Meet The Team

Respected Waikato orator Rāhui Papa is an authority on their language and customs, with a background in broadcasting and education. 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.

Nature finance economist Ralph Chami is Co-founder of Blue Green Future, the Pacific Whale Fund, and the Moananui Sanctuary Trust, pioneering natural capital finance. His 25 years at the IMF reshaped financial markets' view of ecosystems. A Science-Based Finance℠ innovator, he values nature as an asset, collaborating with SIDS, Indigenous groups, and governments on large-scale conservation finance. Chami holds a Ph.D. in Economics.

Chief Executive and Co-founder of Pacific Whale
Fund, and the Moananui Sanctuary Trust, Mere is former VP of Conservation International NZ. She is an Ambassador for King Charles III’s Circular Bioeconomy Alliance, accelerating nature-first economies by connecting investors and Indigenous groups for biodiversity restoration. Her PhD thesis explores whale conservation, ethical blue economy markets, and NbS frameworks respecting Indigenous rights.

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.

Co-founder and COO of Blue Green Future, Dinah Nieburg is a leader in valuing natural capital. Her early work in 2019 highlighted great whales' economic value, reshaping conservation finance. For over five years, she's expanded Blue Green Future's impact, co-authoring "Towards a Nature-Based Economy" (2022) and researching legal personhood for whales. With 20+ years as an executive coach/psychologist for UN and IMF leaders, Dinah holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology.

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 stepped down from Swarovski in late 2021 and continues to advocate for conscious design and environmental responsibility.

Steven Cuthers serves as the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Pomare Principality, Tahiti, overseeing the international affairs of Arikinui Joinville Pōmare. The Pōmare dynasty historically reigned over the Kingdom of Tahiti from 1788 to 1880, their influence extending across much of the Society Islands, the Austral Islands, and the Tuamotu Archipelago. In his role, Steven navigates the complexities of modern diplomacy while representing the legacy and interests of this significant Polynesian royal lineage.

A dedicated leader and entrepreneur, Melino Maka sits on the Moananui Sanctuary Board and 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

Rebecca Lane leads Vitalia Advisory, bridging traditional finance and natural capital. With 10+ years in capital markets, she puts nature on balance sheets. An Advisor at Blue Green Future, she structures impactful conservation for communities and investors. Co-leading Moananui Sanctuary's financing, she channels investment into marine protection for IPLCs. A former Jefferies SVP (M&A, ESG), she holds degrees from Cambridge and Oxford (Sustainable Finance).

Marjadi Kooistra is co-founder of TogetherForTheBetterGood (TFTBG), where she leads sustainable financial structuring and program governance for NbS.  As part of her role with the PWF, she co-leads the set-up, implementation, and management of the Fund and its innovative finance mechanisms. With over 28 years of experience, Marjadi brings deep expertise in cross-border structuring, impact-linked bonds, and carbon markets, focused on long-term value for investors, nature and people.

Hans Bergsma is a business economist and institutional finance specialist with over 30 years of experience in investment fund governance, control, and outsourcing. As co-founder of TogetherForTheBetterGood, he co-leads the structuring and risk-based governance of the PWF and its finance instruments. TFTBG developed the Risk-Based Blue Carbon Governance Framework and brings deep knowledge of fund design, program implementation, and risk management.

As a Swiss German Māori Creative Director, artist and musician, Amelia is inspired by her multicultural roots and multi-disciplinary experience in design and the public sector. This along with her interest in bridging the scientific, natural and mystical realms through emotive visual audio experiences has organically led her to specialising in design that integrates Indigenous and Western world views. She is currently working on her debut album about the deep ocean ecosystems.

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.

An experienced legal and business professional, Dr William Clive Edwards has played a significant role in Tonga’s legal and commercial sectors, providing invaluable expertise and guidance on whale legal personhood. With expertise in corporate law and litigation, he advises both public and private entities on sustainable development and governance. A former rugby league representative, he brings a strong sense of leadership and dedication to community progress and wellbeing.

An entrepreneur and media leader, George T. Koloamatangi is the CEO of Huelo Matamoana and is known for his work as publisher of the Tonga Independent. He is deeply committed to community-driven initiatives, including ocean conservation efforts. With a strong background in business, media, and sports development, he helps drive awareness and engagement on key environmental and economic issues, particularly those impacting Tonga's marine environment and community wellbeing.

Renowned Tongan academic and politician Dr. ‘Uhilamoelangi Fasi strongly champions education and good governance for his nation. Holding a PhD in Mathematics Education, he significantly shaped Tonga's education system. As a Member of Parliament and Anti-Corruption Committee Chair, he tackles critical national issues with integrity and vision. Bridging academia and politics, Dr. Fasi is a valuable asset to Tonga's national affairs and progressing an equitable education system.

Respected Tongan leader Dr. ‘Aisake Valu Eke shapes Tonga's economy through finance and public service. As Prime Minister of Tonga holding Finance and Fisheries portfolios, he drives sustainable development in Tonga, leveraging deep economic policy knowledge. His expertise, gained from academic achievement and international development, makes him a regional asset. Dr. Valu Eke's dedication to Tonga earns him widespread admiration.