MEET THE CAST
Pauline Filoi Tanielu-Sauvao
(Salelologa, Faleasi’u & Nofoali’i, Safotu)
My passion and love for singing and performance started at a young age in Sunday School at Porirua P.I.C. Awarded with a Degree in Education and a Teaching Diploma, my hearts desire was to still fulfil my singing. This came to fruition when I decided to follow my heart and study Music/Vocals at Whitireia Polytech for the Certificate in Contemporary Rock, Jazz and Commercial Music. This led to being a singer in a few local bands in the local area performing for different corporate functions, weddings, birthdays, and biggest gig at the Martinborough Wine Festival.
I was privileged to be part of the L.A Music Awards in Hollywood and New York in 2011 as a backing vocalist for Anita Prime as well as supporting her tour throughout NZ which was an amazing experience. Although for me being new to he theatre scene, I was inspired by my mother Leautuli’ilagi Sauvao, who acted in different plays and TV Series, my 12 yr old son Uriah also keeps me motivated in wanting to achieve more in life for him. To be involved with Fatu Na Toto, is a blessing and honour to be a part of our very own sister’s Journey and life story of her dear parents.
Filoi Vailaau
(Vaiala and Falealili Poutasi)
Filoi Vailaau holds a Bachelor of Performing Arts majoring Pacific Performing Arts from the University of Auckland. Currently residing in Auckland, Filoi is the project manager and dance development officer for dance organisation Pacific Dance New Zealand. Filoi is an experienced Samoan dancer/tutor and choreographer and has been involved in many performances of siva Samoa in Auckland. Recently, Filoi performed ‘Moe Teitei’ a duet siva Samoa with a modern twist at the 2012 Tempo Auckland Dance Festival. Filoi has trained in other Pacific Dance forms and showcases her performance and dance skills in Polynesian Dance group Ariki Vaine (Auckland based). Filoi is a Wellingtonian with family living in Porirua, Waitangirua.
Saufoi Tua Faavale
(Safaatoa Lefaga and Satalo Falealili)
Talofa lava, my name is Saufoi Tua Fa'avale, but most people call me Sauf. I am a student from Whitireia Stage and Screen Arts heading into my
3rd and final year. My love for performing took awhile to find me, it wasn't until my last year of high school is when I fully convinced myself that performing is what I wanted to pursue as a career. For the past 2 years I have been studying Act at Whitireia Performing Arts Centre (WPAC) and loving every moment of it. Fatu Na Toto would be my first dance show, I am excited and privileged to be a part of this show. I love learning about my culture and what better way to do it then being in a great show with an outstanding cast :)
Huge shout out to my family and friends for there on going support, much love and appreciation. Specially you Tyler Jayne Jones, your amazing!
Kane Leaupepe
Talofa lava, my names Kane Leaupepe, I am of Samoan and European decent, born and raised in the great windy city Wellington! I am about to start my second year of study in Musical Theatre at the Whitireia Performance centre on Vivian Street in Wellington and thoroughly enjoying myself. I didn’t get into the whole performing thing until my 6th form year in college where I was a part of my first school production ‘Les Miserables’, and since then have been addicted to the buzz you get while performing on stage and have developed a great passion for performance especially in Musical Theatre. Fatu Na Toto will be my first Samoan performance and I am loving learning about my culture and having the opportunity in working with such an awesome group of talented people. I am looking forward to the show and recommend everyone who’s thinking about seeing it to do so. You’re in for a treat!!
Julien Lameka Nehemia
(Manihiki, Mauke, Penrhyn)
Currently in his final year towards a Bachelor of Applied Arts at Whitireia Performing Arts.
Meka attended Newlands College where he was House Captain and a Poly Club Leader in his 7th form year. He was also a member of the New Zealand Association of Barbershop Singers (NZABS) chorus Vocal FX in 2008-2009.
In his studies at Whitireia Meka has travelled to:
2010: Maribor (Slovenia), Karlovac (Croatia), Kirrcheim, Bitburg, Schlitz (Germany)
2011: WOMADelaide (Australia), Womad (Taranaki- NZ),
Cori, Sardinia, Macerata, Gorizia (Italy)
He also performed in the Wellington season of the Play “Dog and Bone” directed under Jim Moriarty.
Te Hau Wairua o Panekiri Winitana
(Te Atiawa, Ngati Ruapani, Nukuroa, Atiu)
Te Hau attended Hutt Valley high school where she was the Cultural Captain in her 7th form year. She also studied for a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Pacific Studies at Victoria University. And was a member of the National women’s handball team 2004-2006, Oceania women’s handball team 2007.
In her time as a student at Whitireia, she has travelled to:
2010: Maribor (Slovenia), Karlovac (Croatia), Kircheim, Bitburg, Schlitz (Germany)
2011: WOMADelaide (Australia), Womad (Taranaki- NZ,Cori, Sardinia, Macerata, Gorizia (Italy)
She is currently dancing in two Cook Islands Community dance groups;
Akatokamanava and Porirua’s Main Event.
TJ Manase Fereti
(Vaie’e, Vaiala,Moata’a, Tanugamanono, Luatuanu’u & Lauali’i)
Growing up in the church, TJ started performing at a very young age in EFKS Newtown. He starred in the Wellington season of Kia Ora Khalid and is currently in year 12 at Wellington College where he studies performing arts, plays in the under 65kg team and performs for T.A.B (together as brothers) pacific dance group. TJ has also performed in the barbershop group at EFKS Newlands church where he is an active member of the church choir and youth group. TJ led the South Wellington church groups' performance at the EFKS 50th celebrations at the Telstra pacific stadium in Manukau this year.
Wananga: Drummondville, Quebec Waynesville, North Carolina
Whena Maria Puaula
(Falealupo, Sataua, Savai'i Vaigaga, Eva and Fasito'o)
Maria was born and raised in the St Pius X Samoan Catholic Community in Glen Innes, Auckland. She was also a tutor for the Baradene College Samoan Polyfest group 2006-08.
She has now moved to Wellington to pursue her dream of creative expression through dance, music and ultimately theatre. She is currently in her second year of study at Whitireia Performing Arts. She travelled with this group in 2012 and toured Drummondville, Quebec and Waynesville, North Carolina.
Ian Lesã
(Papa Sãtaua, Savai’i)
Ian holds a BAppA in Stage and Screen Arts. In 2012 he completed his Post Graduate study in teaching in the arts at Whitireia Community Polytechnic. He’s passionate in learning about all facets of the Arts. And his inner geek now sees him embarking on a new learning venture on the Master in Theatre Arts in Directing Programme at Toi Whakaari for the next two years.
Ian sees himself as a Director/Actor/Writer. In 2011 he wrote, directed, produced and performed his first work “bOYS ‘n da shed”. 2012 saw him play a main character in Helen Pearse-Otene’s “Dog and Bone” production. He was also the Choreographer, and Assistant Director to Jim Moriarty on this production. And together with Richard Finn he co-directed “Teechers” production. He looks forward to working with the entire cast and crew of “Fatu na Totõ”: “I believe in Tupe’s vision for this piece and it’s a privilege to be apart of it!
Moana Leota
Vaimoso, Avao & Irish decent
Fatu Na toto is 14 year old Moana Leota’s first professional Theatre production.
Moana has always loved sharing her voice and at the age of 11 was recognised for this when she became the voice behind the Interlslander commercial, in 2011 a vocalist on the Little Bushman album Te Oranga.
At primary school Moana nurtured her love of music. In both 2010 and 2011 she was acknowledged for her leadership and dedication to the Arts when she received the school award for Outstanding Contribution to Performing Arts.
Moana is currently a year 10 student at St Catherine’s College. She is a valued member of the school Multicultural Club, School Choir, Belles Voix (auditioned choir), Barbershop Quartet and is also learning the saxophone and piano. In 2012 she was Top in Year 9 Music and was the recipient of the honourable Wahine Toa shield.
When the Fatu Na toto season is complete Moana will shift her focus to rehearsing for her debut solo concert which is being held at the iconic Old St Paul’s in March. Moana will share the stage with Warren Maxwell (Trinity Roots, Little Bushman) and others.
Jordan Jean Fuimaono
(Moata’a, Lalomanu, Samoa, Nga Puhi)
Jordan is in her 3rd year at Whitireia Performing Arts.
She has toured with fellow students to Cori, Sardinia, Macerata, Gorizia (Italy) in 2011 and was part of the Laying Down the Challenge at Te Papa for Rugby World Cup.
In 2012 Jordan was also part of the Performing Arts group to tour Drummondville, Quebec and Waynesville, North Carolina.
Wananga: Drummondville, Quebec Waynesville, North Carolina
Taofi Mose-Tuiloma
(Tuana'i, Sa'anapu, Ulutogia Aleipata, Vaovai Falealili)
Taofi Mose-Tuiloma graduated from Whitireia New Zealand in 2007 with a Bachelor in Applied Arts, majoring in Performing Arts. And has recently completed her post graduate Diploma in Performing Arts. Taofi has performed in two musical theatre productions, with the Kila Kokonut Krew, The Factory- A Pacific Musical and with Auckland Theatre Company’s 2012 production of Sinarella. Both performances were held at Mangere Arts Centre in south Auckland. She was a founding member of the Waka Ura Cultural group, who were recognized at the Creative New Zealand Arts Pasifika awards in 2007, receiving an award for Emerging Pacific Artist group showing promise in their chosen form.
In 2009 she co-devised and starred in Polyzygotic, this was chosen as the ‘pick of the fringe’ and performed at Downstage theatre that same year. Taofi has also travelled Europe, Asia and North America as a performer at the CIOFF (council of international folklore festivals) with the Whitireia Performing Arts group.
In 2012 Taofi was part of a production of 'Teechers' for her Post Graduate Diploma and 'Romeo and Tusi' as part of the Body of Works.
Amanda Sharee Noblett
(Tainui, Waikato, Ngati Maniapoto)
Graduate of Whitireia Community Polytechnic, Bachelor of Applied Arts (Performing Arts). Educated at Te Kura Kaupapa Maori O Nga Mokopuna, Te Reo Maori is the foundation in my life and keeping it alive has been a main focus in my career choices. While attending Whitireia Performing Arts, my training and extensive experience has seen me represent Aotearoa and the Pacific Islands at an International level, through the language of song and dance.
While studying, I was fortunate enough to travel to France, Italy, Spain, America and Germany, to share the dance cultures of Aotearoa, Samoa and the Cook Islands. In 2010, I travelled to China alongside internationally acclaimed violinist Elena and creator of the stage show “Maui- One Man against The Gods” Tanemahuta Gray, to perform for the World Expo in Shanghai.
I was also a cultural ambassador and performer for Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast and her Mayoral Delegation visiting Beijing, Tianjin and sister city Xiamen.
In March 2011, I was a part of the team from Whitireia Performing Arts that would perform with Wellington based Dub and Bass band Rhombus at the WOMADELAIDE Festival in Adelaide, and WOMAD Festival in Taranaki.
Matua Falemua Tolua Lualua
(Savaia, Lefaga, Fusi, Safata, Satupaitea)
Falemua moved to Wellington from Samoa, in 1972, for employment opportunities and to help provide for his family in Savaia, Lefaga. Falemua 's first job in New Zealand was at Rheem in Tawa at 95 cents per hour. He then married and settled in Porirua, raising a son and three daughters. During this time, Falemua was actively involved in the EFKS Ketesemane Church groups, leading performances in the Wellington Region and as part of the tour to Hawaii and Samoa. "I am honoured that my Daughter has asked me to be a part of her show, I am very proud of her, This is my first professional performance in a live theatre and I will never forget it". Soifua Ma Ia Manuia.
Wananga: Drummondville, Quebec Waynesville, North Carolina
