Nina was born in Iva, Savai‘i, Sāmoa, and grew up in Apia. Her father comes from Iva and her mother is from Puapua, Vaimoso and Malie. Nina has a BA in women’s studies and an LLB from the University of Auckland and is currently working as the manager of the Pacific Islands Centre at the University of Otago, a post she has held since 2002. She also holds the high chief title of Tofilau from her village of Iva. She is passionate about all things Pacific.
He’s small
Not too tall
Yet,
a very tall man
His hair a frizzy ball of black curls
crowned by time and wisdom with sina
That could see into your soul
That could touch your conscience and discipline you on the spot
That could speak to your heart, reminding you who you are
O le tamāli‘i
a very ‘paū’ man
with his leo pa‘ulua
Revered by his colleagues
Respected by his people
Feared by the talavou
Or even misunderstood
As … too distant, or maybe too mamalu to be bothered by some wannabes
He’s quiet
E tumu i le fa‘aaloalo
But you can hear him from the Vaipē, Vaito‘elau and the Vaimauga
Just a small man
Not too tall
But very loud.
‘E kelē le kamāloa’