Lealamanu’a Aiga Caroline Mareko, MNZM, JP, FNZEI, is a New Zealand born Samoan who hails from the villages of Lalomanu, Avao, Mulifanua, Faleula and Vaiusu.

She taught in Porirua primary schools for 18 years, and moved on to work for Ministry of Education and the Education Review Office. Currently working for Whānau Manaaki Kindergartens as the Community Services Senior Lead, she oversees a team of approximately 60 staff working in Pacific and community services such as Pacific kindergartens including a Homebase ECE service, Transport network, Le Fale Job & Skills Hub, Whanau ora Pasifika and Engaging Priority Families Contracts and a team of community navigators.

For over 30 years Lealamanu’a Aiga Caroline Mareko has delivered culturally responsive professional development across the education sector, government and community organisations. She also enjoys organising community engagement events within Pacific communities.

Lealamanu’a Aiga Caroline Mareko is the national co-convenor for the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Komiti Pasefika for just over 10 years . She is the presiding member of Aotea College School Board, serves on the Creekfest organising committee, Chair of the Te Kiwa Nui PolyFest as well as Co-Chair for the Porirua Pacific Services Network.