MOANANUI COUNCIL

RĀHUI PAPA

Rāhui Papa is a respected national Māori leader, orator and spokesperson for Queen Ngā Wai Hono i te Po. He is a founding member of the Waikato-Tainui Governance Group, he has previously chaired their Executive (Te Arataura) and has served on numerous boards and committees. Rāhui is also a key advisor to government ministers on national issues through the Iwi Leaders’ Forum, which he chaired for many years.

DR TAMATOA BAMBRIDGE (TAUMATA FE'E)

Tamatoa Bambridge is a sociologist. Since 1995, he has been analysing the expression of legal and cultural pluralism in the management of land and sea in the Pacific. In 2001, he defended a thesis on land claims in the Austral Islands, then continued his career in the field of environmental anthropology. A specialist in Rāhui, he is interested in contemporary marine governance, coral reef ecosystem services, watershed management and local knowledge related to biodiversity.

DR MERE TAKOKO

Dr Mere Takoko serves as Executive Trustee of the Moananui Sanctuary Trust and Chief Executive of the Pacific Whale Fund. She is former VP of Conservation International NZ and serves as an Ambassador for King Charles III’s Circular Bioeconomy Alliance, accelerating nature-first economies by connecting investors and Indigenous groups for biodiversity restoration. Mere is also a key advisor on the rights of nature, ethical nature markets and indigenous-led conservation..

LINDA BERCUSSON

COO and Co-founder of the Pacific Whale Fund, and the Moananui Sanctuary Trust, Linda Bercusson has driven Pacific Ocean and ecosystem protection for many years. She has been Instrumental in collaboration between conservation leaders, IPLCs, and policymakers for whale protection and previously worked with Conservation International on Pacific Oceanscape and NbS initiatives. Her journalism background  bridges nature, science, and policy issues for communities.

MELINO MAKA

Melino Maka sits is Chair of Huelo Matamoana Trust, Tonga, demonstrating strong community commitment. He is an influential leader working to strengthen the Tongan community both at home and abroad. As Chair of the Tongan Advisory Council, he focuses on economic development, disaster preparedness, and cultural preservation while advocating for sustainable solutions benefiting people and nature

NADJA SWAROVSKI

Austrian-American businesswoman Nadja Lyn Swarovski (born 1970) shaped the global brand strategy for the multi-billion euro Swarovski company after joining in 1995 as its first female board member. Former Chair of the Swarovski Foundation and head of the Swarovski Waterschool, she also founded the sustainable fashion label Really Wild Clothing. She continues to advocate for conscious design and environmental responsibility.

MELESILA WEILERT (TAUMATA FE'E)

A committed community advocate for marine conservation and sustainable resource management, Melesila Weilert plays a key role in protecting Tonga’s fisheries and coastal ecosystems, safeguarding their long-term health. She works closely with Tongan women's groups and villages to promote responsible fishing practices and ensure that traditional knowledge remains central to conservation efforts, empowering communities to be stewards for future generations.

PATRICK TANGAERE (TAUMATA FE'E)

A respected tribal leader and cultural authority, Patrick Tangaere is the Chairman of Te Rūnanganui o Ngāti Porou and is widely recognised for his leadership and commitment to community-driven initiatives, including regional marine and forest protection efforts. With a strong background in tribal governance, he helps drive awareness and engagement on key conservation and economic issues, particularly those impacting Aotearoa's marine environment and community wellbeing.

FRANCES RANGIHUNA (TAUMATA FE'E)

​Frances Rangihuna is a Ngāti Porou elder, a dedicated mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is an Indigenous children's author and holds a master's degree. Frances is a distinguished exponent of traditional arts, including kapahaka and karanga. She is a compassionate spiritual mentor who guides women and youth, offering comfort and aroha. She is passionate about the overall health, vitality, and enduring wellbeing of our shared ocean environments.

LAVE ‘ILOA OLA

Unoi Ps Suli Layt, also known as Lave ‘Iloa Ola, resides in Brisbane, Australia. Suli is a Senior Public Servant, Public Officer of the Brisbane Tongan Community, a broadcaster and founding director of Pasifika TV and Radio, a lecturer with the Queensland Tongan Language School, Campus Pastor of Life Church Global, Chief Attendant in Australia to His Majesty King Tupou VI and an interlocuter for the Pacific Islands community. Suli has over 30 years experience as a freelance journalist for Tongan media.

RACHEL STEELE

Rachel is committed to communities leading the protection, restoration, and regeneration of their lands, waters, and ecosystems. She works as communications lead for Regenerosity and advocates for Indigenous Peoples food and knowledge systems ​informing pathways towards regenerative economic models. She believes in a future where ecological kinship, or maintaining healthy relationships within the web of life, is a common and shared value.