MEET THE TEAM
Our strength is in our people
KEPT brings together a network of professionals with deep cultural knowledge, sector expertise, and a shared commitment to delivering meaningful outcomes.
From event delivery, travel coorrdination, strategy and programme design, and cultural facilitation. our team combines lived experience with practical capability to work effectively alongside communities and organisations across Aotearoa and the Pacific.
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TUILAEPA TUMAMA TU'ULUA
Co-Director | Project & Event Specialist | Cultural Competency Facilitator BCom in Management | MBA Candidate
Background in support services in tertiary education, event management, and strategic delivery, with a strong foundation in relationship building and community engagement.
A first generation New Zealand-born Samoan, his father hails from Leusoali’i- Luatuanu’u and his mother is from Sapapali’i where his suafa matai (chief title) is from.
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KALAMELI TU'ULUA
Co-Director | Strategic & Marketing Specialist | Team Leader BCom in Marketing | MBM in Management
Background in business management, sales, marketing, and operations through a decade with Air New Zealand. Skilled in communications, systems, and leadership.
A first generation New Zealand-born Samoan, hails from the villages of Lotoso’a- Sale’imoa and Tuasivi.
Our people
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Mananui Ramsden
CONTRACTOR | Cultural Competency Facilitator
Mananui is a cultural facilitator, advisor, and community leader with deep expertise in Māori engagement, environmental kaupapa, and bicultural partnership.
He brings a wealth of knowledge in Te Ao Māori, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and cultural capability building, helping organisations strengthen their relationships with Māori communities and honour their commitments to partnership.
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Melissa Lama
CONTRACTOR | Cultural Competency Facilitator BA | MBA | Doctoral Candidate
Melissa is a community advocate and policy engagement specialist with strong experience in Pacific leadership and youth development.
She is passionate about authentic engagement, ensuring community voices shape policy and practice, and has worked extensively with government and grassroots organisations to champion Pacific perspectives.
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Valentine Tauamiti
CONTRACTOR | Cultural Competency Facilitator BTh | MInstD
Valentine is an experienced leader with a strong background in governance, communications, and community engagement.
He has served on boards and advisory groups across arts, media, and community sectors, bringing strategic oversight and cultural insight to decision-making.
Passionate about representation and storytelling, Valentine uses his governance expertise to help organisations connect authentically with the communities they serve.
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MICHELLE TEO
CONTRACTOR | Design, Social Media, and Content
Michelle is a marketing and fundraising professional with five years of experience in the not-for-profit, social service sector.
She has a passion for authentic storytelling and representation in the arts & media space, and championing marginalised voices.
