Photo caption: Ropeta Mene-Tulia with the Lincoln University Pacific Island Student Association, the first of its kind to be established at the university.)
There must be something in the South Island water, with an abundance of strong yet caring Samoan fafine leading the way at the Ministry for Pacific Peoples’ (MPP) Southern Region office.
Following the resignation of Diane Fenika Regional Director, Regional Partnerships, Southern, Ropeta Mene-Tulia has stepped into the Acting Regional Director post from her usual Senior Advisor role.
Ropeta says she has big shoes to fill, with Diane having served South Island Pacific communities for 22 years, at MPP.
Yet, having worked as a public servant for over 25 years across different government agencies, the Christchurch-based Ropeta is more than ready for the task at hand.
“I can’t wait to make a positive impact for our community, leading a high-performing team and being a part of a collaborate and supportive management team,” Ropeta says.
“Overall, I am really excited about the opportunity to lead and contribute to the Regional Partnership team and look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”
As the Acting Regional Director, Ropeta will continue building and nurturing strong relationships with regional stakeholders.
“I will ensure our team captures and listens to the voices of our community, while supporting important Pacific stakeholders’ groups in achieving our Lalanga Fou goals.
“Our team also provides direct support and helps to find solutions with local government, NGO’s, businesses, and central government agencies for Pacific communities in the regions.
“We will look at innovation solutions and opportunities for Pacific to contribute to the economic growth of their region.”
South Island-based Pacific communities are generally smaller, but spread across a large region, so the MPP Southern region team is kept busy, Ropeta adds.
“We already have established strong foundations across the region, and I hope to be able to build on these and take our regional initiatives to the next level.
“It is important to strengthen relationships with our Pacific communities and stakeholders, and to foster a high-performing regional team.
“I want to amplify the voices of our community and drive the overall leadership and performance of the Regional Partnerships Southern team.”
Inspired by her faith, family and cultural values, Ropeta believes small actions can have a big impact in creating positive change and contributing to the greater good.
“My encouragement to up and coming leaders is to not underestimate the power of small actions.”
Visit the MPP website to contact the Southern team.