Tai Faalogo

Talofa lava and warm Pasefika greetings to you all!

I work in the Auckland Regional Public Health Services (ARPHS).  Twelve years ago I was lucky enough to obtain a position as Assistant Administration role at the ARPHs office in Manukau.  Since then I have been an Administrator, an Authorised Provider for Health Education Resources, Co-ordinator of the Health Education Resource Centre Manukau and Kingsland, a Resource Development Co-ordinator for Pacific Communities, Pacific Nutrition Advisor and now Health Promotion Practitioner for Pacific communities.

My name is Fesilafai Taimisamoa Faalogo but known as Tai.  My father is Seuseu Fata Faalogo Pito Faalogo from the villages of Sagone i Savaii and Afega i Upolu. My mother is Eseta from Falealili, Letogo and Salelavalu i Savaii. I was born at Vailoa Faleata and my childhood years were strongly influenced by my grandparents Reverend Siaosi and Silafai Siutaia who were ministers of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa.

After our family immigrated to New Zealand in 1989, I studied at Auckland Girls Grammar School and the University of Auckland. ARPHS have encouraged and supported me through training in health promotion and Pacific nutrition.  I am presently completing a Diploma in Management.  

Working in the Health Outcomes Team at ARPHS I provide support and professional development workshops for staff and parents at Early Childhood Education Services (ECES). Workshops focus topics include nutrition and physical activities. I’m also a member of the Workplace Health Team delivering the HeartBeat Challenge Workplace wellness programme in the Auckland Region. My main role is to ensure that the messages delivered through our health promotion programmes and workshops are appropriate for our Pasefika communities within the ECES and workplaces.
I am an active member of the Pacific Islands Food and Nutrition Action Group (PIFNAG) and I was fortunate to lead the Organising Committee for the sixth annual Tino Lelei Fono 2009.