Chairperson

Viliami Richard Takapautolo serves as the Chairperson of the Auckland Pacific Wardens Charitable Trust.

An ordained Christian minister, registered social worker, educator, and community leader with over 25 years of experience in leadership, governance, community development, and social services across Auckland, New Zealand.   Passionate about community safety, youth development, and supporting vulnerable families, his work is grounded in faith, cultural leadership, and a commitment to empowering the marginalised and voiceless.

Deputy Chair

Tafafuna’i Fa’atasi Lauese, JP is a highly respected community elder and veteran leader within the Auckland Pacific Wardens (Samoa Atia’e), bringing decades of civic expertise as a former local board member and Justice of the Peace. Honoured with a Queen’s Service Medal for his extensive services to Pasifika people, his guidance provides a vital cultural foundation that keeps the Wardens deeply connected to local communities.

Treasurer

Kristina Sofele is a highly accomplished Tongan community advocate, registered social worker, and an invaluable leader within the Auckland Pacific Wardens network. With more than 25 years of extensive experience spanning social work, community development, and relationship management, Kristina’s career has been defined by her deep commitment to helping Pasifika families thrive. Kristina actively channels her vast public sector knowledge and advocacy into the the Auckland Pacific Wardens Charitable Trust.

Secretary

Sila Fagaesea Siaki is an esteemed community leader, governance expert, and the Secretary of the Auckland Pacific Wardens Charitable Trust. Proudly hailing from the Samoan villages of Lotoso’a–Sale’imoa and Faleu-Manono Island, as well as Avatele in Niue, Sila brings a wealth of cultural wisdom, strategic insight, governance expertise, and decades of frontline community service to the Wardens’ leadership team.

Superintendent Fata Willi Fanene is a Trustee and Strategic Advisor for the Auckland Pacific Wardens, backed by over 49 years of service within the NZ Police holding key command roles, including District Manager of Police Prosecutions and Legal Services, Youth & Community manager for Waitemata Police District, Pacific Responsiveness Manager for Tāmaki Makaurau and is currently the National Partnerships Manager: Pacific, based at Police National HQ in Wellington.

Fata holds a Law Degree from Auckland University. His wealth of legal expertise and community engagement ensures the Wardens operate with strong, culturally grounded strategic direction.

Vaai Tavui brings an invaluable combination of national governance experience and grassroots community care to her role as a Trustee for the Auckland Pacific Wardens. She specializes in bridging the gap between civic authorities and frontline organizations to empower Pasifika families.

Beyond her advisory work, Vaai is a dedicated pillar of the South Auckland community, holding key leadership roles within multiple community organisations.

Ric Sinisa is a lawyer and Director of Sinisa Law Limited, with nearly three decades of experience serving South Auckland communities.

Ric is Tongan and was raised in Kaitaia. His deep roots in Pacific culture and his longstanding connection to South Auckland communities underpin his commitment to governance that is grounded, culturally informed, and people-centred. He brings to the Board a genuine understanding of the families and communities the Trust serves.

Admitted to the High Court in 1998 and holding a current practising certificate as a Barrister & Solicitor, Ric founded Sinisa Law Limited in 2003. His legal background equips him with strong analytical and governance skills, and his experience advising individuals and families through complex personal and legal matters reflects the same values of care, accountability, and practical support that guide his trustee work.

Ric is committed to the Pacific Wardens' mission and to strengthening the wellbeing and safety of Pacific communities across Auckland.

Luke Mealamu is a Trustee for the Auckland Pacific Wardens Charitable Trust, bringing a powerful combination of safety expertise, social work, and sports leadership to frontline community care.

As the Director of Mealamu Security and a former Manu Samoa rugby player, and a background as a professional social worker, Luke seamlessly blends public safety with an empathetic, youth-focused approach, ensuring the Wardens serve as a trusted, non-threatening pillar of peace and cultural pride.