Talofa lava! My name is Fogafu (Baba) and I am from the villages of Fasito’otai, Siufaga Falelatai, Upolu in Samoa. I first became involved with Mīharo as a Polyfest performer in primary school and continued throughout high school as a participant and volunteer. I am a proud Mum of 3 beautiful children. My son performed at his very first Murihiku Polyfest in 2023 and this year it will be both of my daughters first time on a Polyfest stage, celebrating their culture and heritage through the art of performing.
I hail from the beautiful Pacific Island of Samoa and have grown up with church and faith, as well as a big supportive family. This has impacted me hugely and molded the mother, the wife and the person I am today. I was born and raised in Southland, Invercargill and moved to Auckland in 2019 with my little family to explore life outside of my home town. After 4 years we returned ‘home’ where we now raise our babies closer to family and our network of love & support.
I feel privileged to be a part of the Mīharo team & work alongside some very talented & hardworking people. As a young mother, it excites me to be a part of the growth and celebration of our culture through the arts. Knowing my babies will have safe spaces and places to learn and be nurtured brings me great joy. I feel honoured to be involved with a whānau who are ensuring our people are being seen and heard, as well as providing our Rangatahi with new opportunities, encouraging them to be the best versions of themselves and allowing them to gain confidence to learn things from a new unique perspective.
I’m looking forward to the new & exciting learning journey ahead-
Ma lo’u faaaloalo lava, faafetai.