Fa’aeafale'upolu, better known as Polu, steps into our lead researcher and learning development consultant role. Polu brings a strong combination of social work and education, a meaningful contribution to bringing about transformational change in the communities she works in.
"I always knew that I wanted to support Pasifika people, even as a young girl, it's my calling"
Polu is of Samoan heritage, hailing from Vaigaga and Sale'aula on her father's side and Foālalo Savai'i from her mother's side. Since migrating to Aotearoa in the '80s, Polu attended all local schools in Cannons Creek Porirua before completing her university degrees at Victoria University, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, and Massey University. Polu is still an active member of the EFKS Cannons Creek Church. Polu comes into the role having worked for the Ministry for Children, and being a lecturer at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and Massey University. She also held different social and community work roles working mostly with Pacific and Māori communities. For Polu, supporting transformational change through social work and education is not just a goal; it's her "calling". As a registered social worker, Polu can support professional development, supervision, and evaluation. She has seen firsthand how culturally informed practices can drive change and is keen to help others build their existing skills.
The work Polu is proud of includes:
- Hoa haere for the Kaitiakitanga professional supervision programme. One of the largest professional supervision research projects in Aotearoa New Zealand, Polu has conducted comprehensive evaluations that track the learning and development of participants. This project has been successfully implemented across Oranga Tamariki Minsitry for Children in New Zealand.
- Kaiako (educator) and advisor throughout the tertiary sector. Polu teaches Bachelor and Masters level programmes, contributes to postgraduate and adult education opportunities, and was the main Pacific Advisor for Open Polytechnic's social work degree (among other programmes). She has designed and delivered courses that embrace cultural awareness, cultural safety and community involvement, alongside academic performance.
- Social work with Pacific and Māori communities, focused on understanding their unique cultural worldviews and addressing the specific challenges they face. This included developing culturally sensitive tools that promote social development and social justice. Polu also serves as the Regional Learning Advisor for Oranga Tamariki and facilitates various nationwide supervision programmes offered online and in person.
