South Seas Healthcare Trust Confirms Aupito Su’a William Sio as Chairperson
South Seas Healthcare Trust confirms Aupito Su’a William Sio as Chairperson, following jubilee celebrations marking more than 25 years of the organisation’s service to the community.
Based in the heart of Ōtara in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, South Seas Healthcare Trust is honoured to confirm the appointment of Aupito Su’a William Sio as the Chairperson of the Board, following his term as Interim Chairperson over the past year.
This appointment aligns meaningfully with the milestone year, with South Seas recently marking more than 25 years of service to Pacific communities in South Auckland and beyond. It is a significant moment of reflection, and Aupito’s confirmation as Chair signals a strong commitment to building on this strong legacy of care, leadership, and community advocacy.
Aupito brings to the role decades of governance experience in the public sector and international fora, including as a government minister, a Member of Parliament, and deputy mayor in the former Manukau City Council. His leadership over the past year has brought strategic depth, cultural wisdom, and a renewed focus to the Trust’s mission. As Chairperson, he will continue to guide South Seas through its next phase of development, deepening its role as a Pacific-led, community-grounded provider of health and wellbeing services.
"My 'tautua' to our community never ends, and I feel deeply privileged and humbled to continue as Chairperson. For me, this isn't just a governance role, it is a duty to continue building on the legacy transferred to us by the founders in the pursuit of better health and wellbeing outcomes for Pacific communities. It's exciting to work alongside people who are committed to serving our communities with a strength-based focus on community values, cultural intelligence and preparing future leaders. Together, we will reset a vision for South Seas to manifest the spirit of 'le alofa fa'atino' for the new emerging Pacific communities of Aotearoa New Zealand and their families. We want to make sure that South Seas continues to respond uniquely to our community's wellbeing aspirations for generations to come.”
The Board and Executive of South Seas extend their heartfelt gratitude to Aupito for his leadership to date, and warmly welcome him as the confirmed Chairperson as we step into the future with purpose and vision.
Chief Executive of South Seas, Lemalu Silao Vaisola-Sefo “Aupito joined the South Seas Board at a time when we reflect on the past 25+ years of service and look ahead to the next 25 years with renewed energy and vision. With his leadership, we are confident that South Seas will continue to thrive and grow, staying true to our mission, while embracing new opportunities.”
Dame Dr. Teuila Percival, South Seas Deputy Chairperson, shared “As we move beyond our jubilee year, Aupito’s values-driven leadership ensures our legacy of service continues to grow stronger.”
With this appointment, South Seas Healthcare reaffirms its commitment to delivering high-quality, culturally anchored care - honouring its past and embracing a bold, community-led future.
Queries to
South Seas Healthcare Trust CEO Office
Email: ceo.office@southseas.org.nz