The Rotorua Pacific Islands Development Trust Board have a passion in supporting and developing our Pasifika families and communities. The Board comprises of local Pasifika individuals with a skill set to match the requirements of effective governance. Supporting operations, and creating new pathways is a priority, and ensuring the Trust is vigilant in its’ endeavour for growth.
Chris Simanu / Chairperson
NZ Cert Commerce (Waikato Technical Institute – 1977) B.Education (Hamilton Teachers College – 1979 B.Commerce (Waikato University – 1980) ACA (Hamilton Registry of Associated Chartered Accountants – 1982)
Ethnicity: Samoan
Having worked for the Inland Revenue from 1982 to 1987, I have been fortunate to acquire experience within the government sector, that has been helpful as a business owner and operator for over 30 years. My wife and I have 4 adult children, and have been blessed with 9 grandchildren and counting. Over the years we have supported various Pacific Island youth groups in Rotorua, and are active members of our local Samoan community and church. Having a close knit family, our Samoan values have guided us through the years for a prosperous future through perseverance in the now.
“Tautua nei mo sou manuia taeao”
(Serve now, for a better tomorrow)
Karoline Setu-Galo / Secretary
Tālofa lava,
My name is Karoline Setu-Galo and I was born in Safotu, Savaii Samoa. I have an extensive background in Senior Administration and have worked in various roles such as a medical typist, EA and PA. I am currently a Faculty Administrator at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology.
Outside of my professional career I am also a Justice of the Peace, a nominated person for the Rotorua Police and also a Samoan interpreter for the Lakes District Health Board.
As the nominated Samoan representative of the RPIDCT Board, I have the honour, challenge and responsibility of understanding how everything needs to work together to accomplish a common goal. I feel deeply honoured to contribute to a meaningful cause for our Pasifika communities of Rotorua.
Joji Bilivalu / Treasurer
Bula vinaka in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
My name is Joji Uluinakauvadra Bilivalu and I represent the Rotorua Fijian Community on the Rotorua Pacific Island Development Charitable Trust (RPIDCT) as a Trust Board member. I am married to Salote Leba Bilivalu with 4 children and I am an Electrical Engineer by Trade. I received my Bachelor in Engineering (Electrical) with second class honours from the Auckland University of Technology in 2009. I have been in the Power industry for almost 30 years, of which 10 years I have spent in Aotearoa. In those 10 years, I have been a Project Manager with Unison here in Rotorua/Taupo, with WEL Networks in Hamilton, and SRG Global NZ in Auckland (looking after the whole of the North Island for transmission tower maintenance works). In July 2022 I was offered the General Manager’s position for GDF Ltd Electrical Services here in Rotorua, a position I currently hold.
I am very passionate about the work I do for my community, in particular, the youth and church groups (Rotorua Fijian Methodist Parish in Bainbridge Centre). I sincerely believe that a healthy community is one where the members work harmoniously together and one that has a vibrant youth group. As a Board member in the RPIDCT, I see a lot of opportunities for the Pasifika communities to grow in Aotearoa. We, the board members are putting in place governance policies to ensure this and that our community in Rotorua have every opportunity to prosper and at the same time keep our unique Pasifika identity intact.
I wish you all our Pasifika community in Rotorua a very prosperous journey in Aotearoa and may the blessings of God Almighty be always upon you and your families.
Vinaka Vakalevu.
Tere Mitchell-Piua
Ko Ikurangi te maunga, Ko te moana nui o kiwa te moana, Ko Takitumu te vaka, Ko Ngati Raina raua ko Ngati Tamuera Ariki nga Koputangata, Ko Araura, Ngaputoru, Enua manu, Foturangaranga, Tumotevarovaro nga enua Tupuna, Ko Elia Mitchell raua ko Ake Engu-Tavai Mitchell oku metua, Ko Upokoina Piua oku Tane, E aa nga tamariki, E toru nga mokopuna, Ko Tere Ekalesia Nikao Mitchell Piua toku ingoa, No Rotorua mai au, Kia orana tatou katoatoa,
I acknowledge my Tupuna / ancestors of the Cook Islands and bring them forth with me and my family through my akapapaanga / genealogy. I have strong values to uphold my culture and have extensive experiences with promoting and leading Pasifika events and gatherings. I have a Bachelor’s in Education and qualified as a registered teacher in Early Childhood. I am Manager for a local Early Childhood Centre. I am the current Vice Chairlady for our Cook Islands community and one of the leaders for Te Pua Inano cultural group. I am passionate about working in a cohesive manner, maintaining and revitalising our Cook Islands culture for our Cook Islands people and our wider community. I love to share and gain more experiences and knowledge from our Pa metua / older generation for our young and next generation to come. I bring my skill set of organisation, Early childhood knowledge, confidence, humility and leadership. Am approachable and love to serve our community and acknowledge God as our provider and maker of all things.
Kia manuia.
Viliame Baleinasuva
Bula Vinaka, Namaste.
My name is Viliame Baleinasuva and I was born on the garden island of Fiji, Taveuni.
I am an Electrical Engineer by profession, graduating from Auckland University of Technology in 2008 with a BE majoring in Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
I have over 30 years’ experience in the electricity distribution industry, specifically designing and project managing of major capital projects, customer initiated works and defects. I currently work for Northpower as a Project Manager based in Tauranga and Matamata.
I am driven as a volunteer to assist in ways that will support Pasifika peoples to settle into New Zealand and Rotorua. That they will enjoy being part of our community and create the future that they have dreamed of. As a Trustee of this charity, I believe that is achievable.
Vinaka Vakalevu.
