From leading grassroots community initiatives to establishing a Pacific-led Community Dietetic Clinic, Finau has dedicated her career to empowering Pacific communities to reclaim their wellbeing through culturally grounded, evidence-based nutrition. Her story reminds us that dietetics isn’t just about food, it’s about connection, leadership, and healing. 

What was the turning point that led you to focus on health and nutrition? 
Losing my father suddenly to a heart attack on 22 June 2004, at just 63 years old, was a turning point in my life. That devastating moment made me reflect deeply on my own health and that of my young family. My children were already struggling with obesity and I knew I had to make serious changes, not just for myself, but to break the cycle and lead by example. 

How did your journey with Pacific Trust Otago begin? 
In October 2004, I began working as a Nutrition and Physical Activity Health Promoter for Pacific Trust Otago (PTO), the Pacific Provider in Dunedin. At the time, I was also searching for a stronger sense of purpose, something that would strongly motivate me to lose weight and give meaning to my work. Fortunately, I found that purpose in the commitment to live the values I promote, starting with my own health. Over time, I successfully lost 29% of my body weight and maintained it. Our communities are likely to be open to health education and messages if the messenger looks the part. 

What kinds of initiatives have you led through your health promoter role? 
In my health promoter role at PTO, I developed and run numerous community-based health promotion initiatives. These included the Pacific Senior Group, weekly exercise sessions, Pasifika annual sports tournaments, the Breakaway Holiday Programme, and even a vegetable gardening competition. These were more than just events, they were platforms for reinforcing healthy eating messages and encouraging physical activity in fun, accessible ways. Over the years, these activities have created strong community connections, a sense of belonging, and what I like to call a “Pasifika village atmosphere” in Dunedin. Many of these programmes are still running today as part of PTO’s ongoing activities and continue to positively impact lives with even the second generation now taking part. 

What motivated you to become a qualified dietitian? 
Motivated to further my impact, I returned to study in 2018, and completed my qualification as a dietitian in 2019. This enabled the establishment of the PTO Community Dietetic Clinic in September 2020. The clinic was designed to provide one-on-one consultations, family-based support, and broader health promotion services. While we’ve seen the positive outcomes of this service, a major ongoing challenge is the low level of health literacy particularly around nutrition. At PTO, we are committed to reclaiming and promoting our Pacific traditional diet, one based on natural, whole foods in the New Zealand context and supported by daily physical activity that was once part of everyday life. However, lifestyles have changed significantly in modern times. As a dietitian, one of my key challenges is, ‘How do we help our people adapt these traditional skills and knowledge to fit within today’s way of living in Aotearoa?’ 

What is your perspective on the gap between knowledge and action in our communities? 
I often say that “knowledge is not knowledge until it is actioned.” This is where we see the greatest gap. Many of our Pacific people are aware of what is healthy, but the modernised cultural norms, food traditions, financial barriers, and deeply rooted habits often prevent them from making lasting changes. Too often, these are explained away as “just our way,” when in reality, they are obstacles we need to confront if we are to reverse the troubling trends we see in obesity, diabetes, cancers, and cardiovascular disease within our communities. 

How do you communicate health messages in a relatable way? 
As a dietitian, I try to simplify health messages using analogies that resonate. One that I often use compares our body to an engine, it needs the right fuel, in the right amount, and at the right time to run well. Food is that fuel. If we misuse or neglect it, the engine breaks down. I also draw on spiritual beliefs to strengthen these messages, often using biblical verses to help clients connect with the importance of caring for their bodies as God’s living temple. 

What message do you have for our Pacific communities? 
Unless we as a people begin to genuinely value and prioritise healthy nutrition and healthy lifestyle, and unless we actively comply with evidence-based healthy eating guidelines, we will continue to face the same preventable health issues that have caused negative impacts on our communities. It is not enough to know, we must do. And we must do it together, as families, as a community, and as proud Pasifika people who want a better, healthier future for our children.