We are so stoked to announce that since our last newsletter, the PVA crew is growing! We have onboarded 3 new crew members onto the PVA waka! Meet them below. Cheeehoo!

*PVA Navigator Therese (left), & newest KaiWaka Kaimahi Destiny, with essentials in hand. (right)*

Destiny Harris, KaiWaka Kaimahi

“Kia ora koutou, Ko Destiny Harris tōku ingoa. He uri ahau nō Ngāpuhi, me Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Waikato hoki. Engari, Te Tonga o Tāmaki-Makaurau ahau.” A rangatahi Māori brought up in both the taiao & city, she carries a deep love for the regeneration of 'community'. Community to her is not just the people, but everything that inhabits the world. Destiny holds a wealth of knowledge in waste regeneration, workshop facilitating, community building and climate & youth justice. Being involved in climate action on the local level to the international stage. But she believes there is always more to learn! 'Our tūpuna were curious learners and I hope to continue that value.'

Tuilaepa Leauanae Zeprina Fale, Grow to Share Community Connector

*From left to right: Petelo, Kathleen, newest crew member Zeprina & Therese - our ‘Grow to Share’ navigators!*

Zeprina is of Samoan descent and brings extensive experience in Pacific community engagement, research, programme evaluation, and leadership development across Aotearoa and the Pacific. She’s worked alongside local government, churches, community organisations, and Pacific communities to strengthen relationships and support community-led solutions. Through her role as Community Connector with PVA, she focuses on connecting faith communities, strengthening partnerships, and supporting initiatives that promote resilience, wellbeing, food security, and environmental stewardship.

Lotonui Naisali, Board Member

Lotonui was born in Tuvalu and is proudly of Tuvalu and Tokelau heritage, and has called Auckland home for the past 27 years. Guided by the lived experiences of her whānau and communities facing the impacts of climate change, she is deeply committed to climate resilience and climate justice for Pacific peoples. She believes in the power of community-led solutions that honour Pacific knowledge while contributing to wider regional and global climate action. With a background in Strategy, Partnerships and Engagement, Lotonui aims to support Pacific Vision Aotearoa in strengthening partnerships, uplifting Pacific voices, and advancing collective action toward a thriving and sustainable future for our communities.

New Crew on the PVA Waka!

Sautala and Taste: Bridging Generations through Food