Meet our kaimahi Pasifika

Epinisa Hopoi – Student Advisor/Kaitohutohu Ākonga

• Background: Tonga, Cook Islands
• Villages/islands: Ha’afeva/Vaini and Atiu/Rarotonga
• Languages: Tongan, English

Born in the South side of Auckland and raised between Wellington and 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 role 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. If students do not meet a programme's entry requirements I do my best to offer one suitable for their career pathway.

Ruthie Holmes – Student Mentor / Kaihāpai Pasifika Mentor

• Background: Solomon Islands, Kiribati
• Villages: Arariki, Onotoa, Beru
• Languages: Solomon Islands Tok Pijin, Taetae n i-Kiribati & English

Kam na bane n Mauri and Halo olgeta!

I’m Ruthie Holmes. I am a Student Mentor and Kaihāpai Pasifika Mentor working at the Open Polytechnic. I was born and raised in Honiara, Solomon Islands and moved to Aotearoa in 2016 for further studies. I spent three years studying at Hamilton Girls High School then later travelled down to the South Island for more studies at the University of Otago.

I enjoy immersing myself in different cultures and prioritising quality time with my loved ones. Moving away from home to gain academic qualifications forced me outside of my comfort zone and I am truly grateful for the opportunities Aotearoa offers. Being the first in my immediate family to graduate from university was a daunting journey, but having a solid support system and the best hype crew made the journey a breezy one.

Gemma Kerisiano – Student Mentor / Kaihāpai Pasifika Mentor

• Background: Samoa, Tonga
• Villages/Islands: Si’umu Maninoa, Salamumu & Ta’anea Vava’u
• Languages: Samoan, English

Malo le soifua, my name is Gemma Kerisiano. I am a Student Mentor and Kaihāpai Pasifika Mentor working in the Learner Engagement and Success Services team.

My father is of Samoan and Tongan descent and my mother is Samoan. Growing up education was always important to me. After high school, I studied at Victoria University where I gained a Bachelors Degree in Education. This would not have been possible without the support from my aiga especially my parents who are the biggest influence in my life. From there, my passion to help and give back to students and the Pasifika community grew, which lead me to my current role.

Here, we support our learners with help on how to navigate online studies, provide study skills and tips, and help motivate our learners to reach their study goals. As a Kaihāpai Pasifika Mentor I am also committed to Pasifika student achievement. We are here to paddle the vaka with you as you go on your learning journey. If you need help along the way you can always reach us for a talanoa (chat).

Joyita Maulolo – Student Mentor / Kaihāpai Pasifika Mentor

• Background: Samoan
• Villages/Islands: Afega, Malie, Mulifanua, Iva
• Languages: Samoan, Tongan, Fijian and English

Malo le soifua, my name is Joyita Maulolo. I am a Student Mentor and Kaihāpai Pasifika Mentor here at Open Polytechnic. I was born in Samoa but I have lived most of my life here in Wellington, New Zealand. I am of Samoa descent and I hail from the villages of Afega, Malie, Mulifanua and Iva - Savaii.

My mother and father are both of Samoa descent, and growing up they always spoke of the importance of education. I didn't understand what they meant back then, but I  definitely understand now. I'm glad that I have been able to step into a role that allows me to provide guidance to learners on their study journey and help them see that education in any form is a crucial part of life.

Ondreyah Tupuivao-Fa’atui – Sudent Mentor / Kaihāpai Pasifika 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 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.

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!

Maka Toloa – Platform Specialist

• Island: Tokelau Islands
• Village: Atafu

I work in our IT Infrastructure team, where positions cover design, integration, implementation, modification, and coordinating the installation, testing, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of hardware and software systems. 

I previously worked in our Service Desk team, which is the first point of contact for our learners if they need technical support.