Edwin Talakai
Ex-vice President / Board Member
Edwin has a distinguished background in leadership and community service. He previously served as Vice President for the Methodist Church of New Zealand – Te Hāhi Weteriana o Aotearoa. He also held the position of Secretary for the Vahefonua Tonga o Aotearoa, an organisation representing 35 parishes and congregations throughout New Zealand. Currently, Edwin serves as the Managing Director of Divine Foundation Ltd, an organisation dedicated to providing educational services to the Tongan community.
Rev. Kalolo Fihaki
Chairperson
Rev Kalolo Fihaki currently serves as the Superintendent for Vahefonua Tonga o Aotearoa, the Tongan Synod of the Methodist Church of New Zealand. Prior to his current role, Rev Fihaki enjoyed a distinguished career in the Tongan government, holding senior positions such as Senior Advisor for the Ministry of Pacific Peoples, Deputy Director of Planning, and Chief Agriculture Officer. He brings over 30 years of valuable experience in public service to this role.
BAg, MAppSc, Dip PSM
Tau’ataina Tupou
Board Secretary
Tau’ataina Tupou is currently a PSO Advisor for the Waitemata District Health Board. Prior to this role, he held key positions at Auckland Council for over nine years, serving as both an ITC Senior Portfolio Analyst and an IS Business Relationship Advisor.
Tau’ataina possesses a strong foundation in key areas of project and program management, including portfolio governance, information systems reporting, quality assurance, pipeline and demand management, and capital planning.
BIS (Information Systems)
Dr. Edmond Fehoko
Board Member
Dr. Edmond Fehoko is a highly accomplished researcher with over a decade of experience in the tertiary sector. Currently a Te Tomokanga Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Auckland, Dr. Fehoko holds a Ph.D. in Public Health from AUT University, building upon his foundational degrees in Criminology and Social Sciences (B.A.) and Social Sciences (M.A.).
Furthermore, Dr. Fehoko serves as the Pacific Research Lead for a Marsden-funded research project investigating the barriers faced by Pacific peoples in accessing Assisted Reproductive Technologies within the New Zealand context.
Phd, MA (Hons), BA SS
Rev. Hiueni Nuku
Board Member
Rev Hiueni Nuku is a highly respected leader within the Wellington community, demonstrating a strong commitment to both spiritual and community well-being. He serves as the Methodist minister for the Tongan ministry at Tawa Union Church and concurrently manages the Porirua Union Health Centre in Cannons Creek.
Rev Nuku has cultivated deep and enduring connections within the Pacific community throughout New Zealand. He currently chairs the Wellington Tongan Leaders Council and serves as a Trustee for the Pacific Business Trust, further solidifying his role as a prominent figure within the community.
Rev Nuku holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance, providing him with a strong foundation in financial management.
BA (Bus)
Dr. Suliana Mone
Vice Chairperson
r. Suliana Mone is a highly accomplished legal scholar with a strong focus on Pacific women’s rights. She recently completed her PhD in Law at the University of Auckland, where her research delved into the complex interplay of law, culture, custom, politics, and women’s rights within the Tongan context.
Dr. Mone has now embarked on a new chapter in her academic career as a Law Lecturer at the University of Auckland. Her research interests lie in examining the impact of domestic and international legal frameworks on the lives of Pacific peoples, with a particular emphasis on the rights and empowerment of Pacific women. She is deeply interested in exploring the evolving role of women in the political landscape of Tonga and the broader South Pacific region, examining how women’s issues and rights are shaping the development of political systems.
LLM
PhD
Sami Paeahelotu Fifita
Board Member
Sami Paea Fifita is a dedicated advocate for Tongan youth in Christchurch. He currently serves as Chairperson for the Christchurch Tongan Youth Council and has been actively involved with the youth group at Falelotu Kosipeli (Tongan Christchurch Methodist Parish) for the past 15 years.
Over the past four years, Sami has played a pivotal role in developing and implementing youth programs within the Christchurch community, with a particular focus on preserving and promoting the Tongan language.
Sami deeply believes in the importance of fostering a strong sense of cultural identity among young people. He recognizes that language is a cornerstone of cultural transmission and plays a crucial role in intergenerational knowledge transfer.
Dr. Manatu Ofa Fia
Board Member
Dr. Fia is a highly qualified Clinical Psychologist registered with the New Zealand Psychologists Board and a member of the New Zealand College of Clinical Psychologists. Driven by a commitment to enhancing mental well-being within Pacific communities, Dr. Fia currently works as a psychologist at Ara Poutama (Corrections) while also maintaining a private practice.
Dr. Fia is passionate about applying psychological principles to improve the lives of Pacific individuals and communities. She strives to foster healthier and safer living environments by addressing mental health challenges and promoting well-being within the Pacific context.
BSc (Hons), DClinPsy
Meleane Paea Nacagilevu
Board Member
Meleane brings a wealth of financial expertise to the Board of Trustees. She currently serves as the Treasurer for the Vahefonua Tonga O Aotearoa Synod of the Methodist Church of NZ, a position she has held for over five years.
Meleane is also a highly experienced financial professional, currently working as a Senior Premium Insurance Manager at ASB Bank. With over 20 years of dedicated service to the bank, she possesses a deep understanding of financial management principles.
This combination of experience within both the church and the financial sector makes Meleane a valuable asset to any Board of Trustees.
Sela Finau
Board Member
Sela Finau currently serves as a Policy Director at the Department of Internal Affairs. Prior to this role, she held several key positions within the Ministry of Pacific Peoples, including Director, Policy; Chief Policy Advisor; National Policy Manager; and Private Secretary to three Ministers for Pacific Peoples. Sela holds a Bachelor of Arts and Law from the University of Canterbury, providing a strong foundation for her impactful career in public policy.
BA LLB