Kristina Sofele

Tongan • Bachelor of Social Work

Kristina Sofele is National Manager People and Capability, leading Vaka Tautua’s people and capability strategy.

The organisation’s longest-serving manager, Kristina has served in many different capacities since joining Vaka Tautua in 2014. A qualified senior social worker, she has more than 25 years’ experience in social work, community development, relationship management and management. Prior to joining Vaka Tautua, Kristina was Senior Advisor at the Ministry of Pacific Island Affairs (now Ministry of Pacific Peoples). Previous roles include Senior Social Worker and Case Manager at Child, Youth & Family Services (now Oranga Tamariki).

Kristina is actively involved in the Tongan community in New Zealand, particularly in the sports, youth development and church areas. Her personal experiences on the challenges of navigating the New Zealand health system inform her work.