New Pacific leadership appointments for PBT and languages boards

The Minister for Pacific Peoples, Dr Shane Reti, has announced new appointments to the boards of the Pacific Business Trust (PBT) and the Centre for Pacific Languages (CPL).

Sāmoan businessman Uluomato’otua Saulaulu Aiono has been appointed as the Chair of the PBT Board for a three-year term. He replaces outgoing chair Paul Retimanu, who has held the position since August 2022.

Uluomato’otua was the first Pacific person to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA). He also founded the software technology company, COGITA.

Pacific fashion entrepreneur Nora Swann and early childhood educator Lanuola Moe-Penn have also been appointed to the PBT Board.

The Centre for Pacific Languages has welcomed health expert Dr Polu Apollo Taito as a new member, while Dr Rae Si’ilata has been reappointed.

“The Pacific Business Trust and the Centre for Pacific Languages represent two pillars of Pacific progress, one driving economic growth and entrepreneurship, the other safeguarding language and cultural identity, which in turn builds confidence and enhances employment,” Reti says.

Uluomato'otua Saulaulu Aiono ONZM is a Samoan-born New Zealand technology entrepreneur, civic leader, and philanthropist. Photo/Supplied

The minister thanked outgoing board member Dr Jean Mitaera for her service and contributions to the languages centre.

The centre aims to preserve and restore Pacific languages and cultures by offering free language courses, cultural competency workshops, and translation services.

The PBT aims to deliver tailored programmes and services that support entrepreneurs and businesses. It provides access to funding, training, mentoring, and networking opportunities, with a vision to empower Pacific businesses using innovative solutions and tools.

Finance Minister, Nicola Willis (front row, fourth from left) paid a visit to the Pacific Business Trust earlier this year. Photo/Supplied

Documents obtained by PMN News, through an Official Information Act (OIA) request, reveal that the PBT’s contract value with the Ministry for Pacific Peoples halved in the financial year 2022/23 to $2.5 million.

Most recently, the PBT received a $4.8m contract for the 2024/25 financial year.

Watch the Centre for Pacific Languages' hold their first-ever Koloa Pacific Language Fono in 2023 below.