Meet The team
Who We AreMeet our talented and skilled tutors who are all experts in their fields with a long list of accomplishments and experience.
Our Team & Tutors
Meet The Matavai Team
Maryjane & Fred Schwenke
Directors
Frederick and Maryjane Schwenke are the founders and directors of Matavai Cultural Arts. Both founders have been extensive in their contribution towards their community on a local and international stage, complimenting their experience in Polynesian cultural arts and performances spanning over 20 years.
Moemoana Schwenke
Samoan Siva & Siva Afi Tutor
Moemoana Schwenke is the siva afi and Samoan teacher at Matavai. She was born in Samoa, New Zealand and Australian raised, proud Pacific Islander. She is a graduate in Indigenous studies and Environmental humanities from Wollongong University. She has been serving at Matavai since it began.
Lesieli Toumoua Emelio
Tongan Senior Girls and Tongan Boys
Lesieli started dancing when she was aged four at Tongan functions, Tongan united church and Siasi Tonga Tau’ataina. She was taught by Punake Sione Vatuvei. The highlight of her dancing career is dancing for King Tupou IV with a piece choreographed by Punake Sione Vatuvei.
Adi losalini M.G Silatolu "Grace"
Fijian Tutor
Grace started performing meke in primary school in Fiji. She came to truly love meke during school dances in High school where she attended a Fijian all girls prominent boarding school. She continued to learn more about meke throughout High School.
Ilikena Kalounisawana Karikaritu
Fijian Tutor
Ilikena has been dancing meke since his childhood, performing in meke for Traditional special occasions. He was raised in the village where he learnt meke first hand from the village elders. He has continued to perform and teach meke in Sydney Australia where he now resides.
J'Son Quincey Paulo
Hawaiian Tutor
Emilou Tepano
Rapa Nui Tutor
Emilou Tepano, Half Rapa Nui and half chilean. Grew up in Rapa Nui. She is a singer, dancer and carver among other expressions.
Steven Gagau
Papa New Guinea Wantok Tutor
Steven is a Tolai of Gunantuna heritage on New Britain Island in Papua New Guinea. He is President Sydney Wantok Association, community leader and advocate of Pasifika diaspora and multiculturalism in NSW, Australia. He is a member of various professional and NGO bodies with background in engineering, business, and social sciences.
Emily Pani
Cook Islands Tutor
Lisapeta Felila
Tongan Tutor
Lisapeta Felila is a Tongan dancer who has been teaching boys’ classes since she was 15 years old. She has been fortunate to learn from many master Tongan dancers, but one who stood out for her was Sione Vatuvei from Tatakamotonga. Lisapeta was lucky enough to dance for Sione on several occasions, and she was impressed by his teaching ability. He had the ability to turn children who had never experienced Tongan dancing into professional dancers within a few weeks. Lisapeta hopes that her own teachings will inspire young Tongans to express themselves through Faiva Faka Tonga.
Tiana Marino-Tiakiwai
Maori Tutor
Tiana Marino Tiakiwai is the Maori Performing Arts teacher at Matavai. She has Tribal Affiliations to Tuhoe, Te Rarawa and Waikato. Tiana has been doing Kapa Haka since primary school in NZ. She has taught various age groups since moving to Sydney in late 2013. Tiana has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Maori language and Customs and is currently studying a Bachelor of Maori Performing arts. She is an author of children’s books in the Maori language. She is the Co-Tutor for Te Raranga Whanui Kapa haka group since 2017. Te Raranga Whanui was established in 2010.
Doreen Mckibbin Agno
Admin Manager
Also a business owner herself. She has over 20 years experience in marketing and advertising and was previously the advertising and marketing manager for Wollongong Advertser. She currently owns her own restaurant In Wollongong and is a big part of Matavai. Doreen grew up in Samoa.
Moeatalagi Schwenke
Admin & Tutor Assistant
Moeatalagi also known as Ata is a tutor for siva afi and siva Samoa. She is 15 years old and has danced at Matavai since it started.
Alisi Leao
Parent Representative & Youth Mentor
Alisi is the assistant tutor, youth mentor and parents represenative.
Casey Roberts
Parent Representative & Youth Mentor
Is Maori and is a youth worker, student and parent representative.