For Ministry for Pacific Peoples Chief Advisor Lu Avia, leadership has never been about standing in the spotlight.
It has been about opening doors for others, creating opportunities where none existed, and serving communities with purpose.
Lu's commitment to creating opportunities for others, strengthening communities and leading with purpose have been recognised at the Public Service Commission Te Kawa Mataaho annual Te Hāpai Hapori | Spirit of Service Awards. Lu (pictured above with her parents) was named Young Leader of the Year, recognising her outstanding contribution to public service and her commitment to leadership through service.
The award recognises emerging leaders who are making a meaningful difference through their work, communities and service to others.
For Lu, a proud Samoan, leadership has never been about position or recognition. Throughout her career, she has focused on creating opportunities for others, strengthening public sector systems, and ensuring communities remain at the centre of decision-making.
For nearly four years at the Ministry, Lu has played a leading role in strengthening governance, while also supporting initiatives that help staff grow and develop their leadership capability. This includes establishing the Executive Office Shadowing Programme and supporting employee-led networks that provide opportunities for connection, belonging and leadership across the Ministry.
Lu’s leadership journey has been shaped by a lifelong commitment to service from an early age. As the eldest of four sisters and the eldest grandchild, she learned early about responsibility and caring for others.
She also credits her two grandmothers with shaping her approach to leadership. One encouraged her to be curious, ask questions and have confidence in her voice, while the other demonstrated quiet leadership through service to family and community, says Lu.
Those early experiences helped shape a leadership approach grounded in tautua - leadership through service to others.
Lu's path to the public service was not a traditional one. She began working at 14 and later became the first person in her family to attend university, completing her degree while working night shifts.
Throughout her career, Lu has remained focused on lifting others up. Whether mentoring colleagues, establishing development programmes or championing staff networks, she believes that while talent is everywhere, opportunity is not always equally available. That commitment has made her a respected leader within the Ministry and across the wider public sector.
Beyond her public service career, Lu has volunteered with Women's Refuge and has been a strong advocate for creating opportunities for others, particularly youth and Pacific people.
Secretary for Pacific Peoples Gerardine Clifford-Lidstone says what struck her most at the awards was the way Lu used the moment to acknowledge the people who have supported her throughout her journey.
“She spoke warmly about her family, friends, team and Ministry colleagues, and it was clear that receiving the award was not something she saw as an individual achievement alone.
“Lu reflected on her ancestry, heritage, grandparents and parents, and the values and experiences that have shaped her. Her story reminded us that success is not always a straight path.”
Gerardine says, “throughout it all was a consistent belief that our communities should be at the centre of what we do and why we do it.
“Lu’s story reflected many of the values we aspire to as an organisation. It was a reminder of the talent, resilience and commitment we are fortunate to have within the Ministry.
“More importantly, it recognises a leader whose focus on service, opportunity and community continues to make a lasting difference for others.”
