Meet The Team
The Executive Committee of Edmund Rice Camps Auckland are the kaitiaki of our camps. Each year, nine members are elected at our Annual General Meeting in July to provide leadership, direction, and care for the organisation.
As kaitiaki, the committee holds responsibility for safeguarding the vision of Edmund Rice Camps — ensuring that tamariki and rangatahi can continue to enjoy safe, fun, and life-giving camp experiences. This means upholding our values, supporting our volunteers, and guiding the long-term sustainability of camps so they remain available for generations to come.
Chairperson & Treasurer:
Sonya Vuni
I started my journey with Edmund Rice Camps in January 2012 and have loved every moment of being part of this kaupapa. Outside of camps, I work as a Project Manager for community services. As a proud Samoan, my faith grounds me, and I’m carried by the love and support of my village. I continue to stay involved in camps because I believe every child deserves the chance to simply be a kid. It’s a blessing to be in a position where we can help them experience that. In serving as volunteer leaders, we reconnect with the same spirit of joy and belonging, and it reminds us that we as people belong to each other.
Resources Officer:
Tau Manuleli’a
Talofa lava and Malo lelei, my name is Tau Manuleli’a. I’m honoured to serve as the Resources Officer for the 2025-2026 Executive Committee. Over the past 9 years, i’ve held various roles in our community including Leader, Team Captain, Camp Captain, and Leaders Liaison. This space has shaped my career and expanded my network. Outside of ERC, I work as a Youth Justice Social Worker, and enjoying it. I’m a sentimental person who values the small things – family time, catching up with mates, sports, nature walks, and especially food. I’m passionate about giving back and being part of something greater than myself.
Co-Policy and Funding Officers:
Theresa Filipo
I serve as Co-Policy Officer and Co-Funding Officer for ERC. My journey to camps started in 2017, where I had just finished high school, and a friend of mine reached out about the opportunity to serve. I love that we can be a space that allows for children to have a break from some complex environments, and mainly, we get to be kids again ourselves. Outside of camps, I am a daughter, sister, aunty, and friend. I graduated with a BSW(Hons) and currently work full-time as a Programme Facilitator supporting the rehabilitation of paiaki within the justice space. Proudly Samoan, I hail from the villages of Vailele, Manono, Samalaeulu and Iva. I come from a large family grounded in faith and strong fa‘asamoa values.
Co-Policy and Funding Officers:
Ma’afu Vaka
Malo e lelei! I am currently the Co-Funding and Co-Policy Officer. I hail from the Kingdom of Tonga and I am currently studying a LLB/BCom. My journey into camps had been through my friends who had previously done a camp and I have never looked back since!
Co-Leaders Liaisons:
Salesio Matautia
I serve as the Leader Liaison on the Edmund Rice Camps committee. I am currently working part-time and look forward to returning to study next year. I first became involved with Edmund Rice Camps through mutual friends, attending my first camp in January 2023 and quickly developing a strong passion for the community. Since then, I’ve continued to increase my involvement, joining the committee in August 2024 to support our leaders and create meaningful, positive experiences for the kids who attend our camps.
Co-Leaders Liaisons:
Theresa Augsburg
I’m a proud Catholic and Tongan, my dad is from Ha’ano, Ha’apai, and my mum is from Ma’ufanga. I’m currently studying Occupational Therapy at AUT North Campus while juggling work life. I was introduced to ERC by my older sister, Janelle Augsburg, and haven’t looked back since my first camp in 2023. Growing up around ERC and later becoming a leader has shaped me in the best ways. This community keeps teaching me patience, confidence, and purpose, and reminds me why I love serving our kids.
Childrens Liaison:
Dr Becks Lafo’ou-Lusa
My journey into ERC is recent, and I became a part of this special kaupapa through our chairperson, Sonya. I have known of ERC for years, and I am very grateful to now serve in this space.
I am Samoan/Tongan and outside of ERC, I work as a Doctor. In my spare time you’ll find me either watching anime, playing social netball, reading a comic/book, spending time with family, trying a new recipe or having multiple naps a day.
It is such a privilege to be on this committee, and I look forward to all the learnings and lessons that await.
Safeguarding Officer:
Fano Asiata
I am a proud and hearty Samoan-Tongan, coming from the villages of Satupa’itea, Moata’a, Safotu, ‘Eueiki, Lapha, Kolomotu’a, Ma’ufanga and Fo’ui. I currently work as a registered nurse in Primary Care – General Practice whilst also studying Medicine to become a doctor.
My ERC journey started in July 2023 after a friend (who is also a fellow camp leader) highly recommend the camp. Since then I have continued to do recent camps and now serving as the safeguarding officer. My call to serve the ERC camps space has been nothing short of amazing and a space I will always be grateful for
Secretary:
Dr Paul Robertson
Dr Paul Robertson is a social anthropologist and former secondary school teacher. He has played a significant role in the development of the Edmund Rice Network in New Zealand and currently serves as Chair of the Edmund Rice Justice Trust NZ. Paul has been involved with the ER Camps executive committee since its inception in 2001, serving until 2008 and again from 2014 to the present, primarily in governance mentoring and advisory roles to the committee. For the past three years, he has also served as committee secretary.