Michael is a community minded leader with a strong drive to give
back. As the eldest of 5 children, Michael is a role model
for his siblings, especially in finishing secondary school and
going on to tertiary education. He will be the first of his entire
extended family to go to university. Michael says that he gets his
love for education from his Samoan parents who view education as
important. "My strength comes from my family and their Samoan
values of hard work, loyalty and humility," says Michael.
Michael excels on the rugby league field. In 2011 he captained a
First XIII school team and the Warriors Youth Development team. "It
is rare to get a contract with the Warriors at such an early age -
I was only 15 when I started," says Michael.
Michael plans to study Health Sciences in 2012. His future
aspirations centre on helping Pacific Island communities through a
career in the health industry. "He is ready to take on the
challenge of becoming a health professional not only for himself
but also for his family and his community," commented Gill Naden on
behalf of the Auckland DHB at the 2011 Auckland Awards
evening.