Board Leadership Grows Stronger with New Officer Appointments

The Fono Trust has appointed two experienced board members to key officer roles, with Tupuivao Harry Fatu Toleafoa stepping up as Vice Chairperson and John Paterson taking on the role of Treasurer and Chair of the Finance, Audit, Human Resources and Risk Committee. Additionally, we're proud to announce that Dr Ruby Manukia-Schaumkel has been appointed to the National Pacific Media Trust Board, bringing her legal expertise and governance experience to support Pacific storytelling and media representation across Aotearoa.  

Spotlight on Tupuivao Harry Fatu Toleafoa – Vice Chairperson, The Fono Trust  Hailing from the Samoan villages of Vaigalu, Lepā and Vaie'e, Sāfata, Harry was born and raised in West Auckland. He holds an LLM (Hons)/BA with a specialised focus on Pacific peoples and is an enrolled Barrister and Solicitor of the New Zealand High Court. His professional background spans law, education, and community advocacy, with roles at the University of Auckland Faculty of Law, the Pacific Lawyers Association executive committee, and currently as a legal educator with Māngere Community Law Centre. His governance experience includes the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board since 2019, along with various housing and community regeneration groups. Outside of his professional commitments, Harry enjoys mentoring youth at his local church, Henderson Ekalesia Fa'apotopotoga o Samoa i Niu Sila, supporting Manu Samoa rugby, and reading Samoan literature.

Spotlight on John Paterson – Treasurer and Kaumātua, The Fono Trust  John Paterson, of Māori descent, serves as both The Fono's Treasurer and Kaumātua, bringing cultural leadership and wisdom alongside his governance expertise. His 28 years developing Māori Health Operational Strategy across Auckland DHBs, plus his current work with Counties Manukau Health, gives him deep understanding of strategic management and community partnerships. John's diverse background also includes 19 years of engineering experience with New Zealand Railways and service on several education and community trust boards. This wide-ranging experience reflects his lifelong commitment to strengthening both Pacific and Māori communities. Outside of his professional commitments, he enjoys spending time with whānau, fishing and going for walks.

Spotlight on Dr Ruby Manukia-Schaumkel – Board member, The Fono Trust  Ruby, of Tongan descent, is a qualified barrister and solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand, currently practising as a Senior Property and Commercial Lawyer with international legal expertise. She holds a PhD, LL.M (honours), LL.B and BA, and has extensive experience in law and policy both in New Zealand and abroad, including representing clients in international trade law and foreign policy in the United States. Her governance experience includes serving on the Whau Local Board, Methodist Church of New Zealand Board of Administration, and her recent appointment to the National Pacific Media Trust Board, where she brings her legal expertise to support Pacific storytelling and media representation across Aotearoa. Ruby enjoys spending time with her family, coaching junior rugby, promoting health and fitness, and reading and writing adult non-fiction books. She's the author of several books including 'Like a Dove' and 'Culture Crossroads: Dealing with the pressures and demands on Pacific Islanders living in Aotearoa'.