- Professional Networking – Actively engaging with peers and industry professionals to foster collaboration and share knowledge
- Continuous Learning and Upskilling – Pursuing opportunities to enhance skills and stay current with best practices across relevant fields
- Self-Development – Participating in activities that promote personal growth, resilience, and leadership capability
- Quality Time with Family and Friends – Valuing strong personal relationships and maintaining a healthy work-life balance
- Youth Engagement – Investing time in mentoring and supporting young people through community involvement and development initiatives
- Advocacy and Movement Building – Contributing to causes and movements aligned with personal values and professional experience, particularly those focused on social impact and cultural empowerment
Kesaia Moala'eua
Summary
I am a passionate and community-focused professional with a strong foundation in housing support services, social services and public service developed through leadership roles, customer service experience, and extensive volunteer work during my undergraduate studies at the University of Auckland. These experiences deepened my commitment to serving others and strengthened my ability to engage with diverse communities, lead teams effectively, and deliver meaningful support.
Since completing my degree, I've embraced the importance of meaningful human connection in an ever-changing world. I believe that building and maintaining strong relationships is key to creating solid foundations and achieving impactful outcomes. Helping people and serving my wider community has always been a core passion of mine. I naturally excel at networking and building genuine connections. I am committed to applying my skills, knowledge, and experiences to any task or space I'm entrusted with whilst maintaining a professional mannerism.
My personal values ensure I uphold a high standard of performance and integrity in all responsibilities. My ultimate aspiration is to contribute to the development of culturally specific rehabilitation programs for Pasifika youth—creating pathways that are empowering, inclusive, and transformative.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Housing Support Manager
Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities
10.2022 - Current
- Lead support for medium-to-high-need families across a portfolio of 142 homes, applying informed and culturally responsive approaches.
- Build trusted relationships to connect whānau with housing solutions and broader wellbeing services.
- Deliver tailored guidance on housing products, tenancy processes, and asset maintenance.
- Provide holistic support beyond housing, including MSD navigation, well-being conversations, and advocacy.
- Leverage bilingual skills to support Pacific clients and enhance service accessibility.
- Collaborate with internal teams and external agencies to ensure wraparound support for vulnerable families.
Housing Support Manager
Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities
04.2022 - 10.2022
- Managed a portfolio of 220 homes for low-to-medium-need families.
- Conducted property inspections and facilitated well-being-focused engagements.
- Supported clients with MSD-related matters, drawing on prior case management experience.
- Applied cultural knowledge and language skills to strengthen client relationships.
COVID-19 Pasifika Response Team Case Manager
Ministry of Social Development (MSD)
08.2021 - 04.2022
- Member of a specialist team supporting Pasifika NGOs and communities during the pandemic.
- Co-developed MSD's Auckland COVID-19 response framework.
- Produced bilingual video content and daily updates for the Tongan community.
- Applied legislative knowledge and discretion to complex cases.
- Consistently met KPIs while maintaining cultural integrity and professionalism.
C19 Case Manager
Ministry of Social Development (MSD)
03.2020 - 08.2021
- Managed high-hardship caseloads (30–50 clients), providing urgent support and housing assessments.
- Contributed to the early formation of MSD's Auckland COVID-19 response team.
- Delivered services in both English and Tongan to ensure equitable access.
Case Manager
Ministry of Social Development (MSD)
06.2019 - 03.2020
- Delivered financial assistance and hardship support to diverse clients.
- Exercised sound judgment in assessing complex needs and applying legislation.
- Learnt MSD systems and legislation that impacted decision making.
Youth Social Worker
Vaka Tautua
03.2018 - 05.2019
- Advocated for Pacific youth and represented the organization on Oranga Tamariki panels.
- Provided casework support and attended community fonos.
- Met monthly KPIs and was nominated for Oranga Tamariki's Pacific Peoples Panel.
Advanced Retail Professional
Adidas
02.2017 - 02.2018
- Managed store operations and led shifts in absence of management.
- Responsible for money handling at start and end of shift.
- Received achievement of Asia Pacific Global Sales MVP and won five Connect, Engage & Inspire awards.
Second-in-Charge
Rubi Shoes – Cotton On Group
12.2012 - 02.2017
- Oversaw store operations, visual merchandising, and team leadership.
- Recognized as Employee of the Month multiple times.
Night Shift Manager
United Video
01.2013 - 11.2015
- Delivered high-quality customer service and met sales KPIs.
- Managed stock rotation and cash handling.
Cleaner
OCS Limited
01.2009 - 07.2011
- Maintained hygiene standards in private hospitals and medical offices.
Packer
Bling Jewelry
01.2008 - 01.2009
- Packaged and organized stock for retail distribution.
Tongan Group leader
Epsom Girls Grammar school
01.2010
- Organized a group to perform at the ASB Polynesian festival.
- Overall decider in the Epsom Girls Tongan Group vision.
- Led the largest Tongan Group in Epsom Girls History.
- Received colour’s award in Leadership.
Volunteer
Diabetes New Zealand (Auckland branch)
01.2013 - Current
- Assisting in any way that was needed.
- Helping at/with community events.
- Taking part in events such as Round the bays to help raise money and volunteer.
Central Auckland Youth Leader
PSAY Union Pasifika
06.2022 - 06.2023
- Laying foundations for central Auckland space as first committee.
- Planners and executors of Auckland central PSA Pasefika youth events.
Advisor
New Zealand Tongan Tertiary Students Association Inc (NZTTSA)
05.2022 - 12.2022
- Supporting vision of association.
- Critically analyzing committee boards decisions to gain new perspectives into decisions.
- Support and assist any executive/member of the Association.
Leo Tanoa - Pacific Committee member
Ministry of Social Development (MSD)
01.2020 - 04.2022
- MSD’s official Auckland pacific committee.
- Committee in charge of any Pacific lead program via MSD in Auckland.
- Support and assist pacific prosperity within individuals and upskilling.
- Committee that oversees any personal who has signed up to be part of Leo Tanoa.
President
New Zealand Tongan Tertiary Students Association Inc (NZTTSA)
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Overall Director and vision executor of association.
- Main spokesman and representative of association.
- Support and assist any executive/member of the Association.
- Executive Committee that oversees 300+ Tongan Students within 10 Associations.
Vice President
New Zealand Tongan Tertiary Students Association Inc (NZTTSA)
01.2017 - 12.2019
- Overseeing jobs and task in the Presidents absence.
- In charge of Association growth portfolio for any Tongan student body associations in New Zealand.
- Support and assist the President and any executive/member of the Association.
- Main organizer and facilitator of Leadership weekends and workshops.
Review panel member
Oranga Tamariki
04.2018 - 04.2019
- Sat on a panel with NGO and Oranga Tamariki social workers to discuss.
Facilitator
Pacific Island Leaders of Tomorrow (P.I.L.O.T)
11.2016 - 11.2018
- In charge of organizing and facilitating the Tongan Workshop.
- Educating high school students about the Tongan King’s Kava ceremony.
- Sharing journeys with students about different perspectives of Tongan tertiary students in New Zealand.
Treasurer & Fundraising leader
Dominion Kingsland Methodist church (Domkings)
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Maintaining Budgets.
- Handling Money.
- In charge of fundraisers.
- In charge of Annual reports and health checks.
President
Tongan Students association of the University of Auckland (TAUA)
12.2015 - 12.2016
- Overall leader and executor of the Tongan Students association.
- Main spokesman and rep of student association.
- Lead association to win; Annual Tongan conference ‘Ama-taki-loa overall winners’ shield, Cultural night Kumete winners, Speech competition, Academic cup.
Cultural officer (CO)
Tongan Students association of the University of Auckland (TAUA)
12.2014 - 12.2015
- Fulfil any cultural aspect that TAUA was involved with.
- In charge of all cultural aspects that involved TAUA.
- Overall decider in the cultural aspects of TAUA.
- Maintained and upheld Tongan traditions and values within community group.
Volunteer
Creative Learning Schemes (CLS)
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Helped teachers with setup and organization for class.
- Helped students get through their class work.
- Led class activates and learning sessions.
Education
Bachelor of Human Services - Majoring in Youth
University of Auckland
Auckland, NZ01-2018
Certificate in Education - Foundation course
University of Auckland
01.2012
New Zealand Certificates of Educational Achievements - undefined
Epsom Girls Grammar school
01.2010
Skills
- Strong Customer engagement
- Efficient Client case management
- Cultivating strong partnerships with efficient networking skills
- Collaborative team management
- Diversity sensitivity and cultural awareness
- Employee coaching and mentoring
- Strong understanding of customer service principles
- Proficient in handling multiple priorities
- Collaborate cross-functionally
- Team motivation techniques
- Strong Verbal and written communication
Personal Information
- Citizenship: New Zealand Citizen
- Driving License: Full New Zealand driver's License
- Auckland, New Zealand
Interests
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Tonga
Native or Bilingual
Verbal References
- Sonia Nomotu - Kainga Ora Team leader
Phone number; 021-195-0556
- Lami Burke - Ministry of Social Development
Phone number; 027-280-0991
- Lesoni Taufa - Church Youth leader
Phone number; 0210-233-8384
- Maryjane Kivalu - NZTTSA President
Phone number; 021-0571-979
Please advise if you would like more references
Timeline
Senior Housing Support Manager
Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities
10.2022 - Current
Central Auckland Youth Leader
PSAY Union Pasifika
06.2022 - 06.2023
Advisor
New Zealand Tongan Tertiary Students Association Inc (NZTTSA)
05.2022 - 12.2022
Housing Support Manager
Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities
04.2022 - 10.2022
COVID-19 Pasifika Response Team Case Manager
Ministry of Social Development (MSD)
08.2021 - 04.2022
C19 Case Manager
Ministry of Social Development (MSD)
03.2020 - 08.2021
Leo Tanoa - Pacific Committee member
Ministry of Social Development (MSD)
01.2020 - 04.2022
President
New Zealand Tongan Tertiary Students Association Inc (NZTTSA)
01.2020 - 01.2021
Case Manager
Ministry of Social Development (MSD)
06.2019 - 03.2020
Review panel member
Oranga Tamariki
04.2018 - 04.2019
Youth Social Worker
Vaka Tautua
03.2018 - 05.2019
Advanced Retail Professional
Adidas
02.2017 - 02.2018
Vice President
New Zealand Tongan Tertiary Students Association Inc (NZTTSA)
01.2017 - 12.2019
Treasurer & Fundraising leader
Dominion Kingsland Methodist church (Domkings)
01.2017 - 01.2018
Facilitator
Pacific Island Leaders of Tomorrow (P.I.L.O.T)
11.2016 - 11.2018
President
Tongan Students association of the University of Auckland (TAUA)
12.2015 - 12.2016
Cultural officer (CO)
Tongan Students association of the University of Auckland (TAUA)
12.2014 - 12.2015
Night Shift Manager
United Video
01.2013 - 11.2015
Volunteer
Diabetes New Zealand (Auckland branch)
01.2013 - Current
Second-in-Charge
Rubi Shoes – Cotton On Group
12.2012 - 02.2017
Volunteer
Creative Learning Schemes (CLS)
01.2011 - 01.2012
Tongan Group leader
Epsom Girls Grammar school
01.2010
Cleaner
OCS Limited
01.2009 - 07.2011
Packer
Bling Jewelry
01.2008 - 01.2009
Certificate in Education - Foundation course
University of Auckland
New Zealand Certificates of Educational Achievements - undefined
Epsom Girls Grammar school
Bachelor of Human Services - Majoring in Youth
University of Auckland