I joined the VSA team as Programme Manager Vanuatu in April 2024; however, that is not where my VSA journey began. In 2017-18, I volunteered on Malekula, here in Vanuatu, as a Business Development Advisor working out of the Department of Co-operatives. During that time, I grew to love the warm people and rich culture (kastom) of Vanuatu and am grateful to be back here in such an interesting and rewarding role.

Immediately prior to taking up this position, I was in a senior leadership role at the Auckland City Mission and had spent the pandemic years leading a multi-faceted response to rapidly increasing food insecurity in Aotearoa. I have worked across various sectors throughout my career, including hospitality, project management, and education, giving me a broad understanding of many industries.

I am honoured to represent Aotearoa in the Pacific, acknowledging, as Tangata Tiriti, what an absolute privilege it is to be able to live and work in such a magical part of the world.

Micaela