Rochelle Faimalo

“For me, it’s all about people and service.”

Rochelle embodied those words in every aspect of her life. With her trademark energy, authenticity, and “get shit done” attitude, she built movements, empowered communities, and left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to journey alongside her.

Rochelle was born in Ōtautahi Christchurch in 1984 and joked that she had lived “an 80-year life in 40 years” – and it’s true: in her four decades, she transformed lives, influenced systems, and nurtured people and communities across Aotearoa.

Her early work with the Peer Education Programme and the Prostitutes Collective reflected her instinct to reach those most in need and amplify voices too often ignored. She brought the same compassion and determination when volunteering with her parents for the Salvation Army Street Outreach, spending nights in the city offering kai, kōrero, and dignity to those living rough.

In her professional mahi, Rochelle was an instigator and innovator. As Youth Development Officer at Hurunui District Council she grew the youth movement, hosted epic events, and led “systems change” in local government before we even had language for it. Following the Kaikōura Earthquake, she threw herself into recovery and spent many hours away from her young aiga and dedicated countless hours to the community she served. Later at Christchurch City Council and then the National Emergency Management Agency, she stepped boldly into community and leadership, becoming a respected leader in emergency management and breaking through the glass ceiling of management opportunities. 

Alongside her government roles, Rochelle’s heart was with young people and sharing the language of strengths. As part of the Puāwai team at Leadership Lab, she brought her strengths coaching, humour, and unapologetic authenticity into every wānanga and hui. Rochelle was a tuākana to the tuākana – encouraging, challenging, and always reminding us not to wait too long before taking action. Potlucks at her whare became legendary “planning meetings” filled with laughter, stories, and strengthening our connections as a ‘kaupapa whānau’. For countless rangatahi, and our own team, she was a mentor, coach, and cheerleader – the one who spotted their gifts and reminded them to live lives they love. Rochelle’s Leadership Lab Bio

Her top strengths – Activator, Self-Assurance, Communication, Ideation, and Positivity – shone through daily. Rochelle was a force of nature: she lifted the energy of every kaupapa she touched, she asked the hard questions with kindness, and she inspired people to be brave enough to bring their whole selves.

Those who knew her speak of her immense positivity, her deep care, and the way she made people feel seen. She lived her mantra: be your authentic self, lean into what makes you smile, step into your purpose and passion, and lead a life you love.

Rochelle leaves behind an enormous and irreplaceable gap in our communities, our sector, and our lives. And yet, her legacy continues in the leaders she mentored, the movements she ignited, and the strengths she unlocked in others. 

Arohanui dear friend.