Introducing Sevia Saviour Nua.
Known to most as Saviiey, she is a proud Fa’afafine of Samoan descent who hails from the villages of Solosolo, Fagali’i, Malie, Faleula and Asau. She also whakapapa’s to Ngāti Porou through her whāngai whānau the Harrison’s/Kahaki’s.

Saviiey is the founder and current Executive Director of Ngā Uri o Whiti Te Rā Mai Le Moana Trust (NUOWTR). The trust operates as a Youth Hub in Porirua East by utilising indigenous Pacific art forms to facilitate positive youth development and prides itself on being one of the only Pacific Rainbow organisations in the Wellington region. She also continues to dedicate her time and effort for the advocacy of Takatāpui/MVPFAFF+ communities of Aotearoa through her role as the Pacific Rainbow Competency Coordinator at InsideOut Kōaro.

Saviiey’s formal educational background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Primary Teaching, Bachelor’s Degree in Māori Performing Arts and a Masters of Education.
Nau mai, haere mai Saviiey!

Born in Satuiatua, Savaii – Samoa, his family moved to New Zealand when he was 2yrs old, looking for a better future. Working in Orchards picking apples.

He was raised in Flaxmere, Hawkes Bay in a Christian home and did all of his schooling in Hastings. He has worked in a variety of Jobs, and discovered a passion for working with Youth.

He opened a Barbershop in his hometown to serve his community and also mentor youth.
Barbering has given him opportunities to meet great people. He is now currently working at Hastings Boys High School monitoring Students Attendance.

Married to the a Beautiful Wahine from the Coast…. Some of you may know her – Jonique Oli from Waiapu Road.

We are honoured and privileged to have Peleti share the Real Talk stage!

Hunter is a full time social media influencer and successful model with a mission to inspire others through her journey of resilience and empowerment.

Of proud Māori descent, hailing from the iwi of Ngāi Tahu, she has courageously faced and overcome many obstacles through out her 26 years of life including things like depression, sexual assault and PTSD.

Now, she uses her platform to share her story. Offering inspiration, hope and encouragement to those who are on their own paths to healing. Through her story, she aims to show that no matter how tough life can be, there is always greatness on the other side if you’re willing to reach for it. She shares how she was able to pull herself out of some of her darkest days and manifest/create the life of her dreams.

Ngā mihi nunui Hunter, we look forward to you sharing your journey!

Pania Tepaiho-Marsh (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairoa) began hunting for her own mental health, and saw the power of being able to provide as a māmā as a wahine so she created Wāhine Toa Hunting.

Prioritising wāhine in need for her free trips – beneficiaries, solo mums and survivors of trauma. “The women don’t shoot for fun; they shoot to feed their families. We don’t get taught how to change a tyre, we don’t get taught how to use a screwdriver, all these little basic things, and I want to break that dependency”

Pania began her adult life as a beneficiary – entirely dependent on the state and her partner.
Looking back, she recalls her dependence as terrifying, with her mana and self-esteem eroded to nothing. She was unrecognisable; lost, traumatised, and feeling she had no way out.

She is known to be a voice for the voiceless, she is a staunch supporter for kaupapa that she believes in. She is an advocate for our rangatahi in need. She is the aunty that they can call any day, anytime ❤️ We love you Aunty Parns x

Watch the documentary Wāhine Warrior here

Read the full article on the Guardian here

You can find her on Instagram @wahine_toa_hunting

Pairama Wright of Ngā Ruahine, Kāti Māmoe, and Te Ati Awa, grew up as an army child all over Aotearoa. Māori culture and language played a prominent role in his family’s life.

He has achieved a Bachelor of Arts in Māori with honours, and a Master of Professional practice – Education.

Pairama has a passion for the revitalisation of Te Reo Māori. “I love teaching because that’s my contribution to the revitalisation of the language. It’s such an amazing journey to go through and it’s amazing to see other people go through the same process I did as a student”

His online profile features content centred around comedy and Māori culture. You’ll often see videos focused on grammatical aspects like the importance of macrons, or language in context. With 250,000 TikTok followers, Pairama often takes the chance to have conversations around indigenous rights, historical influence on the modern day, or even just sit and have a kai and kōrero.

In 2020, Pairama accepted the role of cultural advisor (kaiārahi tikanga) for Musical Theatre New Zealand, where he was eager to promote a shift towards Te Ao Māori and a change of cultural perception. He also introduced a Musical Theatre award that recognises culture, diversity and inclusion.
Pairama’s current mahi is for Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira, where he facilitates professional learning development in education around challenging inequity, indigenising spaces, and educating Te Reo & mātauranga Māori.

You can find Pairama on Instagram @jamesw916