Elia Aiaraisa

Samoan •

Elia Aiaraisa is a Community Support Worker in our Ola Fiafia Mental Health team in Auckland.

Elia joined Vaka Tautua in March 2022, coming from a role at the Ministry of Social Development as a Customer Service Representative. Prior to that, Elia worked in the aviation industry for more than a decade where he combined his love of travel with his interest in meeting new people. He hopes to use his relationship building skills to support Pacific people to improve their mental wellbeing.

Born and raised in Magiagi, Upolu, Samoa, Elia came to New Zealand in late 2002 for the opportunities on offer. Family is very important to him and he enjoys getting together with his large extended family to eat, laugh, and sing. He enjoys keeping fit and healthy, and being a role model for his children. 

“We are not all in the same boat, we are in the same storm. Some have yachts, some canoes and some are drowning. Just be kind and help whoever you can.”