Lemalu Silao Vaisola-Sefo

Languages: English, Samoan

Lemalu Silao Vaisola Sefo is the Chief Executive of South Seas, appointed in June 2016, responsible for overseeing the growth of the organisation and providing leadership as South Seas Healthcare takes the next step in developing our services and its vision. Silao has been a key member of the South Seas Executive Management and Leadership Team since 2013, when he initially joined as Operations Manager, having moved from Counties Manukau District Health Board. Silao has a background in professional rugby, which he sees as providing the building blocks to his professional career. Silao aims to ensure that a key part of his role is to strengthen and build relationships with community and partners to ensure the healthcare developments are in line with future growth and aspirations. Silao was born in the village of Gagaifo o le Vao in the district of Lefaga in Samoa, was educated in New Zealand and is a graduate of the University of Otago. Silao's chiefly title Lemalu is from the district of Matautu, Lefaga.

Tagaloa Dr Andrew Chan Mow

Languages: English, Samoan

Tagaloa Dr Andrew Chan Mow is the Clinical Director of South Seas Healthcare. He has a wealth of experience in Pacific primary healthcare having worked as a general practitioner in South Auckland over the last 20 years. An Otago University graduate he has previously worked in hospitals in Dunedin, Palmerston North, Auckland and Samoa. Dr Chan Mow was one of the founding members of South Seas Healthcare Trust formed in 1999 in response to an unmet need for a Pacific health provider in Otara. His passion remains in Pacific primary healthcare, one which encompasses cultural values and community engagement in providing excellent health outcomes for all Pacific people.

Ualesi Ieremia

Languages: English, Samoan

Ualesi was born and raised in Samoa and she migrated with her family to NZ 15 years ago. Prior to working for South Seas, she worked for over 12 years at an NGO in their Drug and Alcohol Service. Ualesi wanted change and was fortunate to join the Gambling team of South Seas as a Gambling Practitioner. She has a degree in Social Work and is currently undertaking studies in Applied Addiction. She speaks Samoan and English fluently. Her passion is to work with people, who for some reason have been influenced/caught up with pressure/addictions in life. Ualesi likes dialoguing with people and has a listening ear for the issues they bring and working together to find the best solutions and options for them. She believes that working in partnership with people seeking help will steer them to achieving their goals, creating a brighter future.