Vaka Tautua Farewells Community Champion

Pelenatete Lam Sam

After twelve years of dedicated service, Auckland Vaka Tautua staff member, Pelenatete Lam Sam’s time in the vaka has come to end. She has resigned from her position as Senior Community Connector, and will now focus on completing her tertiary studies.

Pelenatete Lam Sam (left) with her Vaka Tautua Auckland colleagues, Mary Makita and Kramer Hoeflich

Vaka Tautua Chief Executive Officer, Dr Amanda-Lanuola Dunlop, acknowledges the positive contribution Pelenatete has made to Vaka Tautua, its work and Pacific communities.

“As one of our longest-serving staff, Pelenatete has played a key role in helping build the vaka to what it is today, and our successes,” says Dr Dunlop.

“Her unwavering passion and determination to support our Pacific families and communities, despite the many obstacles, is what she will be remembered for. We look forward to seeing the wonderful work Pelenatete will continue to do for our Pacific peoples, in the future.”

Pelenatete commenced employment with Vaka Tautua in June 2009, originally as a disability coordinator. Other positions held included senior disability coordinator and senior financial literacy coach.

Pelenatete was also reflective on her time with Vaka Tautua.

“I want to convey my appreciation and thanks to the Board, management and staff for the time I have served under the banner of Vaka Tautua. I enjoyed the work that I have done to support and help our Pacific community in New Zealand.”

The Board, Chief Executive Officer and staff of Vaka Tautua wish Pelenatete well in her future endeavours.