Cultural Panel – Traditions, Rituals, Religion

Date: 13/09/2026
Time: 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Venue: Wellington Central Library Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui, LEVEL 2, Ngā Pou Ruahine Room, 65 Victoria St, Wellington

Representing Te Aō Māori, Samoan Presbyterian, Islam and Hinduism, four esteemed, highly regarded leaders (see BIO’s below)
share their cultural and spiritual approach to death, dying and grief.

In this enlightening educational forum, they’ll provide an overview of their rituals, traditions, funeral practices and religion.
Bring your curiosity for this rich tapestry of cultural diversity as there’s an opportunity to ask questions in the Q & A segment
immediately following these illuminating presentations.

All are welcome to this FREE event, which is facilitated by Vicky Ellison (Chair, Wgtn-Wairarapa Celebrants Assn.).
Please arrive early to secure your seat in the beautiful Ngā Pou Ruahine room, L2.

(This event is In association with Wellington City Libraries).

Rev. Dr Feiloaiga (Fei) Taule’ale’ausumai – Samoan Presbyterian
Rev Dr Fei is a published theologian and thought leader on Pacific theology and a respected voice in the national and international ecumenical community. Her extensive experience in academia, church leadership, and community engagement, along with her strong commitment to social justice, make her a unique and valuable part of our community.
She’s represented the NZ Government at international interfaith dialogues, as well as chairing, convening and organising numerous national and international faith groups and events. Fei holds a Dr of Philosophy (AUT), a Master of Arts in World Religions (Victoria University), and several other degrees in theology. An Aotearoa born Samoan, Fei is fluent in English, Samoan, and has a working knowledge of Te Reo Māori.

Tau Huirama – Te Aō Māori
A respected Kaumatua originally from Waikato Tainui, Tau lives in Mana and is a wairua (spiritual) healer, funeral and wedding Celebrant (35 yrs), author and indigenous story teller. With nearly three decades as a cultural supervisor, mentor and facilitator, he is a trusted cultural advisor for several Government and community organisations, renowned for his wisdom and expertise.
Drawing on the depth and diversity of his life and professional experience, he walks alongside people approaching the end of life with sensitivity, compassion and care. Tau also facilitates kōrero with Māori whānau and organisations, creating safe spaces to explore life, death, and dying through the lens of Māori cosmology, karakia, and wairua.

Tahir Nawaz JP – Muslim, Islam
Tahir is a Wellington-based community leader, educator and interfaith advocate. He serves as Kaitiaki at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, supporting diverse learners through culturally responsive education, and is Chairperson of Deen Welfare Trust, where he provides community support and spiritual care across prisons, hospitals, and wider settings.
Tahir is active in governance, including a position on the Teaching Council’s Complaints Assessment Panel, and in interfaith dialogue through the Wellington Abrahamic Council. With a strong background in chaplaincy, mediation, and community engagement, Tahir is passionate about supporting whānau through significant life transitions, promoting understanding across cultures, and bringing a compassionate, inclusive perspective to conversations around life, death, and wellbeing.

Dr Pushpa Wood ONZM – Hinduism
Pushpa acts as an expert witness for the crown in the area of Indian culture, customs and beliefs. She’s involved with the Wellington Interfaith Council, specialises in Hindi language and literature, and her PhD thesis combined her Hindi language expertise with the religious dimensions of medieval India.
Dr Wood is Director of NZ Financial Education and Research, Massey University and was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the Queen’s 90th Birthday Honours List 2016, for services to financial literacy and interfaith relations.
Pushpa is regarded as a pioneer in starting the interfaith movement in NZ, and in teaching the Hindi language to adults. Whilst having extensive community networks throughout Aotearoa, in addition to ethnic communities she’s also worked with Māori and Pasifika.

RSVP and questions to [email protected]