Mauri!On 23 July 2025, Rising Hibiscus had the pleasure of welcoming Laura Tongalea-Nolan. Laura shared her inspiring journey to becoming an expert in addiction, mental health, and wellbeing, offering valuable insights on recognising the difference between stress and anxiety, along with practical strategies for managing anxiety. She also introduced students to a free online problem-solving […]
Mel is the chairperson of the Pasifika in the Bay Trust. She loves all things Pacific, in particular working with amazing people to initiate and deliver successful Pacific programmes and events. Mel enjoys her dream job, reading, hanging out with her nieces and nephews, travelling with friends and family, and is adamant to snowboard until she can’t. She is currently thinking about taking up golf.
Alva is the Treasurer of the Pasifika in the Bay Trust with over eighteen years of experience as a business owner in the financial services industry. Together with her husband Alex, they’ve raised three high achieving young adults. Alva is passionate about supporting and empowering young people to reach their full potential. Alva loves playing board games, spending time with family and friends, baking, cooking and makes a mean chop suey.
Annette is the Secretary for Pasifika in the Bay Trust and hails from the islands of Samoa and Tokelau, with German ancestry. She is a trained Primary School Teacher, with a Bachelor of Business Studies majoring in Marketing, and recently completed her Masters in Education. Her passion is to actively seek new ways to support Pacific people and is excited about creating her own opportunities. She enjoys catching up with family and friends, arts and crafts and loves the outdoors.
Mel is the chairperson of the Pasifika in the Bay Trust. She loves all things Pacific, in particular working with amazing people to initiate and deliver successful Pacific programmes and events. Mel enjoys her dream job, reading, hanging out with her nieces and nephews, travelling with friends and family, and is adamant to snowboard until she can’t. She is currently thinking about taking up golf.