May 8 2002

The first board of trustees for the new national Pacific radio network was announced today by Pacific Island Affairs Minister Mark Gosche and Broadcasting Minister Marian Hobbs.

The seven-member board will provide strategic direction for the national Pacific radio network, due to begin broadcasting later this year on the FM frequency band (100-108 Mhz). The government is providing almost $7.7 million to establish the network, which will have regional input and be run on a not-for-profit basis.

Leatigagaeono Simativa Iupeli Perese will chair the board. Simativa is a South Auckland barrister with extensive broadcasting experience, including 11 years with Radio New Zealand.

The board members are: journalist Sarona Aiono-Iosefa, IT consultant Sina Moore, broadcaster Fa’amatuainu Tino Pereira, qualified accountants Caren Rangi and Peter Ropati, and strategic business adviser Sifa Tamoepeau.

All have been appointed by the government for four years, based on nominations from Pacific peoples.

“There has been extensive community consultation involved. We are very confident that we have the right mix of people and skills to create a vibrant, successful network,” said the Ministers.

Mr Gosche said the board would be responsible for appointing a radio network provider and for ensuring that the conditions of the network’s trust deed are met.

“Those conditions include helping to maintain and strengthen Pacific languages and promoting Pacific artists, music and culture.

“Today’s announcement is a significant milestone in making the long-held dream of a network a reality. The new network will help Pacific communities organise more effectively as well as strengthening our languages and our culture.”

Note: A photo of the Board and Ministers is available.
A brief profile of board members is attached.
National Pacific Radio Network Board of Trustees

The following are brief profiles of the new Board members.

Leatigagaeono Simativa Perese – Board Chair

Simativa brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the position as Chairperson and is well known within Pacific communities throughout the country. He holds the Samoan matai title of Leatigagaeono. Simativa is a Barrister specialising in civil and commercial litigation and youth justice advocacy in South Auckland and is a member of the Auckland Crown Solicitors prosecution panel, the Auckland Regional Council’s prosecution panel as well as president of the Pacific Lawyers Association. He is also a member of the Minister of Pacific Island Affairs Advisory Council. Simativa has had extensive Broadcasting experience in practical and advisory capacities and was employed as an announcer with Radio New Zealand for 11 years and as a senior contract announcer for Wellington 2ZB and ZMFM. He also assisted in the establishment of Samoa Capital Radio in Wellington. He was a Harkness Fellow in 1995, which is awarded to people who show potential for leadership in their fields and communities. Since then Simativa has demonstrated leadership both in his professional field and in issues pertaining to Pacific communities. He has an LLM from Columbia University and has been awarded a Certificate of recognition of achievement with Honours in International and Foreign Law.

Simativa is Samaon and is based in Auckland.

Caren Rangi

Caren is a qualified accountant and is currently a Project Manager with the firm Kahui Tautoko Ltd. She has had experience in both the public and private sectors. Caren was a consultant with Public Sector performance NZ Ltd between 1999 and 2002 and an auditor with the Government Audit Office between 1989 and 1992. She later become Sector Manager for the Local Government office of the Auditor General, a post she held for 5 years.

Caren is of Cook Islands descent and is based in Wellington.

Peter Ropati

Peter is currently the General Manager of the international firm Globe International Ltd in Auckland. He is a qualified accountant with extensive corporate experience particularly as financial controller with a wide range of consumer product organisations. He also brings to the board proven strategic business planning, information systems management skills and expertise in marketing and brand development. He has had more than 20 years experience with companies which include Glengarry Hancocks Ltd, Ernest and Young, Progressive Enterprises Ltd, Riverlea Holdings (UK) and Fairfax Holdngs Ltd (Melbourne). Peter has represented New Zealand as an international and professional sportsman and is a television sports commentator for Sky sports.

Peter is of Tokelau descent and is based in Auckland.

Sifa Tamoepeau

Sifa is currently employed with Telecom providing strategic advice on strategic business opportunities and risks to the Telecom Government Relations Group and the Executive. Previous employment included policy analyst to the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (2000 – 2001); Senior Researcher for the Government Research Unit (1997 – 2000), and Government Relations manager with the public relations firm NBGR. Sifa has also been a member of the parliamentary EEO committee and brings a strong youth perspective to the Board.

Sifa is Tongan and is based in Wellington.

Sarona Aiono-Iosefa

Sarona has been a journalist with the Christchurch Press since 1986. Sarona is also a casual reporter for TVNZ’s Tagata Pasifika covering South Island stories and she has also published children’s books and learning materials in the Samoan language.

Sarona is of Samaon descent and is based in Christchurch.

Sina Moore

Sina has been a Director with the IT consultancy firm Zytech Ltd in Auckland since 1999. Sina has also had extensive experience in sales and marketing. Until 1993 she was the Sales Manager for Telecom Directories Ltd. Sina has also held a position as Client Manager for the New Zealand Institute of Management and is currently the Chairperson of the Eastern Suburbs Montessori Primary School Charitable Trust in Auckland and Chairperson for the Montessori Primary Education Foundation also in Auckland.

Sina is Samoan and is based in Auckland.

Fa’amatuainu Tino Pereira

Fa’amatuainu is an experienced broadcaster with 20 years involvement in radio broadcasting, including responsibilities as a reporter and news editor for Radio New Zealand Network News. Fa’amatuainu has participated, and continues to participate, in a range of Pacific advisory groups to various sectors including Government with his most recent appointment as a board member on the Capital Coast District Health Board.

Fa’amatuainu is Samoan and lives in Wellington.

© Scoop Media