Governance

Saimoni Lealea MNZM is the principal of SDL Consultancy, with over a decade of senior public service and policy experience in New Zealand. A former ministerial appointee to the Arts Council and Chair of the Pacific Arts Committee, he has worked across government, academia, and community sectors. Sai holds qualifications in economics and public policy from Victoria University and is a fluent Fijian speaker with strong Pacific networks. In 2018, he was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to Pacific communities.

Holona is a New Zealand-born Niuean who specialises in empowering people and building high-performing, culturally diverse teams. He brings expertise in cross-cultural communication, project management, and Pacific community engagement, often advising on how to connect effectively with Pacific Peoples. A Victoria University graduate in English Literature, he’s also accredited in the Team Management System and skilled in Appreciative Inquiry. Holona takes a strengths-based, solutions-focused approach to leadership, learning, and development.

Teremoana is an award-winning rapper and creative strategist with over 25 years in leadership roles across music, television, and events. She’s led major projects across 15 countries, including writing Auckland’s 10-year creative industries strategy and co-leading Pacific workforce initiatives. Teremoana was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2021 and has since received major industry honours, including the Pacific Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Award. She continues to serve on key boards and advocates for Māori and Pacific innovation through her work with The Hefty Agency.

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 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 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, Vice-Chairperson for the Fono Trust and a Trustee of the Respect Trust, and stood as the NZ National Party candidate for Kelston in the 2023 general election.