Faavae Junior Maiava
Christchurch,CAN
Summary
People-focused leader and practitioner with over 22 years of experience supporting wellbeing, behaviour, and development in high-responsibility military and educational environments. Extensive background in leadership, mentoring, behavioural support, trauma-informed practice, and collaborative work with whānau and external agencies. Values-driven, culturally responsive, and strongly committed to ethical practice and reflective growth.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Behaviour Specialist
Wairarapa Cobham Intermediate
07.2024 - Current
- Provide individual and group-based behavioural and mentoring support for students with complex emotional, behavioural, and social needs.
- Work closely with the Head of Counselling and senior school leaders to develop coordinated support plans and achieve positive student outcomes.
- Use trauma-informed, strengths-based, and relationship-centred approaches to support regulation, engagement, and wellbeing.
- Collaborate with whānau, Oranga Tamariki, youth workers, and Youth Court professionals to support students involved in multi-agency systems.
- Support restorative processes, de-escalation, and positive behaviour change within a culturally responsive framework.
Company Sergeant Major (Warrant Officer Class Two)
New Zealand Army
01.2002 - 01.2024
- Senior non-commissioned leader responsible for the welfare, discipline, and performance of over 120 soldiers.
- Provided direct support to personnel experiencing emotional distress, behavioural challenges, family stress, and exposure to trauma.
- Led with a strong focus on wellbeing, accountability, ethical decision-making, and professional standards.
- Acted as a key support and referral point, working within clear boundaries and appropriate support pathways.
- Army Leadership Instructor
- Delivered leadership training to Section Commanders, Platoon Commanders, and senior non-commissioned officers.
- Taught core leadership competencies including emotional regulation, communication, ethical leadership, decision-making under pressure, and responsibility for personnel wellbeing.
- Mentored leaders to reflect on their leadership style and its impact on individuals and teams.
- Platoon Commander
- Led and managed multiple sections, with responsibility for operational effectiveness and personnel development.
- Supported soldiers through behavioural, emotional, and personal challenges while maintaining clear boundaries and expectations.
- Section Commander
- Frontline leadership role focused on individual soldier development, discipline, and team cohesion.
- Built strong relationships through trust, consistency, and respect, supporting early intervention and guidance.
Skills
- Leadership and people management
- Behavioural support and intervention
- Trauma-informed and relationship-centred practice
- Mentoring and coaching
- De-escalation and restorative approaches
- Ethical decision-making and professional boundaries
Languages
Samoan
Native or Bilingual
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Behaviour Specialist
Wairarapa Cobham Intermediate
07.2024 - Current
Company Sergeant Major (Warrant Officer Class Two)
New Zealand Army
01.2002 - 01.2024
Values & Practice Approach
- Service and relational connection
- Respect (fa‘aaloalo) and collective responsibility
- Cultural identity and responsiveness
- Ethical practice and professional boundaries
- Reflection, growth, and accountability
Additional Information
- Samoan practitioner with lived experience informing empathetic and culturally grounded practice
- Strong interest in working with tamariki and rangatahi
- Committed to ongoing professional development and formal study in applied psychology