Meet our Team

Do you need help deciding what to study or if MIT is the right fit for you?

Our friendly Schools and Community team can help support you as you transition into further study.

From providing study options, programme information, on-campus experiences, campus tours and assisting you through our application process - our team are here to help.

Contact us today to make an appointment.

  • Lorna Fa’alafi

    Team Leader, Schools and Community

    Phone: 022 0140 605
    Email: lorna.fa’alafi@manukau.ac.nz

    Profile

    Lorna was born and raised in West Auckland but adopted South Auckland as her new home when she and her husband bought their first home in Papakura.

    She has been working at MIT since 2017. Starting in the Pasifika Development Office then moved across to the Schools and Community team in 2018. For many years Lorna was a primary school teacher and has always valued quality education as an opportunity for a better quality of life.

    She believes MIT offers many great opportunities for young and old, and she is proud to be a part of a tertiary provider that has been serving South Auckland for more than 50 years.

    Outside of work she loves teaching Samoan dancing for young girls aged 5y-12y and empowering confidence to value Samoan culture. Her happy place is chilling with her husband and two children.

  • Oli Talasinga

    Schools and Community Liaison

    Phone: 022 010 3516
    Email: oli.talasinga@manukau.ac.nz

    Profile

    Hailing from the Kingdom of Tonga, Oli was born in Auckland but raised in the beautiful Bay of Islands where she spent all of her schooling years before moving back to the city for tertiary study. She has now adopted South Auckland as her new home.

    She has worked in a variety of industries including hospitality and retail before discovering her passion for helping students and community development. Oli has worked at MIT for 2 years but has been involved with schools for 8 years and enjoys engaging with students, creating bridges for people to connect and serving the community.

    Outside of work she does Hip Hop dance and loves to travel. She’s been blessed to have travelled the world through dance and her favourite country where she’s competed was Mexico.

  • Tusi Perez

    Schools and Community Administrator

    Phone: 027 568 8621
    Email: tusi.perez@manukau.ac.nz

    Profile

    Tusi was born and raised in Auckland. She is the Schools and Community Administrator and supports the liaison team with events, activities and other initiatives. She believes the best thing about her role is seeing people pathway into further education and realizing their goals and aspirations through tertiary study.

    Outside of work Tusi likes to spend quality time with her family and she capturing memories through photography.

  • Willy Taavili

    Schools and Community Liaison

    Phone: 027 568 9757
    Email: willy.taavili@manukau.ac.nz

    Profile

    Willy was born and raised in the East Auckland suburb of Glen Innes but now resides in South Auckland with his aiga.

    Willy has been a part of the Schools and Community team since 2021. With a background in youth work, Willy enjoys connecting with the younger rangatahi and being able to help different ākonga from across Tamaki discover their passion and know their potential.

    In his spare time, Willy enjoys exercising, hanging out with lifelong friends and spending time with his loved ones.