Litia Tuiburelevu

Guest writer

Litia Tuiburelevu is a professional teaching fellow at the University of Auckland’s Faculty of Law, overseeing the Pacific law students’ academic programme. She teaches an elective course titled “Pacific Peoples and the Law: Critical Perspectives” and is also interested in film and photography.

Dinah Otukolo and Dianne Wihoni, Southside Aiga Midwives, by

Pacific profiles: Meet the Southside Aiga Midwives, who serve whānau in the heart of Māngere

'We are counsellors, we are social workers, we are a lot of things to a lot of different people at different times'

By Litia Tuiburelevu | 18th November, 2024

Charles Gillet (Photo: Geoffery Matautia for Pacific Profiles)

Pacific profiles: The self-proclaimed ‘Rarotongan rum renegade’ of Ōtautahi

'As Pacific Island people, hospitality is in our blood... And when you do something for so long, you get good at it.'

By Litia Tuiburelevu | 3rd October, 2024

Tiria PACIFIC PROFILES

Pacific profiles: Mr Tiria, the English teacher showcasing Pacific literature in Naenae

'I want to teach our stories. A lot of the students are shocked that I’m a brown, male English teacher.'

By Litia Tuiburelevu | 20th September, 2024

Losalini Tuwere

Pacific profiles: Meet the teacher behind NZ’s longest-running Fijian language class

'All of our mother tongues are beautiful. It’s the language of our parents. It’s the language of our hearts.'

By Litia Tuiburelevu | 6th September, 2024

Siaosi (George) Lavelua (Photo: Geoffery Matautia).

Pacific profiles: Siaosi (George) Lavelua from Tāmaki Makaurau’s longest-serving ‘otai business

'I’d love to see it sold in all the shops like a regular, kiwi beverage. You know, you can just pop out and get some ‘otai.'

By Litia Tuiburelevu | 23rd August, 2024

Kenichi Aperila (Photo: Geoffery Matautia).

Pacific profiles: Meet Ken the barber, who does more than cut hair

'With some of my regular clients, I often wonder if they even talk to their partners when I hear some of the things they say to me. It’s like counselling.'

By Litia Tuiburelevu | 16th August, 2024

Pacific profiles: Meet Auckland’s favourite driving instructor

Pacific profiles: Meet Auckland’s favourite driving instructor

The Pacific profiles series shines a light on Pacific people in Aotearoa doing interesting and important work in their communities, as nominated by members of the public.

By Litia Tuiburelevu | 3rd August, 2024

Pacific profiles: Tapa artist and champion of Pacific studies, Mauatua Fa’ara-Reynolds

Pacific profiles: Tapa artist and champion of Pacific studies, Mauatua Fa’ara-Reynolds

'I do everything for my tupuna. I want to do my namesake, Mauatua proud.'

By Litia Tuiburelevu | 17th July, 2024

Pacific profiles: The man behind Junk & Disorderly and the Central Flea Market

Pacific profiles: The man behind Junk & Disorderly and the Central Flea Market

The Pacific profiles series shines a light on Pacific people in Aotearoa doing interesting and important work in their communities, as nominated by members of the public.

By Litia Tuiburelevu | 22nd June, 2024

Image: Getty Images

‘Natural beauty’ is a scam and I’m no longer falling for it

Achieving an effortless "no makeup makeup" look is far more stressful than the old beauty standards ever were.

By Litia Tuiburelevu | 3rd October, 2020