Best I-endorsed Instructor

Ave Faka’osi from Kainga Pasifika Services won the award for Best I-Endorsed Instructor at the Driving Change Network National Hui in Wellington this July. Ave was nominated for her commitment to supporting members of the Pasifika community to gain their licence’s.  

Ave says, “seeing people’s success is the most rewarding part” of her volunteer role. After they come to her and gain their licence, she enjoys seeing people get better jobs and opportunities. With an impressive pass rate of 98-99%, Ave makes a significant difference in the lives of many. 

She recently received a 2022 Civic Honours Award from the Hastings District Council for her mahi within the Hawkes Bay community through driver licensing. Along with her colleague Malia, she runs learner licence preparation courses for pacifika people to assist them in overcoming language barriers which prevent them from passing their theory test.  

Ave teaches in both Samoan and Tongan, translating the road code from English and providing those struggling with language barriers the assistance they need to gain this knowledge. Currently, the Road Code is only in English, an issue Kainga Pasifika have been asking to have addressed. 

Through Kainga Pasifika, it is free to get driver licensing support. Ave believes that it is vital that people can get their licence with Kainga Pasifika without paying, as it removes the barrier that the cost creates.  

Currently, Kainga Pasifika is facing the challenge of high demand for services with only one vehicle to use for practice. Ave stated that they are “finding it very hard," with the lack of a second vehicle becoming an obstacle to their outreach. They are trying to get support to purchase a second vehicle with dual controls to make it safer for instructors and students.  

Ave has been improving lives through her volunteer work and deserves to be commended for her generosity and hard mahi. The Driving Change Network are proud to acknowledge Ave for her commitment to her clients’ driver licensing journeys. Congratulations Ave.