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 the empowerment of Pacific communities. A Samoan high chief who holds the prestigious Fiso title from Vaitoomuli, Samoa, he is recognised nationally and internationally for his visionary leadership, philanthropy, and dedication to educational excellence.
For more than four decades, John has championed opportunities for Pacific learners, helping create pathways into tertiary education, professional careers, and leadership. His contribution spans the education, health, sport, and community sectors through service on numerous national boards and advisory groups.
As Chair of the Pacific Education Foundation Board, John provides strategic leadership to advance the Foundation's mission of improving educational outcomes for Pacific learners. He guides PEF's work to expand access to scholarships, strengthen leadership development, and create opportunities that empower Pacific communities to thrive.
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. Throughout his career, he has championed the preservation and revitalisation of Vagahau Niue, while advancing Pacific cultures and supporting the educational success of 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. His strategic leadership and deep cultural knowledge help guide the Foundation's work to strengthen educational opportunities and outcomes for Pacific learners.
Deputy Chair
Fa’alogo Rosi Fitzpatrick
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
Isaac Liava’a
Board Member
Isaac Liava'a is an experienced Pacific leader, educator, strategist, and financial capability advocate with extensive expertise in workforce development, tertiary education, and community empowerment.
As a member of the Pacific Education Foundation Board, Isaac brings strategic insight and a strong commitment to expanding educational opportunities for Pacific learners. His expertise in education, workforce development, and financial capability supports the Foundation's mission to empower Pacific communities through scholarships, leadership development, and pathways to lifelong success.
Barbara Ala’alatoa ONZM
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 educational 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. Her strategic insight and unwavering commitment to inclusive education help guide the Foundation's work to expand opportunities, strengthen achievement, and empower Pacific learners to realise their full potential.
Board Member
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
