She grew up in Faleasiu and is now making waves in New Zealand by taking on leadership roles through her dedication to serving her community.

Natasha Tavita Vaaelua’s journey from her early life to her current role as the newly elected President of P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A Manukau is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and passion for serving her community.

"I dedicate my success to my late grandparents, Tavita Fesola'i Tavita Tilialo Avei and Solinu'u Faufili of Fatu’avaina Faleasiu, whose love and guidance have been foundational to my journey," she said.

Born in LBJ American Samoa to Willie Tavita Fesola'i Tavita Tilialo Avei and Lotu Leilani Asafo Leung Wai, Natasha was raised by her grandparents, Fesola'i Tavita Tilialo Avei and Solinu'u Faufili Tavita, in the village of Faleasiu.

Her father migrated to New Zealand to support Natasha and his parents financially. Growing up as the eldest and only daughter among five brothers, Natasha’s formative education commenced at home under the care of her grandparents, who emphasised biblical literacy, prayer, and hymnody.

This strong foundation set the stage for her formal education at Faleasiu Primary School and Leulumoega Fou College, where she was distinguished as Head Girl. She graduated from the National University of Samoa with a teaching qualification.

Natasha married Malagamali’i Laupepa Vaaelua, the eldest son of Rimoni Vaaelua and Penina of Lalomalava and Apia, and together they have three sons: Nicodemus, Willie, and Rimoni Junior Vaaelua.

Deeply passionate about culture and language, Natasha is committed to serving her community both in Samoa and New Zealand, where she now resides. Through her service, Natasha strives to honour her family, village and country by upholding the values and legacy that reflect positively on her heritage.

In her professional journey, Natasha currently serves as a Facilitator for Early Childhood Education teachers for Samoan Early Childhood centres under the S.A.A.S.I.A. umbrella. In 2023, she published her first children’s book, aiming to promote respectful family communication and inspire young entrepreneurs. Her book has been recognized as one of the First 100 books in Auckland and one of the Top 5 children's books.

Natasha’s dedication to community service is further exemplified by her involvement with P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A Manukau, an organisation dedicated to empowering women and their families. Having served as the Secretary of this branch for three years, Natasha was recently elected President. P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A INC advocates for the social, economic, and cultural development of Pacific women and their families, providing a platform for education, leadership, and community service.

Natasha’s new role as President aligns with her passion for serving her people, continuing the legacy of her grandparents, and drawing inspiration from the beautiful life of her grandmother.

As she looks to the future, Natasha aspires to build on this foundation by advocating for lifelong learning, education equity, and promoting cultural competency. She is committed to integrating Christian values and beliefs into her work, striving to embody compassion, integrity, resilience and service to honour her grandparents' legacy and inspire those around her. Her passion for serving her people and working in the women’s organisation reminds her of the beautiful life of her grandmother as a Samoan woman motivating her to continue her grandparents’ legacy of service and dedication.

Natasha extends her gratitude to her family for their prayers and support, particularly her husband, Malagamali’i Laupepa Vaaelua, for his unwavering support—both emotionally and financially—during her academic and professional pursuits, and to their three sons for their enduring encouragement.

She also acknowledges her church family for fostering her spiritual growth. Additionally, Natasha expresses her heartfelt appreciation to Saveatama Majella Bernie Thompsen for being a great mother figure and role model. Her kindness, strength, and unwavering commitment to family and community have made her embody the values of compassion, resilience, and integrity.

Grateful for her achievements, Natasha dedicates her success to her late grandparents, Tavita Fesola'i Tavita Tilialo Avei and Solinu'u Faufili of Fatu’avaina Faleasiu, whose love and guidance have been foundational to her journey.