What are you studying?
Studying towards a Bachelor of Arts and Science: Neuroscience and Psychology at the University of Otago.
Where do you whakapapa from?
Samoa: I am from the beautiful villages of Lepea and Leone."
What mahi did you work on?
I was a part of the Disability Insights team working on different types of expectation reports, computing different types of data for work contributing to disability surveys and the 2023 census. I was also fortunate to work alongside an amazing people leader and co-workers who really helped me develop my stamina and work ethic within Stats NZ.
I am also grateful to all the pastoral care and support I have received from Stats NZ during my internship. From my buddy who always provided context and insight for me, to Martha (People & Capability team) who looked after all the interns, the Pacific staff who are few in numbers but huge loto (heart) with their time and advice and some of the senior leadership who met with us.
I was fortunate to meet and talanoa with our CE Mark Sowden, Associate Minister for Statistics Hon Meka Whaitiri and was honoured to attend and participate with Stats NZ senior Pacific staff in the `ava ceremony for the new Secretary for Pacific Peoples and CE for Ministry for Pacific Peoples (MPP) Gerardine Clifford-Lidstone.
Stats NZ has been a place that has opened my eyes to the public sector, data and how it affects different communities, the power of my lived experience and my voice as a young Pacific person.
What advice would you give future interns?
When you know better, do better! And in everything you do, always stay true to who you are.
Favourite quote?
“It’s not a matter of making the right choice, I’ll make it so the path I choose is the right one.”