Leitu Tufuga is of Samoan (villages of Vailoa – District of Aleipata, Apia & Asau in Savai’i) and Tongan decent (village of Houma, Tongatapu). Leitu leads the National Tobacco Control Advocacy Service at Hāpai Te Hauora, the largest Māori Public Health in Aotearoa. She is passionate about growing capacity of Māori and Pacific whānau, iwi, and communities so they can lead change, and shape effective policies that can improve their health and wellbeing.

“Ole ala ile pule ole tautua” – The path to leadership is through service a well-known Samoan proverb. Before we lead, we need to serve our people.  It is through the many learnings we can gain new insights, sharpen our skills before we take the lead for our communities and families.