Facilitator Profiles

Marisiale Tunoka

Born in Fiji, Siale spent his formative years in Dunedin where he developed a love for acting. Honing his craft at the University of Otago, Siale went on to perform in a number of professional TV, theatre and film engagements. In 2005, Siale joined the New Zealand Government’s Theatre Health and Education Trust, travelling the length and breadth of the country to present on youth health issues. A gifted actor and skilled musician, Siale’s hilarious characterisations and Fijian flair endear him to children everywhere.

Evan Holland

Auckland-born Evan has always had a passion for teaching children and serving his community. Evan started his career as a social worker for a children’s health camp. At the age of 21 joined the Howick Volunteer Fire Brigade, where he went on to rise to the rank of senior firefighter and given a leadership roll in training and mentoring new recruits. But his true calling was in education, delivering the New Zealand Fire Service FireWire program to children all over Auckland. Besides this, Evan is also a qualified chef and enjoys everything about food. Ever the optimist, Evan is passionate about delivering positive and fun learning experiences to Kiwi kids around the country.

Julian Wilson

Consummate entertainer and educator extraordinaire, Julian received not only a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English (from Otago University) but also a Bachelor of Arts degree in Acting from the prestigious Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School. Highly articulate, Julian has spent the last decade training, performing, creating, teaching, work-shopping, and entertaining children (and the odd adult) all over New Zealand. Julian has extensive experience with theatre for children, and is very pleased to be bringing that same energy and excitement into the classroom.

Hollie Sutton

Born and bred in sunny Invercargill, Head girl at James Hargest High, Hollie has always had a passion for theatre and education. Having majored in Theatre Studies at the University of Otago she embarked on a career spanning television, radio, theatre and health education. Bubbly and vivacious, Hollie is also an accomplished playwright. Over the last few year she has applied her acting prowess to help Kiwi kids with issues ranging from healthy eating, sex education and making sustainable choices for the environment – all delivered through workshops to young people in schools nationwide.

Brodie Davis

Having had a rural upbringing on his family’s station in Gisborne, Brodie has always had a passion for bringing out the best in others. Never the one to sit still, his interest in various sports led to a long involvement with NZ squash, including coaching of individuals and groups throughout New Zealand and overseas. An accomplished builder, Brodie’s true passion is to work with people from all different backgrounds to help them reach their potential. Eternally optimistic, Brodie loves the outdoors, and when not teaching your students about money, you may find him teaching them cricket at lunchtime!

Vanepale Sopoaga

An award-winning performer and cultural dancer, Porirua-born Vane has traveled extensively, representing New Zealand culture in many countries around the world, as well as at home, in our own Te Papa museum.

With a passion for performance, and a Bachelors Degree in Applied Arts, charismatic Vane has appeared in a lead role on prime time television and released his own album. Having developed a deep passion for teaching, led this energetic performing artist to work as a youth worker and mentor for youth in the Wellington region. Highly motivated and with the belief that he can make a difference Vane now applies the same energy and drive to improving the financial literacy of New Zealand students.