Meet the Executives

NZTBC Chair
Rachel Afeaki - Taumoepeau M.Com

Rachel was the founding Chair in 2010 and has served as an executive for the past 3 years. Re-elected as Chair in 2019-20, she is an experienced strategic and business director overseeing key relationships across the Pacific region and internationally in the both public and private sector in the various governing roles she holds. Her broad commercial experience includes numerous projects between New Zealand and the Pacific region concerning trade and investment promotion and facilitation, international research expeditions, public relations, government, and NGO advisory through her company FaceNorth Promotions Ltd. Rachel is heavily engaged across the business, church, and community sectors of NZ and internationally. As a Chartered Director, Rachel has 20+ years of management experience in the IT, business, NFPs/Community groups sectors. Rachel currently is a board member for Pacific Trade Invest NZ, Habitat for Humanity NZ, Bowel Cancer NZ, Ember Wellbeing Trust, and Vitae Trust. Rachel is Chair for Waikato Pacific Business Network, an executive member for the NZ Institute of Directors, Waikato. and a trustee for the Community Link Trust. She recently completed 4 years on the board for the National Pacific Business Trust.
 

Rachel offers authentic Pacific governance underpinned by the values of integrity, goodwill, and excellence who can strategically influence and encourage diverse dialogue to ‘bridge build’ for the purpose of social-economic prosperity for communities, businesses, and government for global impact.

NZTBC Vice Chair
Shazad Ibnul

Shazad hails from Fiji and the Solomon Islands and has for over 16 years working in the water & sanitation, and renewable energy sectors. He has led and managed multi-disciplined teams for the successful delivery of multi-million dollar projects within the renewable energy, mining, oil & gas, water, and wastewater sectors in the Pacific Islands; and has a deep understanding of the issues Pacific Island countries are facing. Shazad has robust multi-tiered relationship networks within the region, particularly Tonga, Samoa, New Caledonia, PNG, Fiji, Solomon Islands, and the Cook Islands.

Shazad speaks English, Hindi, Pidgin English (Solomon Is), Tokpisin (PNG), Bislama (Vanuatu), Fijian Hindi, and Urdu. He has a Post Grad Master of Business Administration from Southern Cross University and a New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (NZCE – Mech).

Shazad’s motto is to “lead with enthusiasm rather than just manage”, and throughout his career has focused on assisting others to realise what they never thought they could.

NZTBC Treasurer 
Sam Tangitau

Board Member
Gautum Kishore

Board Member
Sefita Hao’uli

Board Member
Bhaskar Sharma

Bhaskar Sharma was exposed to International Business and trading over 25 years ago while employed as Sales Manager, Pacific for Fletcher Challenge Steel International Limited and later with a private export trading company in Auckland, NZ. Bhaskar established his company some 14 years ago and his engineering background and experience have given Alrite Steel a competitive edge in New Zealand and Pacific Islands markets. The company now represents various major New Zealand and Asian manufacturers and supplies all types of steel and associated products to projects, contractors, and fabricators throughout New Zealand and Pacific Island Countries.

Bhaskar and his team specialize in all types of Building and Civil Construction Steel products, innovative kit set steel frame building, Design, Detailing shop drawings, supply and fabrication of steel structures, and General Civil and Building Construction products and materials.

Board Member
Sione Taufa

Board Member

Aleki Taumoepeau

Don Mann

Don Mann is the Chief Executive Officer of the Pacific Media Network (PMN), a New Zealand radio network whose mission is to 'empower, encourage and nurture Pacific Cultural identity and economic prosperity in Aotearoa'.

Don has over 35 years' experience in leadership roles across the public and private sector including being the CEO of the Pacific Cooperation Foundation and Head of Commercial Partnerships team at Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development (ATEED). Don is the former General Manager of the NZ Warriors NRL franchise and served 13 years with the NZ Police including seven years as a Detective with the Auckland Criminal Investigation Branch.

Don is of Tongan and Māori descent, a graduate of Massey University, a Certified Company Director, and a Trustee of The Rising Foundation, Literacy Aotearoa and the SkyCity Auckland Community Trust.

Scott James

Joe Fauvao

Joe has over ten years of experience in international trade and development, with a focus on private sector development and trade facilitation in New Zealand and the Pacific Island region.

He has a breadth of knowledge and skills in project management, product development, business advisory, market research, marketing, and export facilitation services. Joe is currently a Senior Advisor for Pacific Connections at the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and prior to this, he worked at Pacific Trade Invest New Zealand for 8 years.

Joe leads by example and is an efficient and effective international trade professional who prides himself on being outcomes-focused and collaborative.