New Education Director for the Trans Pacific Union

The Trans Pacific Union Mission (TPUM) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Mr Talonga Pita as its new Education Director. Mr Pita, a seasoned teaching professional with 38 years of experience, brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to this significant role. He replaces outgoing Education Director Mrs Mere Vaihola, who takes up the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Pacific Adventist University in Papua New Guinea.

In a historic achievement for Tuvalu, Mr. Taloga Pita becomes the first Tuvaluan to assume a departmental Director's post at the Trans Pacific Union Mission. This landmark appointment not only recognises Mr. Pita's exceptional credentials and commitment to education but also signifies a proud moment for the small Pacific nation of Tuvalu. It underlines TPUM's commitment to diversity and inclusivity while acknowledging the vital contributions made by individuals from across the entire Pacific region.

New TPUM Education Director, Mr Taloga Pita, with wife Mrs Teeraineta and daughter Jolisa.

Mr Pita comes from a diversified teaching background with a proven track record in senior Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. He has served in various leadership, academic, and ministry roles across the Pacific and beyond.

Before this new TPUM appointment, he served as the Head of the Mathematics department at Gilson College in Victoria, Australia. He also contributed significantly as the Head of the Science department at the same institution from 2016-2022.

Prior to that, he was the Dean of Stage 6 at Kempsey Adventist School in NSW, Australia, where he provided academic and pastoral support for senior students. Between 2006-2012, Mr Pita held the positions of Deputy Principal and Acting Principal at Auckland Seventh-day Adventist High School (ASDAH), where he was also recognized as Teacher of the Year in 2012.

Earlier in his career, Mr Pita contributed to Fulton College, Fiji, as a teacher, registrar, and deputy for both academics and administration. He has also taught at several Adventist institutions in the Pacific, including Beulah College in Tonga, Motufoua High School in Tuvalu, and Betikama Adventist High School in the Solomon Islands.

With a diverse academic journey and a steadfast commitment to educational leadership, Mr. Taloga Pita brings a rich academic portfolio to his new role as Education Director at the TPUM. He earned a Master of Education in Administration in 2020 from Avondale University and Charles Sturt University, Australia, and a Certificate in Data Wise Analysis from Harvard University in 2016. He also holds a Graduate Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from Auckland University, New Zealand (2010), and a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from La Sierra University, California (2000). His foundational degrees include a Bachelor of Education focusing on Maths and Science from Pacific Adventist University, Papua New Guinea, and a Diploma in Education from Fulton College, Fiji. From primary education in Tuvalu, Secondary Schooling at Vatuvonu Adventist High School in Fiji, to advanced degrees, Mr. Pita exemplifies dedication to lifelong learning and Pacific leadership growth.

TPUM President, Pr Maveni Kaufononga shared that, Mr Pita will undoubtedly uphold TPUM's commitment to holistic education and spiritual development. “With his extensive experience, dynamic leadership, and dedication to Adventist education, TPUM is confident that Mr Pita will continue the good work Mrs Viahola has done, and will play a crucial role in the growth and success of its educational mission.”

Mr Pita said, "My family and I are really looking forward to this calling. For us, it's coming back home, as we have served throughout Fiji and the Pacific for many years, and we are blessed to serve God through our Pacific Adventist Schools, as TPUM Education Director."

Mr Pita is in ministry with his wife, Mrs Teeraineta Lise Pita, and their three children, Gloria, Minute, and Jolisa.