Talofa lava! My name is Peta, and I am of Samoan descent, born and raised in Invercargill alongside my three older siblings, Mum, and Dad. I come from a large, close-knit family, where our faith and culture have played a significant role in shaping the person I am today.

My journey with Mīharo began in primary school, where I performed with my Kapa Haka rōpū and later with my Pasifika group at Murihiku Polyfest. This was the highlight of my school years, providing one of the few opportunities to celebrate my culture through performing arts. In high school, I had the privilege of participating in numerous Mīharo led workshops, projects, and programmes centred around performing arts, culture, identity, and career pathways within the Pasifika arts sector. After a year of studies in Otago and a few years of work experience, I began a new and exciting journey in 2023 as the Programme and Event Lead for Mīharo.

Now, I am fortunate to apply the skills and knowledge gained from those early experiences to my role, where I am dedicated to serving and uplifting my community. It is incredibly rewarding to be part of the Mīharo aiga and to help amplify the voices of our Māori and Pasifika communities through creative initiatives that empower and celebrate our beautiful people. Fa'afetai lava.