Pacific Education Foundation Board Member’s
Fiso John Fiso ONZM
Fiso John Fiso ONZM is one of New Zealand’s most respected Pacific leaders, recognised for his lifelong commitment to education, leadership development, and empowering Pacific communities. A Samoan high chief holding the prestigious Fiso title from Vaitoomuli, Samoa, John is known nationally and internationally for his visionary leadership, philanthropy, and dedication to educational excellence.
For over four decades, John has championed opportunities for Pacific learners, creating pathways into tertiary education, professional careers, and leadership roles. His influence extends across education, sport, health, and community sectors through his service on numerous national boards and advisory bodies.
As Chair of the Pacific Education Foundation Board, Fiso John Fiso provides strategic leadership, advancing the Foundation’s mission to support Pacific students through scholarships, achievement, and leadership development.
Chairman
Ioane Aleke Fa’avae
Ioane Aleke Fa’avae is a respected Niuean educator, cultural advocate, researcher, author, and former journalist with more than three decades of service to Pacific communities in Aotearoa New Zealand. He has dedicated his career to the preservation and promotion of Vagahau Niue, Pacific cultures, and educational success for Pacific learners.
As Deputy Chair of the Pacific Education Foundation Board, Ioane brings extensive expertise in Pacific education, language revitalisation, cultural leadership, governance, and community development.
Deputy Chair
Fa’alogo Rosi Fitzpatrick is an experienced Pacific education leader, community advocate, and governance professional with a long-standing commitment to improving educational outcomes for Pacific learners in Aotearoa New Zealand.
As Treasurer of the Pacific Education Foundation Board, Rosi provides financial stewardship and governance oversight while supporting the Foundation’s work in advancing educational opportunities for Pacific students.
Treasurer
Fa’alogo Rosi Fitzpatrick
Board Member
Isaac Liava’a
Isaac Liava’a is an experienced Pacific leader, educator, strategist, and financial capability advocate with extensive experience in workforce development, tertiary education, and community empowerment.
Barbara Ala’alatoa ONZM is one of New Zealand’s most respected educational leaders. A proud Samoan New Zealander, she has dedicated her career to improving outcomes for children and young people, particularly those from Pacific and diverse communities.
As a Board Member of the Pacific Education Foundation, Barbara brings extensive expertise in educational leadership, governance, equity, and Pacific learner success.
Board Member
Barbara Ala’alatoa ONZM
Government Agency Representatives
Sela Kutu Finau
Sela Kutu Finau is an experienced public sector leader and policy specialist with extensive expertise in education, Pacific development, public policy, and government strategy.
As the Ministry of Education Representative on the Pacific Education Foundation Board, she provides valuable insights into education policy, strategic leadership, and Pacific learner success.
Ministry of Education Representative
Dr Salainaoloa Wilson-Uili
Dr Salainaoloa Wilson‑Uili is Chief Advisor Languages at the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, where she leads strategic work to strengthen and sustain Pacific languages across Aotearoa New Zealand. Her work has a strong focus on education and lifelong learning, supporting Pacific learners to achieve success grounded in their languages, cultures and identities. She brings experience across tertiary teaching, research and government, with a background in linguistics, Samoan studies and language revitalisation. Salainaoloa’s leadership is shaped by her upbringing in a Samoan family in Wellington and her commitment to Pacific values of service and collective wellbeing. She offers a blend of policy leadership, academic expertise and lived experience, with a particular focus on advancing opportunities for Pacific students and strengthening pathways for future generations to thrive.
Ministry for Pacific Peoples Representative