Dr Karlo Mila (MNZM) is a mother, poet, leadership programme director, writer, former academic and the founder and creator of Mana Moana. Of Tongan and Pākehā descent, her life’s work has been centred around the lived experiences of Pacific peoples, particularly mental health and wellbeing. Her PhD focused upon the New Zealand-born Pacific population and the relationship between culture, identity and health and wellbeing.

Her postdoctoral fellowship involved developing and testing a mental health intervention led by the inquiry: ‘What is healing for Pacific peoples?’ This morphed into a leadership programme vitalising the indigenous knowledge of the Moana. Karlo has directed and facilitated Mana Moana experiences for seven years.