PACIFIC CAUCUS

Ali Leota is a proud Sāmoan from the villages of Apolima-Uta, Mulifanua, Letogo & Nofoali’i. Growing up in Porirua he was inspired by the strong women in his life, his wife, mother and both his nanas, who each served in the health system as nurses, midwives and a taulasea (traditional healer), which motivated him to join them and contribute to the health and wellbeing of people in his community.

Ali now serves as a Pacific Senior Advisor - Prevention for the Pacific Public Health Directorate at National Public Health Service – Health New Zealand. Here he leads out on public health programmes to help prevent ill health of Pacific peoples across Aotearoa New Zealand. Prior to this he served as a Population Health Advisor for Hawke’s Bay DHB Public Health Unit that operated in a similar capacity with a particular focus on communities in Te Matau a Māui - Hawke’s Bay.

Both roles were testament to his time at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington where he was heavily involved in student voice and blessed to be one of the first to ever graduate from the Faculty of Health with a Bachelor of Health in Population Health, Policy & Service Delivery in 2020.

Outside of this, Ali is a volunteer for life to the Pacific communities in Porirua and Hawke’s Bay and is always willing to support others realise their aspirations. Postgraduate study in public health is on the horizon, but for now he is loving his time serving Pacific peoples across Aotearoa and growing in his Sāmoan culture.