1 Jul, 2026
The Fono CEO appointed Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the University of Auckland
The Board and staff of The Fono Trust congratulate our CEO Fiugalu Tevita Funaki MNZM, who has been appointed as one of seven Honorary Senior Research Fellows at Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa – Centre for Pacific and Global Health, Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland.
The appointment recognises distinguished Pacific and global health leaders whose expertise will strengthen research, teaching and impact across Aotearoa New Zealand and the wider Pacific region.
The appointment recognises Funaki's longstanding contribution to Pacific health leadership and his commitment to improving health and wellbeing outcomes for Pacific communities. It also reflects his extensive experience in health governance, policy and service delivery, and his ongoing advocacy for equitable health outcomes across Aotearoa and the Pacific.
I am deeply honoured to be appointed as an Honorary Senior Research Fellow. This recognition reflects the collective efforts of many people who have supported and inspired me throughout my career. I am grateful to The Fono Board, our staff, our partners and the Pacific communities we serve, who continue to shape and strengthen this work every day. I look forward to contributing to research that is grounded in our Pacific values and translates into meaningful improvements for our communities.
Funaki has served as Chief Executive of The Fono Trust since 2010, leading the organisation's growth as New Zealand's largest Pacific community-owned provider of health, social and education services. Before joining The Fono, he was Pacific Health Manager for ProCare Health Ltd and National Pasifika Liaison Advisor for Massey University.
In addition to leading The Fono, Funaki contributes to Pacific health through a wide range of governance and advisory roles, helping to shape health policy, strengthen services and advocate for better outcomes for Pacific peoples. As an Honorary Senior Research Fellow, he will contribute to mentoring emerging Pacific researchers, strengthening research partnerships across the region, and advancing research that informs policy and practice.
The Fono Trust Board Chair, Nacanieli Yalimaiwai, congratulated Funaki on the appointment.
The Board warmly congratulates Tevita on this appointment. Over more than a decade as Chief Executive, he has earned the regard of the Pacific health sector, and we are pleased to see that acknowledged by Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa and the University of Auckland. He takes on this role with our full support, and we look forward to his continued leadership of The Fono.
Read more about the appointment HERE on Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland's website.
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