Kaikōrero Matua

Andre Afamasaga (Samoan: Afega, Fasito‘otai), is a recognised advocate for human rights, diversity, and inclusion. In acknowledgement of his work, he was previously nominated for Australia Day Citizen of the Year and NSW Pacific Community Worker of the Year.  

Andre’s professional experience includes GM of Advice, Research & Engagement at the NZ Human Rights Commission, where his team oversaw the Pacific Pay Gap Inquiry, the Housing Inquiry, the civil redress response to the Conversion Practices Prohibition Legislation Act, and anti-racism and social cohesion campaigns. He also held secondment roles at the Department of Prime Minister & Cabinet and the Ministry of Justice in strategic communications and community engagement. Additionally, Andre has worked in public health, on several award-winning public health campaigns for Pacific and Māori.  He now has his own consultancy Lived Experience Leadership. 

In governance, Andre champions ‘operationalising’ human rights, diversity, and equity, so that all people from the boardroom to the tearoom ‘get it’ and ‘live it’. Based in Taranaki, he currently serves on Zeal Education Trust and Praxis boards, drawing on decades of governance experience in community and faith-based settings. 

His lived experience as a former pastor and conversion practices survivor has made him a sought-after leader on issues of diversity and inclusion. In September 2024, he was the focus of ‘Alofa', an ABC Australia documentary, and has also featured in the Sydney Morning Herald, Stuff, TVNZ and Samoa Observer.  

Kia Ora e te whanau
Ko Tyler Ngatai tōku ingoa
Nō Ngāti Pōrou, Ngai Tahu, Ngātui Ruānui ōku tupuna
Kei te noho au ki Ōtautahi

My name is Tyler Ngatai and I live in Christchurch. I have recently joined the Ara Taiohi Team as the Practice Lead for Korowai Tupu and Mana Taiohi Kaiwhakaako.

I have come from working in the disability sector and have experience in youth development across many youth service environments in both New Zealand and Australia.

I am a firm believer in leadership, through service. My strengths are Developer, Responsibility, Adaptability, Relator and Restorative. I am very excited to be a part of the Ara Taiohi Kaupapa and can not wait to connect with many whanau members who are also connected to Ara Taiohi and in particular the Korowai Tupu Kaupapa.

Pronouns: They / She
Whakapapa : My father hails from the island of Rakahanga in the Cook Islands and my mother is of Irish decent.

Kia orana! My name is Dr MahMah Timoteo (Tohoa Tetini). I am a Cook Island multidisciplinary teacher and researcher who recently completed a PhD in Anthropology through the University of Canterbury. My thesis explored the lived experiences of Pacific peoples and their navigation of climate change spaces within Aotearoa.

Much of my research and mahi interests lie in climate change, Pacific peoples and communities, intersectionality, Indigenous liberation, queer liberation, body liberation, and well-being. Alongside this, I take great pride in advocating in online spaces that work to challenge oppressive systems that continue to harm our most marginalised communities. More so, these spaces emphasise the importance of joy and rest.

I am a proud member of Moana Vā, a Pacific rainbow organisation based in Otautahi. As part of Moana Va, I have the privilege to co-host the podcast 'Two Fat 'Fine', celebrating queer, fat, joy. The interweaving of my research background, alongside my social media presence, has granted me the honour to speak in inspiring spaces, with inspiring people, and even more inspiring kaupapa. From lectures, to workshops, to conferences, to panel discussions, to MCing, and events and festivals. I continue to be thankful for the incredible mahi I get to do with so many very special communities.