Te Tira Ahu Pae Welcomes Chiavanni Le’Mon as General/Distance President
Te Tira Ahu Pae is proud to announce the appointment of Chiavanni Le’Mon as the new General/Distance President for 2025, a role focused on leading student voice for Massey University’s general and distance learners, with a firm grounding in Tiriti-led values and kaupapa Māori representation.
As the organisation prepares for a pivotal year ahead, Te Tira Ahu Pae acknowledges that leadership at this level requires both strategic insight and relational strength. The General/Distance President plays a key role in guiding the cohort, developing student rep capability, contributing to national-level decision-making, and advancing governance outcomes.
Chiavanni brings with her a strong background in leadership, planning, and kaupapa-led action. She holds a Bachelor of Business in Management and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Resource Management and Environmental Planning through Massey University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
In addition to her academic foundation, Chiavanni has built a dynamic career across governance, education, marketing, and youth-focused development. She has:
Led the development of cultural and educational programmes for Pacific youth and Māori whānau in the Cook Islands.
Established the first total immersion Māori early childhood centre in Rarotonga, supporting reo revitalisation and intergenerational learning.
Managed financial and strategic planning responsibilities
Held senior leadership roles in both the public service and financial sectors, overseeing people, projects, and long-term outcomes.
Chiavanni’s values have always guided her work. Earlier this year, she organised the Hīkoi mō te Tiriti in Rarotonga, a peaceful demonstration standing in solidarity with Aotearoa’s national protest against legislation that threatens the foundations of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
“I was overwhelmed by the support from our community,” Chiavanni said of the march. “It was a clear reminder that our collective responsibilities to Te Tiriti don’t stop at the shoreline.”
In her new role, Chiavanni is committed to fulfilling the full scope of the General/Distance President’s responsibilities: mentoring and supporting student reps, upholding representation policies, and contributing to the strategic direction of the association.
As we move into 2025, Te Tira Ahu Pae is focused on the following core priorities:
Strengthening collaboration across cohorts, ensuring collective momentum.
Creating safe, mana-enhancing work environments for all student reps and staff.
Strengthening governance and constitutional frameworks to ensure clearer processes and more effective implementation.
Future-proofing Te Tira Ahu Pae, so that leadership, representation, and service delivery are sustainable for years to come.
We look forward to the year ahead and warmly welcome Chiavanni Le’Mon as she steps into this significant role. Her presence brings a thoughtful, grounded, and future-focused voice to our leadership table.
