The Social Workers Registration Board is delighted to welcome new Board member Gisa Dr Moses Faleolo. 

Gisa Dr Moses Ma’alo Faleolo or Moses is a Sāmoan born in Aotearoa and the son of Leaula (Falelima & Sāleaula) and Pepe (Luatuānu’u-Leusoali’i). His paramount chief title, Gisa, is bestowed on him by the village of Falelima in Savai’I, Sāmoa.  

His social work career spans over three decades and includes being a case manager specialising in Youth benefits for Work and Income New Zealand, a residential and youth justice social worker for Child Youth and Family Service, a youth worker specialist for Youth Horizons Trust and Pasifika Healthcare (now trading as The Fono), and a senior social work lecturer for Manukau Institute of Technology and Massey University – Albany campus, where he was also an Associate Dean – Pasifika for the College of Health. He continues to be a registered social worker. 

His PhD in social work came out in 2015. It was the first of its kind as it featured life histories collected from gang-involved Sāmoan young men, and discovered the employment of Sāmoan cultural practices as part of gang activity. His study and other work has been showcased on television and radio nationally and internationally including his publications, invited conference presentations, and contributions to the research community.  

Moses took up a new role in 2021 with Victoria University of Wellington’s Institute of Criminology, where he is part of diversifying criminology by sharing his latest work and research. His focus is theory in criminology with a Pacific/Pasifika focus – Pacific criminology – which intersects with fa’a Sāmoa, Minorities, Decolonisation and Critical criminology. 

He continues to take a keen interest in social work education and recently supported the SWRB’s education standards review as a member of the Advisory rōpū until his appointment to the Board. 

The Social Workers Registration Board welcomed him to his first Board meeting on 16 September.  

Shannon Pakura, Chair of the Board said: 

“The Board welcome Moses who brings with him all of his skills and experience, supported by his aiga and fa’a Sāmoa. He brings a fresh perspective and we look forward to him joining us.” 

On his appointment to the Board, Moses said: 

“Joining the Board is a great opportunity to learn about this aspect of the social work sector in terms of regulating, thinking about public safety and enhancing professionalism through my Pasifika/Sāmoan lens.” 

Published 19 September 2022