Emerging Pasifika leaders of the future

Congratulations to the joint winners of the Pacific Emerging Leadership Award, sponsored by Le Va, at the 2024 SunPix Pacific Peoples Awards on 22 November.

Selu-Kian Lealiifano Faletoese is a Samoan storyteller, producer, and co-founder of Lalaga Niu, dedicated to preserving Indigenous and Pasifika stories.

A 2021 AUT graduate in TV and Screen Production, she has worked on films like ‘E lele le Toloa’ and ‘Koroseta’ and has contributed to research on marginalised communities.

Through Lalaga Niu, Selu-Kian empowers youth and amplifies Pasifika voices in storytelling.

Tristan Petelo Ah-Sui, currently a student at the University of Auckland, is a passionate advocate for Pacific youth.

As co-founder of the Village Arts Association, a Samoan teacher at Dilworth School and organiser of the Le Manumea conference, he empowers Pacific students through education and cultural pride.

Through his platform, The Tautua Movement, Tristan amplifies Pacific voices and supports community causes.

The Pacific Emerging Leadership Award recognises Pacific youth leadership and the valuable foundation that creates for the future.

Le Va looks forward to seeing what both Selu-Kian and Tristan continue to achieve in the years to come.

Watch the ceremony

You can watch coverage of the SunPix Pacific Peoples Awards ceremony below: