Pania Schwenke

Samoan • Bachelor of Commerce

Pania Schwenke is the National Manager Operations, based at Vaka Tautua’s Head Office in Manukau, Auckland.

Pania joined the Vaka in 2022, bringing with her 30 years’ experience working in large international operational teams for Heinz Foods, USA, and Qantas/Jetconnect and knowledge of how to create a high-performance culture.

Pania leads Vaka Tautua’s operational services teams, in line with the strategic direction set by our Board of Directors. As an integral member of Vaka Tautua’s Executive Leadership team, Pania works with our Regional Managers for Auckland, Wellington, Canterbury, and Otago to ensure optimal delivery of our services.

“I am drawn to the vision, values and mission of Vaka Tautua – they align with mine. On my personal vaka, my leadership is all about tautua (service). It is instilled in everything I do and believe.”