resilience, and support positive outcomes across the Aoraki region.