Kaikōrero Matua

Andre Afamasaga (Samoan: Afega, Fasito‘otai) is a recognised human rights advocate in both New Zealand and Australia.  He is also former pastor, school chaplain and youth worker with deep roots in Pacific and diverse communities. He is chairperson of Zeal, and a Trustee at Praxis. 

For more than 10 years, he has held senior roles in government working on various human rights and social cohesion issues at New Zealand Human Rights Commission, Ministry of Justice, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and Health Promotion Agency (Te Whatu Ora). Such as, anti-racism, pay and health equity for Pacific and Maori, and conversion practices prohibition, and Rainbow inclusion.

Originally from Lower Hutt and now based in Taranaki, Andre leads his own consultancy, Lived Experience Leadership, where he supports organisations to be more inclusive in their practice. For his human rights advocacy, he runs his own non-profit Alofa Project, and was the subject of the 2024 ABC Australia documentary Alofa. His commentary has featured in the Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Samoa Observer, Stuff, RNZ, and TVNZ. 

As the Practice Lead at Ara Taiohi, Tyler Ngatai is a passionate advocate for youth development, with a strong focus on intersectionality and systems change. He brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to advancing equity and social justice for young people from all backgrounds.

In addition to his advocacy in intersectionality, Tyler is a catalyst for systems change within the youth development sector. He collaborates with stakeholders at all levels to challenge existing structures and policies, striving to create more equitable and supportive environments for young people and the people that support them, to be their best selves.

Through his leadership and expertise, Tyler empowers professionals and organisations to embrace a holistic approach to youth development, one that acknowledges the interconnected nature of social issues and fosters collaboration across sectors. He advocates for systemic reforms that address root causes of inequality and promote meaningful change at scale across Government to grassroot organisations.

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.