Andrew’s background is in law but his strength lies in the breadth of his experiences. He has worked across government, non-profits, universities, business and in professional sports across the globe and leverages these insights and experiences to create innovative solutions. Andrew holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Masters of Education (Research).

Nicola has published across health, community development, youth culture, identity, urban design and wellbeing. Her academic pursuits have been focused on operationalising research – her passion is seeing thoughts turn into action with positive and sustainable effects. Nicola is currently the MANA Pasifika Research Centre Director. She holds a PhD in Public Health and more importantly is mum to 4 kids.

Juliana Mohok McLaughlin is from Manus Island, Papua New Guinea. For the past 20 years she has been lecturing in Indigenous knowledges, decolonising methodologies, research ethics and protocols of engagement and professional practice. Her research is driven by her passion for Indigenous knowledges and social justice, development and comparative education, decolonising research, curricula and pedagogy.

PhD in Behavioural Science. He is the Head of Pacific Health, School of Population Health at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. Vili’s scholarly interests include Pacific health issues in the Pacific region & New Zealand, Pacific men’s health, alcohol, tobacco, drugs and substance abuse, and has published widely internationally on these topics. Vili is of Niuean descent.

Finau Glen Tuala has taught Science and Biology in secondary schools in New Zealand and the United Kingdom over the past 20 years and is also passionate about community development. He has served at a governance level on several boards of schools and NGO’s. He has diverse business interests across different sectors and a wealth of experience and expertise in building organisational capacity and capability with a focus on serving communities. He holds the orator title Finau from Safa’atoa, Lefaga and Pule from Fasito’o-tai and also connects to Apia, Matautu, Lefaga, as well as Sagone and Salelologa, Savaii in Western Samoa.

Nakita is a skilled HR specialist with a talent for fostering growth and harmonious work environments. She has in-depth expertise in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme, with experience in recruiting and placing workers from the Pacific in various Australian industries. Nakita has managed the end-to-end process, ensuring compliance with regulations and agreements. Nakita holds Diploma in Human Resources Management.