Melisa Fotu
Hamilton,New Zealand
Summary
Through my life experiences and immersion in my culture, I have honed skills that enable me to connect authentically with individuals from diverse backgrounds. My work is driven by a passion to empower and uplift Māori and Pacific communities, particularly in nurturing leadership and capability. I am particularly drawn to working with young people from these communities, as I believe in equipping them with the skills and knowledge to excel in their chosen paths. My goal is to support youth in realizing their potential, fostering positive change, and contributing to their holistic well-being, encompassing physical, emotional, spiritual, and community aspects. Highly motivated employee with a desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Kaiarahi – Pacific
Waikato Institute of Technology
Hamilton, New Zealand
07.2021 - Current
- Support transformational change in alignment with Te Pūkenga expectations of equity and partnership with Māori, and the implementation of a. Te Pae Tawhiti – Te Tiriti Excellence Framework b. Tōia Mai Excellence Framework, including Wintec’s Māori and Pasifika Strategy
- Support initiatives to enable and promote a culturally responsive environment in Wintec by advocating equity for Māori learners and staff, supporting the implementation of tikanga, te reo, mātauranga Māori
- Support initiatives to improve outcomes for Māori learners, whānau, hapū, iwi, organisations, groups and employers
- Support Wintec by working with Kaihautū to build strategic relationships and enhance the reputation of Wintec within Māori (iwi, hapū and whānau) communities and groups and create opportunities for Te Tiriti partners to engage in Te Ao Māori
- Participating in and supporting the operation of Te Kōpū Mānia M
Kaiawhina
Waikato Institute of Technology - Te Kete Konae
Hamilton, New Zealand
01.2021 - 07.2021
- Provides targeted, holistic support for students enrolled in the programme
- Created a nurturing environment that fosters an awareness of self and identity
- Connects students to wider support networks
- Navigates students through the programme and progression into higher levels of study
Kaiwhakamanawa – Whanau Room Tutor
Waikato Institute of Technology – Centre of foundations
Hamilton, New Zealand
01.2017 - 12.2020
- Provides targeted, holistic support for students enrolled in the programme
- Created a nurturing environment that fosters an awareness of self and identity
- Connects students to wider support networks
- Navigates students through the programme and progression into higher levels of study
Manager / Team Leader
Te Runanga O Kirikiriora – Whai Marama Youth services
Hamilton, New Zealand
03.2014 - 10.2016
- Working with young people 16yrs-18yrs
- Supporting career pathways (NEET/YP/YPP)
- Advocating
- Youth justice support
- Facilitate workshops (parenting/budgeting)
- Database entry (ART/Penelope)
- Collaboration work with key stakeholders
- Relationship/partnership - youth sector
High Performance Co-Ordinator
Hamilton City Netball Centre
Hamilton, New Zealand
01.2013 - 03.2014
- Co-ordinate programmes
- Working with elite netball athletes
- Co-ordinate coaching programmes.
Nutritional Physical Activity Co-Ordinator
Te Rapakau Pacific Services
Hamilton, New Zealand
03.2009 - 12.2012
- Co-ordinate programmes
- Working in pacific community events
- Pacific health promotion: pacific health issues
Education
PostGrad For Applied Innovation - Transdisciplinary Research
Waikato Instute of Technology
Hamilton, NZ05-2024
Certificate in Mental health - Level 5 -
Career force
01.2016
Bachelor in Sport and Exercise Science – Level 7 -
Waikato Institute of Technology
01.2001
Certificate in Drug and Alcohol Studies –Level 5 -
Auckland Institute of Technology
01.2001
Completed 5years -
Melville High school
01.1998
Sporting Achievements
- Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic Netball Team (2000-2002)
- Trust Waikato Netball Team (2000-2002)
- 1999 World Championship- Christchurch Cook Island Netball Team
- NZ Under U21 's Netball Squad (2000-2001)
- NZ Talent 2000 Netball Squad (2000)
- Waikato Open Mixed Touch Team (1998-2002)
- Waikato Open Women's Touch Team (2004-2005)
- Waikato Junior Sportswomen Finalist (2000)
Volunteer Experience
- Te Rapakau Health Services, Hamilton, NZ, Peer educator, 2000, 2005
- Melville High Polynesian Cultural Group, Hamilton, NZ, Tutor, 2000, 2004
- Hamilton Youth Council, Hamilton, NZ, Member, 2000, 2000
- Phat Pac- Nesian Connex, Hamilton, NZ, Co- coordinator, 2002, 2005
- Pacific by Nature, Hamilton, NZ, Volunteer, 2002, 2005
- Fresh Air Fono, Hamilton, NZ, Volunteer, 2004, 2009
- Hamilton Cook Island Association, Hamilton, NZ, Member
References
- Renee Evans, Manager – TKK, 0210348823, renee.evans@wintec.ac.nz
- Rose Marsters, Strategic Pacific director, 021081163941, rose.marsters@wintec.ac.nz
Hobbies and Interests
- Reading
- Cooking
- Fashion
- Playing sport
Training
- CPS Training, Hamilton, NZ, 2000
- Comprehensive First Aid – Revalidation Course, Hamilton, NZ, 2010
- Certificate in Basic First Aid, Hamilton, NZ
- Community Coach Course, Hamilton, NZ, 2012
Timeline
Kaiarahi – Pacific
Waikato Institute of Technology
07.2021 - Current
Kaiawhina
Waikato Institute of Technology - Te Kete Konae
01.2021 - 07.2021
Kaiwhakamanawa – Whanau Room Tutor
Waikato Institute of Technology – Centre of foundations
01.2017 - 12.2020
Manager / Team Leader
Te Runanga O Kirikiriora – Whai Marama Youth services
03.2014 - 10.2016
High Performance Co-Ordinator
Hamilton City Netball Centre
01.2013 - 03.2014
Nutritional Physical Activity Co-Ordinator
Te Rapakau Pacific Services
03.2009 - 12.2012
PostGrad For Applied Innovation - Transdisciplinary Research
Waikato Instute of Technology
Certificate in Mental health - Level 5 -
Career force
Bachelor in Sport and Exercise Science – Level 7 -
Waikato Institute of Technology
Certificate in Drug and Alcohol Studies –Level 5 -
Auckland Institute of Technology
Completed 5years -
Melville High school
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