Tia Suemai

Director & Co-Founder

Who are you and where do you hail from? My name is Faleao Seutiaimalie Faasua Suemai aka Tia. I consider myself a NZ-born Samoan; hailing from my mother’s village Satupaitea, Pitonu’u;  my father’s village Vailoa, Aleipata; and my home village Otara in Auckland, New Zealand.

Why work with youth, why work in the community? I was inspired by people who worked with youth and served in the community, by the many people who helped form the path I lead today. My father is my first champion, who instilled in me the ethics of hard work and resilience, especially when my mother passed when I was in Year 12 at Otahuhu College. Youth Work chose me, in particular being under the wings of Allan Va’a and Sully Paea - my heroes and two youth workers that greatly influenced why I do what I do. I have been working in this sector just over 20 years young and I feel there’s more to unpack, but to sum it up:

1. Change mindsets - make the impossible, possible.

2. Have genuine care and love for people, regardless.

3. When blockers come, that’s when your creativity kicks in.

4. Pay it forward, for the next generation to help and take it to another level.

6. Knowledge and relationships are key.

5. Gotta back yourself, and God!

What do you value most about your culture? I am hugely proud of being Samoan, what I value the most about my culture is servitude with humility.  

Fun fact: Rice and Vanilla ice cream is my jam!