Our Pasifika kaimahi (staff) are here to support you as you navigate your study journey. Meet some of our kaimahi and check out their tips to help you to succeed.
We encourage you to think about studying as a journey. You are the navigator, journeying through study to reach your final goal – completing your course/qualification.
Our kaimahi are like guiding stars who are here to point you in the right direction and help you to get the most out of study.
My studies have helped me manage my store more profitably and manage my people more effectively. It has opened up career opportunities for me in so many ways. My studies have helped me manage my store more profitably and manage my people more effectively. It has opened up career opportunities for me in so many ways.
Meet some of our Pasifika kaimahi
Our Pasifika kaimahi work in a range of roles throughout the organisation, but all are focused on your success. If you want to learn more about the range of support available and what team to get in touch with and when, go to:
Course selection and enrolment
Epinisa Hopoi, Student Advisor
- Background: Tonga, Cook Islands
- Villages/islands: Ha’afeva/Vaini and Atiu/Rarotonga
- Languages: Tongan, English
Born in the South side of Auckland, raised in Palmerston North and continuing my adult years in Wellington, I have had my fair share of meeting new people by forming awesome relationships. My father is of Tongan descent and my mother from the Cook Islands, I am proud to be culturally immersed.
My working background is within the Education sector. I spent four years in Shanghai and Hong Kong teacher aiding in English. When I returned home to New Zealand I stepped into this role, which has influenced me to encourage our Pasifika people to strive for greatness, and with an amazing Pasifika team it has been possible.
In my work I check applications of potential learners for their chosen programme for approval, review their Record of Achievement with the NZQA, assess CV’s for experience and discuss study options with applicants. I if they do not meet a programme's entry requirements I do my best to offer one suitable for their career pathway.
Top tip: Ask questions – all questions are good questions! Don’t hesitate!
Study support
Ondreyah Tupuivao-Fa’atui, Pasifika Sudent Mentor
- Background: Samoan
- Villages/islands: Sa’anapu, Letogo, Fa’atoia and Vaiala
- Languages: Samoan, Māori, English
Talofa lava my name is Ondreyah Tupuivao-Fa’atui, and I am a Pasifika Student Mentor here at the Open Polytechnic. I am of Samoan descent, and I hail from the villages of Sa’anapu, Letogo, Fa’atoia and Vaiala.
I speak the language of my ancestors – Samoan and I also speak Te Reo Māori. I was born and raised in Wellington, but Samoa will always be home. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading, kapa haka and getting involved in my church community.
My role within OP is to help students navigate their studies and offer guidance. I also have a special responsibility as a Pasifika student mentor which allows me to work specifically with our Pasifika learners and being there as extra support for them on their study journey.
Top study tip: Please use the help and resources on offer. If you’re not sure then call our Customer Services team on 0508 650 200 and they can point you in the right direction. You can ask for me or my colleague Joyita as we are both Pasifika student mentors.
Cam Marshall, Course facilitator (Academic Staff Member)
- Background: Samoan
- Villages/islands: Vaimoso, Apia
- Languages: I speak mainly English and Samoan
I am a proud mother of two teenage boys, one in his tertiary learning journey and one on his final year of college. Everyday I am learning from them about the perspective of learning. Their challenges, frustrations and exciting fun activities they are involved in and their coping mechanisms. This helps me evaluate what strategies to offer; positive growth mindset and motivation among many more as a parent.
This is also what I wish to share with you as a learner to help and support you in my role as course facilitator for Small Business Certificate Level 3. Let us remove all the barriers and add some fun in learning!
Tip: We are here to teach and learn at the same time, teaching and learning is our journey!
Pasifika Office
Moushmi Fa’amate,Pasifika Coordinator
- Background: Samoan and Fiji-Indian
- Villages/islands: Samata i tai, Fogapoa, Lalomanu (Samoa), Tagitagi, Tavua (Fiji)
- Languages: Understand Samoan and some Fiji-Baat (Fiji Hindi), English
Warm pacific greetings, My name is Moushmi Fa’amate. I identify as a proud Pasifika woman with a multi-cultural background. My Pasifika values have guided me in my own study journey through to my career. My formal education is a degree in Pacific Studies, Development Studies and Cultural Anthropology but my understanding of education also extends to what I have witnessed of my family and elders in their own journeys through study.
My goal is to take my formal education and combine it with my life experience and aim to influence positive change, growth, and opportunity for our Pasifika students.
I am the Coordinator of the Pasifika office and support Rebekah, our Pule Ma’ata in the delivery and development of cultural competency in Open Polytechnic. I have a hand in facilitating and organising events and activities relating to all things Pasifika for our staff. Most importantly, my role is about advocating whenever I can, for our students.
Tip: We have very talented and thoughtful staff here that are ready to support you. Reaching out is the first step, we have the best tips and support to get you through those humps that we all face during study.
Because of our diversity, we also understand what is to be Pasifika with your responsibilities to yo ur family and community. We will always do our best to help you, so if the matter is big or small – reach out.