Appointments to National Pacific Media Trust

Hinurewa (Hinu) te Hau, Dr Ruby Manukia-Schaumkel, and Ruth Sio-Lokam have recently been appointed to the Board of the National Pacific Media Trust. Additionally, current Board members Teremoana Rapley and Holona Lui have been reappointed, with Holona appointed Deputy Chair.

“The National Pacific Media Trust plays a vital role in supporting Pacific storytelling through media, promoting cultural visibility, and strengthening the voice of Pacific peoples in Aotearoa. I congratulate all five members on their appointment or reappointment to the Board,” says Secretary for Culture and Heritage, Leauanae Laulu Mac Leauanae.

The Board is responsible for ensuring the organisation’s vision is upheld through strong governance and strategic leadership.

“Each of the trustees brings unique strengths that will help shape the future of Pacific media. Their contributions will help ensure the Trust continues to be representative and responsive to our communities,” says Gerardine Clifford-Lidstone, Secretary for Pacific Peoples.

“We warmly welcome the appointment of the new members to our Trust Board,” says Saimoni Lealea, Chair of the National Pacific Media Trust.

“Their knowledge, experience, and strong connections to Pacific communities will be invaluable as we continue to champion Pacific voices and stories across Aotearoa.

“This is a critical time for Pacific media, and the expertise these trustees bring will strengthen our ability to navigate challenges and seize new opportunities in an evolving media landscape."

Mr Lealea also acknowledged and thanked outgoing trustees Sholan Ivaiti, Jerome MIka and Richard Broadbridge for their service and dedication to the Pacific media sector.

“Sholan Ivaiti served as Chair of the Board’s Audit and Risk Subcommittee, and during his tenure, Pacific Media Network achieved strong financial performance and maintained a sound financial position,” says Mr Lealea.

“Together with Jerome, Richard, Holona, Teremoana, and former trustee Maria Fuata, the Board has helped usher in the Moanaverse Strategy, the foundation for transforming Pacific Media Network into a global leader in Pacific language broadcasting and a truly digital multimedia entity.”

The National Pacific Media Trust is responsible for supporting Pacific media platforms, including Pacific language broadcasting, community media access, and the development of Pacific media professionals.

These appointments have been made by the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage and the Minister for Pacific Peoples, with the three new trustees being appointed for terms ending 31 May 2028. Holona Lui and Teremoana Rapley have been reappointed to 31 October 2027.

Bios

Ruth Sio-Lokam
Ruth Sio-Lokam is a Chartered Accountant with over 20 years’ experience in auditing, advisory, and public practice, including work in New Zealand and the UK. She is the owner of Akono Advisory Ltd and is actively involved in governance, serving on boards such as New Zealand Water Polo, Sistema Aotearoa Trust, and the Pacific Development and Conservation Trust. Ruth has deep connections with Pasifika communities and will act as Treasurer of the National Pacific Media Trust.

Hinurewa (Hinu) te Hau
Hinurewa te Hau is a strategic leader in Indigenous economic and cultural development, with experience across the creative, tourism, and workforce sectors. She is the Founder of the Matariki Cultural Foundation and Director of Matariki Global Holdings Ltd, a social enterprise supporting Indigenous-led creative enterprise and international collaboration in world music. Through the Foundation, she supports initiatives such as Pacific Underground and the Samoana Jazz and Arts Festival, with a focus on advancing Pacific musicians into global markets through WOMEX and other cultural exchanges. She chairs both the Pacific Fono for Workforce Development Councils and the Kauri Museum in Matakohe, Northland and holds governance roles that advocate for Māori and Pacific visibility and influence at home and abroad.

Dr Rubinstine (Ruby) Manukia-Schaumkel
Dr Rubinstine Manukia-Schaumkel is a qualified barrister and solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand, currently practising as a Senior Property and Commercial Lawyer with International Legal Expertise and Dispute Resolution Specialist experience at NZ Legal. She has served as in-house counsel for the Methodist Church of New Zealand, Te Haahi Weteriana o Aotearoa. She holds a PhD, LL.M (with honors), LL.B and BA (Major in
Education). Ruby worked in the United States representing clients in international trade law and foreign policy before returning to New Zealand. Ruby developed an interest in politics and public service while living in Washington, DC experiencing first-hand the responsibilities of the senate and house on Capitol Hill. Ruby is a former elected member of Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ), serving on the Whau Local Board, where she helped progress a wide range of local initiatives and contributed to region-wide plans and policies. Ruby helped take the unique Auckland governance model to its next stage and played a part in progressing Auckland to be the world’s most liveable city. Ruby was involved in the 2015-2025 Long Term Plan, three Annual Plans and the Unitary Plan. Ruby has strong board governance experience serving and advising on local boards, including the Board of Administration for the Methodist Church of New Zealand.

Click on this link to see the full Board Bios and Annual Reports