Mahi

Lesieli Pope hails from Haveluloto, Holonga Vava’u, Koulo Ha’apai and is associated with Papatoetoe Tongan Parish and the Tonga District. Her involvement in the ministry includes roles such as Vice President for Tonga District Women Fellowship and Lay Preacher. She comes from a large family of six and has been married for over 35 years. Lesieli is the mother of five daughters, a grandmother to seven grandchildren, and a great grandmother to four more. With a strong interest in Women’s Fellowship and ministry service and a background of nearly 20 years as a Social Worker, Lesieli has spent the past four years working at Auckland Hospital. Her goal is to empower women's active involvement in the work of the New Zealand Methodist Women's Fellowship (NZMWF). Her guiding verse is Proverbs 31:30.

Simulata is Tongan.Niuean and comes from Halafo'ou, Alofi North, Tongoleleka Ha'apai, Holonga Vava’u and Koulo Ha’apai. Simulata is driven by a deep appreciation for Methodist values related to addressing social injustice. She has been immersed in a community-focused upbringing having being a foster sister to many including being the second eldest of six girls. Simulata is a children's rights advocate within the public sector based in Wellington to which she is dedicated to championing the rights of children and young people within government spaces. Simulata's mission is to continue inspiring youth through ministry and the church. Her guiding verse is 1 Timothy 4, which encourages not allowing others to belittle one's youth, but rather to set an example in speech, life, love, faith, and purity. The verse also underscores a commitment to the public reading of Scripture, preaching, and teaching.

Dr. Soana Muimuiheata span Mangere, Auckland, as well as Folaha/Nuketulu, Kolomaile, 'ohonua & Tufuvai in 'Eua, and Kolomotu'a, Ahau Tongatapu. She is associated with Lotofale’ia Mangere Tongan Methodist Parish, where she holds positions such as Parish Secretary, Secretary for Lotofale’ia Akoteu Board, and Vice-Chair of the Health Committee for Lotofale’ia. She's also involved in the Public Issues Network (PIN) and the Conference Committee of the Methodist Church of NZ. Dr. Muimuiheata draws strength from her faith, believing that with God's help, she can achieve all things. Born in a big family in Tonga, she migrated to New Zealand for education and work. Professionally, she works as a Dietitian Consultant and has held significant roles such as Chair of the Dietitian Board of NZ and Council Member of the NZ Society for the Study of Diabetes (NZSSD). Her aspiration is to work collaboratively to promote positive outcomes within the NZ Methodist Women Fellowship, as expressed in her guiding verse Ecclesiastes 3:11 & 12.

Rev. Siutaisa Toutai Tukutau comes from Pangai, Fanganonu, Lofanga, Ha’apai and Ha’ateiho, Tongatapu. She serves as the presbyter at Vaine Mo’onia Tongan Methodist Church in Ponsonby. Rev. Tukutau is the widow of the Late Rev. Peseti Latu Tukutau and has four children and four grandchildren. Rev Siutaisa was a Primary School teacher in Tonga followed by a position at the Bank of Tonga. She pursued then pursued theological studies in New Zealand. In the community, she serves as one of the elders of the Pasifika Youth Court under the Ministry of Justice. Rev. Siutaisa intends to provide spiritual guidance, conduct worship services, and offer confidential counselling on religious and moral matters. She emphasises the importance of mutual support and encouragement within the team, aiming to empower women's ministries. Her guiding verse is Philippians 4:13, highlighting her reliance on Christ's strength for all endeavors.

Tokanga is from the Tonga District and is affiliated with Panmure Methodist Church. She holds the role of Preacher and finds inspiration in the quote by Reinhold Niebuhr about having the wisdom to discern what can and cannot be changed. Originally from Tonga, Tokanga migrated to New Zealand to pursue further education. She hails from the Pelehake and Lofanga regions. She has a passion for encountering new challenges that broaden her horizons. Tokanga is dedicated to uniting Christian women to serve God, support each other, and share experiences. She believes in fostering a global community of women who glorify God through their actions and mutual learning. Her guiding verse is Psalm 28:7, highlighting the Lord's role as her strength and protector, and expressing her trust and joy in Him.

'Iunisi Vaitohi is associated with Dominion/Kingsland Tongan Methodist and holds positions as a Lay Preacher and Leader of the Women's Fellowship. Having arrived in New Zealand during the era of the Dawn Raids, 'Iunisi has been a dedicated member of Dominion/Kingsland Tongan Methodist since her arrival. She is a mother of five and a grandmother. Professionally, she has an extensive background as a Legal Secretary, with over 30 years of experience in intellectual property rights, working for lawyers in New Zealand and Australia. She currently works for the Public Defence Service in Manukau, collaborating with criminal defence lawyers. In the NZMWF, 'Iunisi's aim is to establish a strong foundation for young women, emphasizing the importance of being good mothers and seeking God. Her guiding verse is Proverbs 31:30, highlighting the value of a woman who reveres the Lord over mere external charm or beauty.

Selina comes from Ha’ato’u Pangai Ha’apai, Pea, and Kolomotu’a. Her church affiliation is with Pulela’a New Lynn Methodist Church, where she is actively involved. Professionally, Selina has worked as a general nurse in the General Medicine Department (Super Clinic Outpatient) at Counties Manukau, specializing as a Diabetes Liaison nurse.
In her church activities, Selina is a Sunday school teacher for class 6 and plays an active role in the Fanongo kihe Ui group. Additionally, she serves as a Youth Leader alongside her husband. Selina's focus within the NZMWF is on the purpose of reconnecting with God and one another. This entails helping women deepen their understanding and experience of God through Christ, promoting the spread of Christ's message worldwide, and fostering personal responsibility for the Church's mission. Her guiding verse is Isaiah 40:31, highlighting the strength that comes from hoping in the Lord.

Ofa Matakaiongo is a mother and also an active member of Fakafeangai Ma'oni'oni, the Onehunga Tongan Methodist Church. Her roles include Assistant Secretary, Treasurer for the church and the Women's committee, Youth Leader, Sunday school teacher, and Inspector for the Vahefonua Tonga Sunday school committee. Ofa’s parents played vital roles in the church for over 20 years as Stewards before retiring/ She and her siblings have followed suit in ministry and taking up church leadership and service. Professionally, Ofa works as a banker which she is a Credit Solutions Specialist. Her guiding verse is Matthew 6:33, emphasising the importance of seeking God's kingdom and righteousness above all else.

Saloni comes from Kolomotu'a, Ma'ufanga, and Ha'ato'u/Ha'apai. She is associated with Saione Parish in Papatoetoe and holds the position of Parish Treasurer. Being a woman who is deeply involved in the Methodist Church, Saloni is also a mother of three children. She is engaged in both the role of "Tauhi 'api" and is self-employed. Her ambition centers around contributing her skills and strengths to the upliftment of Fafine 'ae Metotisi Nu'u Sila (Tongan Methodist Women's Fellowship in New Zealand) and the broader Tongan community. Saloni finds inspiration in Romans 8:28, which highlights the belief that God orchestrates everything for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

Melevea associated with Otara Tongan Parish. Her identity centres around being a servant of Christ. Born in Tonga and raised in New Zealand, her family immigrated for a better life. Melevea finds joy in traveling, reading, and listening to gospel music. Her professional role is that of a Healthcare Assistant and Caregiver. Her goals within the NZMWF include sharing the insights she's gained with her local women's fellowship and collaborating with her fellow committee members to fulfill their calling. Her guiding verse is Jeremiah 29:11, reflecting on God's plans for prosperity, hope, and a future.

This Fund is administered by the New Zealand Methodist Women's Fellowship and offers financial assistance to:

(a)  Women from Methodist Parishes and Uniting Congregations with a Methodist component within the Methodist Connexion of Te Hāhi Weteriana O Aotearoa New Zealand.

(b)   Indigenous church workers in the South Pacific.

The New Zealand Methodist Women's Fellowship Annual Friendship Scholarship was established to enable and encourage South Pacific Island girls, resident in New Zealand, to continue with their Secondary Education, thus gaining the higher qualifications which are necessary in today's world.