Fole (Daleki) Finau

Fole is a Tongan community and systems leader based in West Auckland. He is currently Principal Advisor – Social Innovation at Auckland Council’s The Western Initiative, working alongside Māori, Pacific and local communities to improve social and economic wellbeing. His work focuses on partnerships, place based programmes and investment that strengthen community resilience.

Fole brings wide governance experience, including board roles with Waka Ama Aotearoa New Zealand, the Pasifika Funders Network and a number of West Auckland and national community organisations. He offers strong skills in strategy, funding, risk and relationship management, with a particular focus on equity for Māori and Pasifika communities.

Outside of work, Fole is most at home on the water as a waka ama paddler and coach, supporting Rangatahi and whānau to build confidence, fitness and cultural connection through Waka ama. He is passionate about Pasifika families being safe in, on and around the water, and about water safety being grounded in culture, community and fāmili wellbeing.