Sauileone Sonny Alesana, was born in the village of Vavau on the south of Upolu. Brought up by his grandmother up until her passing when he wa 5. Sauileone his parents and siblings  moved to Christchurch in 1976 and was later fostered by the Takao/Bailey family from Tuhoe, Ngati Tama, Te Atiawa and Ngati Rarua.

Sauileone is the Chairman of the Nelson Tasman Pasifika Community Trust.  He talks with Ete about some of the issues facing Pasifika people in the South Island and discussions held this week on how Govt funding should be invested.