Suiva’aia Te’o

I am a Methodist Presbyter, married with two adult children and two adopted children from Samoa, and I am blessed with three grandchildren.

I was born and raised in Samoa and later came to New Zealand to further my education. While living with my aunty, I attended the Pacific Islanders’ Presbyterian Church (PIPC) and became a member of the Presbyterian Church. After marrying my husband, I joined the Methodist Church.

I have served in ordained ministry for 34 years across five parishes of the Methodist Church of New Zealand. I am currently serving at Wesley Wellington Parish, with pastoral responsibility for the 10 a.m. English-speaking congregation and the Samoan congregation. Together with two other presbyters, we share responsibility for the ministry and mission of the whole parish.

I completed the CAIRA Supervision Course and received a Certificate in Pastoral Supervision. I am currently providing pastoral supervision to six people. During my 34 years in ordained ministry, I have also gained extensive experience in pastoral care, ministry leadership, mentoring, and supporting ministers and lay leaders.

My training and experience have strengthened my ability to listen carefully, ask reflective questions, encourage self-awareness, and help people recognize and use the gifts and strengths they already carry. I seek to support the personal, professional, and spiritual wellbeing of those I supervise while maintaining confidentiality, appropriate boundaries, and accountability.