Auckland barrister Ali'muama Sandra Alofivae is one of nine people appointed to the Pacific Peoples Advisory Council.

The council advises Pacific Peoples Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga. The new appointees will serve a three-year term from 1 July 2015 and replace the former council of 11 members whose term has ended.

Ms Alofivae grew up in Mangere and has strong ties to the local community through the Presbyterian Church and her work in the voluntary sector.

She was admitted as a barrister and solicitor in December 1989 after completing a law degree at Auckland University. She has practised as a lawyer in the Auckland region with a particular emphasis in South Auckland for the last 20 years representing children, young people and their families.

In October 2012 she was appointed Chair of the Community Response Model Auckland South Forum. Her term has been extended for a further two years. 

Ms Alofivae has been a ministerial appointment to the Counties Manukau District Health Board since December 2010. She is also a member of the Fonua Ola Board which is a Pacific Social Service provider network. Ms Alofivae also served as a Commissioner with the Family's Commission for six years.

In 1995, she was bestowed an honorific title by her family in the village of Sa'anpu, Samoa.