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The Pacific Disability Forum works across the Pacific and this is reflected in our board and staff. Learn more about the people who work with us to improve the lives of persons with disabilities in the Pacific below.
Kevin Hosking (Cook Islands) Co-Chair (Male)
Kevin is the former president of CINDC 2011-2015 which reported to the UNCRPD committe in April 2015 on the lists of issues raised by the committee following the state party report 2011, the first Pacific country and DPO to do so
Nelly Caleb (Vanuatu) Co-Chair (Female)
Nelly Caleb of Vanuatu – National Coordinator of Disability Promotion & Advocacy Association of Vanuatu.
Kyle Miers (Australia) Board Member Kyle Miers is the Chief Executive Officer of Deaf Australia Ipul Powaseu (Papua New Guinea) Board Member
Ipul Powaseu is the chairperson of the Papua New Guinea Association of Disabled Persons
Tewai Halatau (New Zealand) Board Member Tewai Halatau is a board member of Akamarama Advocacy Inc
Board Member
Teewata Aromata has been a champion for disability for Te Toa Matoa in Kiribati and the development of Te Toa Matoa and continues to be active in promoting disability inclusion and rights in Kiribati. She is also a local advisor on disability for Te Toa Matoa
Faaolo Utumapu-Utailesolo (Samoa) Board Member Faaolo Utumapu-Utailesolo is the Secretary of the board of Nuanua O Le Alofa Association, and promotion and awareness coordinator for SENESE inclusive support service. Rakesh Chand (Fiji) Board Member
Rakesh Chand is the President of the Fiji Disabled Peoples Federation
Ulise Pilima Misa (akaRhema Misser) (Tonga) Board Member
Rhema Misser is currently the Vice president of Naunau O’E Alemaite Tonga Association based in Nuku’alofa, Tonga.
Setareki S. Macanawai CEO
Setareki Macanawai is one of the pioneers of the disability movement in the Pacific and one of the DPO leaders who established the Pacific Disability Forum. He was our 1st staff member in 2006 charged with the responsibility of setting up the PDF Secretariat in Suva, Fiji in January 2007. He has lead the PDF team, and fostered the disability movement across the Pacific since then. Setareki was recognised for his contributions by the UN in 2012 with an Asia-Pacific Disability Rights Champions Award.
Katabwena Tawaka Program Manager
Katabwena Tawaka joined PDF at the end of 2010. He brought a lot experience from his role as Program Manager for PIANGO. He manages the 5 person Progam Team.
Bimal Narayan Finance and Administration Manager
Bimal Narayan has been with PDF since 2009. He manages all financial, accounting and administrative matters and leads the administration team.
Angeline has been with PDF since 2009. Her role is developing the capacity of our member PDF Disabled Peoples Organisations through training and support. She also manages the Pacific Disabled People’s Organisation Development Fund. Angeline has been recognised for her work by the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement.
Naomi Navoce Gender and Youth Officer
Naomi has been with PDF since 2010. She works with our members in issues concerning gender and youth and builds relationships with other organisations that stand for gender and youth issues.
Shane Antonio Disability Inclusive Development Officer
Shane has been with PDF since 2012. He works with DPOs to achieve disability inclusive policies to achieve inclusive development at provincial and national level.
Laisa Vereti Qalo Research and Development Officer Laisa Vereti is the new research and development officer for the Pacific Disability Forum. She was part of the UNPRPD Project and based at PDF as a UNV Volunteer. She previously worked as a programme coordinator for the Pacific Islands Association of NGO(PIANGO), a regional platform in the region. Prior to that she was an executive assistant/programme officer for a national NGO, the Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS). She also worked for the Fiji School of Medicine and Oxfam Australia’s research in Fiji. Simione Bula Information Officer
Simione Bula is responsible for all information, communication, and Technology aspects within PDF. He also works with Disabled People’s Organisations to build their capacity in ICT.
Miliana Raturibi Excutive Officer
Miliana has been with PDF since 2010. She handles all secretariat work for the Chief Executive Officer.
Mereseini Bolaira Finance and Admin Assistant
Mereseini has been with PDF since 2012 and she handles all administrative and financial work for the secretariat. She provides administrative support to the Finance and Administration Team.
Neori Lagi Driver and Office Assistant
Neori is our driver and office assistant. He is responsible for all transportation matters and also assists in running errands and the office clean up.