Naval Career Richly Rewarding for Sailor of Tongan Heritage
Leading Writer Joanna Mafi’s path from McAuley High School in South Auckland to global deployments with the Royal New Zealand Navy has been exceptionally unique.
Currently in Türkiye for Anzac Day commemorations at Gallipoli, Joanna reflects on her unexpected career path with gratitude for the challenges and opportunities that have shaped her.
Anzac Day holds special significance for Joanna and her fellow Pacific service members as they honour the Pasifika people who fought alongside New Zealand soldiers in historical conflicts.
Of Tongan heritage, Joanna was drawn to the Navy five years ago by the allure of travel and diverse experiences.
The promise of participating in humanitarian aid was a key factor in her decision, aligning with her personal values.
In her Navy career, Joanna has been active internationally, with missions to Canada, Fiji, and Niue, and has explored remote areas of New Zealand like the Chatham and Auckland Islands.
Her role involves managing payroll and personnel, as well as other administrative duties on various ships.
Joanna’s dedication was recognized when she was named Sailor of the Year in February, an accolade she found both surprising and deeply honouring.
Her family’s support has been crucial in her achievements, with her parents providing guidance and inspiration.
Joanna values her Tongan and Pacific heritage as an asset in her work, especially when delivering aid in culturally sensitive contexts.
Looking to the future, Joanna plans to transition into engineering next year, eager to continue pushing her boundaries.
She encourages those interested in a Defence Force career to approach it with passion and dedication, advising them to seize the opportunity to discover their potential and avoid future regrets.
