Laisani Vadei, Financial Administrator for Pasifika Futures Ltd (PFL) based in Christchurch, originally hails from the village of Vagadaci, in the island of Ovalau, province of Lomaiviti, where her father is from. She was raised by her maternal side who are from the village of Tovu, Island of Totoya, Province of Lau.  

Relocating from Fiji to New Zealand so her husband could study medicine, Laisani has ensured that her family remain grounded and connected to their Fijian roots. 

Her favourite Fijian proverb "Dui mate ga ena nona ucu ni vatu" means “Each person is ready to die defending his home territory”, which, for her, means that there is a close attachment to the land and when cornered, a Fijian will fight to the death. 

 “Defending my land can also mean defending my values and what is right, just and fair. This is very important for me as a proud Fijian born woman.” 

Laisani is thankful for her role with PFL. 

“I am very grateful to work with an organisation where I am able to achieve what my role requires of me, and at the same time, maintain my values culturally and ethically as a woman of the Pacific.”  

What she enjoys most about her role with PFL are the family values and how, alongside her role, she is able to be a present mother to four children.  

“As a mother and as a parent, I am their first teacher at home. It's paramount for me that I instil in them the importance of our identity, our language and culture. It represents who we are, where we come from and helps shape the person they will become. 

"The fact that one of Pasifika Futures’ firm values is about nourishing our families helps to blend the role of being a mother alongside my role with PFL in the best way possible.”