Hawke’s Bay man, Traci Tuimaseve, says he is looking forward to serving in his new volunteer role as a communication director in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
He is responsible for supporting Church leaders and nine communication councils across New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay, Lower North Island and South Island regions.
He brings with him eight years of experience from serving as a volunteer communication specialist in the Hawke’s Bay region.
Traci is a self-employed graphic designer and event manager and has worked in the Hawke’s Bay area for the past 13 years.
“My motivations for going into business on my own were to have more control over my time for family, and volunteering in church and the community,” he says.
Traci and his siblings were raised with influences from Samoan and Māori heritages and a Christian upbringing.
“Our parents taught us from an early age that we are all children of God,” Traci recalls.
“They encouraged us to focus on the gospel of Jesus Christ as our culture.”
“I love to sing with my family, whether it’s at home, at church, in our community or online,” he says.
Traci is keen to use music as part of his new role.
He believes that “music can uplift, bring joy and more importantly, help people to feel closer to God.”
Traci looks forward to supporting members of the Church to “engage with their communities and build lasting relationships.”He says he is “ready to communicate the love of the Saviour, Jesus Christ, through music, friendship and service.”
Outgoing communication director, Tania Torea, said, “Traci is capable and kind. He is an intelligent and humble man who has shown a willingness to help others and do whatever the Lord requires of him.”
She added, “I imagine that in the days ahead, there will be many songs sung in unison with friends from diverse faiths and cultures.”