With a heart to serve, Reverend Vini took up an opportunity as the Lead Reverend for the Cook Islands Christian Church (CICC) in Ashburton, which he helped establish in 2006; this expanded to Christchurch with the CICC now also based in the suburb of Hornby. 

 
Reverend Vini is a proud father of five and expresses his gratitude to his wife as being a fundamental part of his life.  

 
“Without her love, I wouldn’t be where I am or who I am today. I’m really grateful to my wife for supporting me in this new journey as I join the Etu Pasifika Canterbury board." 

 
Reverend Vini says he is excited to join the board and looks forward to the learnings. 

 
“I’m excited to learn more about Etu Pasifika Canterbury and contribute to the decisions made by the board. Working with the other board members is a great opportunity for me.  

 
"I enjoy sharing ideas and am really eager to learn from them and gain more knowledge of their own academic excellences and expertise. This is also an opportunity to promote EPC's services with the Cook Islands community here." 

 
Pasifika Medical Association Group (PMAG) President, Dr Kiki Maoate ONZM, says Reverend Vini's influence and connection to the local Cook Islands community will be a valuable contribution to the EPC board. 

“We’re very pleased that Reverend Vini has accepted his appointment as a director to the Etu Pasifika Canterbury board. He is a respected leader in the Cook Islands community and will be able to offer insights into how we can better communicate with and serve the Cook Islands community in the Canterbury region."