About Us
Tavaesina Educational Services
We are a dedicated team of educators committed to providing high-quality early childhood education that honors and nurtures the cultural heritage of our community. As a Christian and family-oriented organization, we prioritize the holistic development of each child, ensuring they grow in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment.
We operate two centres: Fetu Taiala Aoga Amata, a full Samoan immersion centre, and Fetu Aolele Multicultural Early Childhood Centre. Our programmes are designed to celebrate cultural diversity and instil strong values, fostering a sense of belonging and identity in every child.
We are deeply rooted in the Mangere community, with over 30 years of service, and our work is inspired by our founder, Vaitava’e Su’a Aloese – Moe JP, ONZM, a pioneer in Pasifika early childhood education.
At the heart of Tavaesina’s inspiration is the belief in the power of community, faith, and family. The educational services offered are not just about academic achievement but also about cultivating a strong sense of identity, belonging, and respect for cultural diversity. This holistic approach ensures that children grow not only in knowledge but also in character, grounded in the rich traditions and values of their heritage.
Tavaesina’s inspiration also stems from the recognition of the challenges faced by families and organizations in navigating ECE rules and regulations. With a focus on aligning educational practices with Pacific values, Tavaesina seeks to empower children, educators, and families to overcome these challenges and achieve their shared goals and aspirations.
OUR MISSION
"To provide a nurturing and inclusive environment where children thrive through a deep connection to Samoan language, culture, and values, while also embracing the diverse cultural heritage of our wider community. We are dedicated to delivering high-quality early childhood education that honours each child’s unique identity, promotes cultural understanding, and equips them with the skills and knowledge to succeed in a multicultural world."
At Tavaésina Educational Services our mission is to:
- • Promote Cultural Heritage
- • Foster Inclusivity and Diversity
- • Deliver Quality Education
- • Support Holistic Development.
- • Empower Families and Communities
- • Uphold Christian Values
- • Encourage Lifelong Learning
"Empowering a generation of confident, culturally grounded, and globally aware learners by embracing and celebrating the richness of Samoan language and culture alongside the diverse cultural tapestry of our community. We are committed to nurturing each child’s identity, fostering respect for all cultures, and inspiring a love for learning that transcends boundaries."
The Inspiration behind Tavaésina
Tava'esina Educational Services is deeply inspired by a commitment to nurturing the cultural identity, values, and aspirations of its community. Rooted in the legacy of its founder, Vaitava’e Su’a Aloese – Moe JP, ONZM, the organization embodies her passion for education, care, and dedication to serving others. The name Tava'esina symbolizing the majestic bird known for its resilience and beauty, mirrors the organization's mission to empower children and families. Just as the Tava'e bird soars high, Tavaesina aims to uplift and inspire its young learners, helping them reach their full potential. The organization's deep roots in the Mangere community for over three decades highlight a steadfast commitment to providing a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where children can thrive
The name Tava’esina honors Vaitava’e Su’a Aloese – Moe JP, ONZM, a trailblazer and pioneer in Pasifika Early Childhood Education (ECE). Her distinguished career began in 1973 as a Registered Obstetric Nurse. She transitioned into early childhood education, driven by a deep commitment to her Samoan culture, language, and community, starting a playgroup within her local St Therese Mangere East Parish in 1994. While working full-time graveyard shifts as an Obstetric Nurse and raising a family of ten, Vaitava’e launched this playgroup with the goal of sustaining and maintaining fa’asinomaga—our Samoan identity, language, and culture. Despite starting with a small group, her dedication and perseverance led to the playgroup’s growth. She tirelessly sought out new spaces to accommodate the expanding group, knocking
on doors throughout the community, distributing homemade flyers, and advocating for the needs of children even to Members of Parliament.
In 1997, alongside passionate Pasifika community leaders, Vaitava’e helped establish and was appointed the Inaugural Chair of the Mangere Pasifika Educational Trust, serving from 1997 to 2011. This trust began with five centers that started as playgroups and were licensed in 2000. They are still successfully running within our Mangere community today, affectionately referred to by local MPs as the ‘Mini University of South Auckland.’
In 1999, with the steadfast support of her husband, Toleafoa Pio Moe, Vaitava’e furthered her education, earning a Diploma of Teaching and a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. In 2000, Vaitava’e retired from her long and impactful career at Middlemore Hospital, where she was one of the longestserving Pasifika Obstetric Nurses with Fetu Taiala Aoga Amata running and went on to open a second center Fetu Aolele Multi-cultural Earlychildhood Center in 2015.
Vaitava’e’s unwavering dedication led to the establishment of our two centers, Fetu Taiala Aoga Amata and Fetu Aolele Multicultural Early Childhood Centre, and earned her a Queen’s Honor and was awarded to be To be an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her contributions and service to the Pasifika community. Her pioneering work has laid a solid foundation for our ongoing commitment to high-quality Pasifika early childhood education. Her legacy remains a guiding force in our mission to empower and educate future generations. Her story is a powerful testament to the impact of passion for Samoan culture, vision, resilience, and community spirit, embodying the core values that propel our organization forward.
