In the heart of Ōtautahi Christchurch, Ruta stands tall as a proud Samoan mother, grandmother, educator, and community leader. A true pillar of Pacific Early Childhood Education in Aotearoa.

Her journey hasn’t followed a straight path, but it has always been led by love; for her family, her culture, and her people.

Rasela’s story begins in Ōtautahi Christchurch, where she was born and raised with a strong foundation in Catholic faith and Samoan culture. Her parents, proud migrants from Samoa, raised her with deep values of faith, service, and community; values that continue to shape her both as a mother and an early childhood educator.