Celebrating Tepora Samia: 20 Years of Service & Song

Tepora Samia pictured Left. (Signature Choir pictured right.)

Tepora Samia is a familiar face around Porirua,  whether you’ve seen her bright smile at her day job at Ora Toa Cannons Creek, on the field, with her whānau as a proud GiGi, or on stage. Her heart for community is at the centre of everything she does since starting her journey with Ora Toa in 2005.

After 15yrs of working as a Community Health Worker with Ora Toa Health Unit, her passion for helping others inspired her to further her studies in 2020. While studying, Tepora continued to work for the Runanga as a casual worker at the Health Unit, and CBAC team during the Covid 19 pandemic. She completed a Bachelor of Nursing Pacific at Whitireia Polytechnic in 2022,  and became a Practice Nurse at  Ora Toa. Today, Tepora is based at the Cannons Creek Medical Centre, where her compassion, skill, and dedication make a real difference for whānau every day.

Alongside her nursing career, Tepora’s love and talent for waiata has been a defining part of her journey. She has performed as part of 2Twenty for over 10 years, a covers band that has rocked many a celebration, event, 21st and work function. You really haven't had a good night if 2Twenty wasn't part of it.

More recently Tepora joined Signature Choir, which comprises over 50 vocalists — from established artists and conductors to community members, students, business owners, and teachers. The choir  recently performed at the Mana Moana shows at Spark Arena, the Sydney Opera House, and the Michael Fowler Centre. In 2024, Signature Choir was honoured with the Creative New Zealand Pacific Heritage Award, as well as recognition at the Pacific Music Awards.

Tepora adds that "Music has always played a huge part in my life and I'm glad I still get to do what I love outside of work". 

It seems there is nothing she can’t do — a devoted GiGI, a proud former Norths rugby player, and a passionate community member, especially for our Pasifika whānau. We’re proud to have someone with so much talent and heart as part of our team. 

Thank you Tepora!