Chair of the Board

Anne Fitisemanu MNZM has over 20 years of experience in health, education, and community engagement, making her a passionate advocate for Pacific empowerment and well-being. With her extensive work in health equity and education, Anne has continuously championed the need for Pacific-led solutions. As Chair, she brings her visionary leadership to PCF, focusing on fostering meaningful connections and amplifying Pacific voices across all spaces.

Anne has previously held leadership and governance roles as the PACIFICA Auckland President and Auckland Branch Board Trustee for the YWCA.

International Relations and Security Specialist

Honorary Professor and former Director of Massey University’s Centre for Defence and Security Studies, Chair of the Auckland Branch of the NZ Institute of International Affairs and Editor-in-Chief of the National Security Journal.

Professor Rouben Azizian is a recognised expert in international relations and strategic studies, with a rich background that includes senior roles in foreign service and academia, Professor Azizian’s insights on regional security and geopolitical dynamics are invaluable. His strategic acumen helps PCF engage thoughtfully on pressing geopolitical issues affecting the Pacific, guiding us as we navigate complex regional challenges.

Amrita Midha is a senior programme and portfolio leader with more than 18 years’ experience delivering complex public sector, international development, and infrastructure initiatives across Aotearoa, Australia, Asia, and the Pacific. She brings deep capability in governance, donor‑funded delivery, financial oversight, and multi‑stakeholder partnerships. As she notes in her Trustee submission, she offers “a disciplined approach to governance, risk management, and financial accountability.”

Amrita currently works with DT Global, supporting large-scale infrastructure and economic governance programmes in the Pacific. She has previously held senior roles within Auckland Council and its CCOs, leading culturally significant capital works, environmental initiatives, and co-governance projects with iwi and Crown partners.

She is driven by ethical stewardship, collaborative leadership, and a commitment to strengthening systems that enable lasting Pacific impact.

Dr Linda Sissons CNZM is a distinguished New Zealand education leader with more than three decades of experience across tertiary education, vocational training, and public‑sector governance. She has held several senior executive roles, including Chief Executive of WelTec, Chief Executive of the Open Polytechnic of New Zealand, and Deputy Chief Executive of NZQA. Her leadership has shaped national quality assurance systems, strengthened vocational pathways, and advanced digital and open‑learning innovation across Aotearoa and the Pacific.

Dr Sissons has served on numerous boards and ministerial advisory groups and was Chair of the Board of Governors for the Commonwealth of Learning, contributing to international education policy and regional capacity‑building. Appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to education, she brings deep strategic insight, governance expertise, and a strong commitment to equitable learning opportunities to the PCF Board.

Peter Amos is a respected public sector leader from Papua New Guinea with deep experience in governance, economic development, and institutional strengthening across the Pacific. Over more than 15 years, he has led major national programmes supporting entrepreneurship, youth development, and public sector reform, and is recognised for his strategic insight, policy expertise, and commitment to strengthening Pacific-led development.

Peter currently manages the nationwide rollout of the International Labour Organization’s entrepreneurship education programme through SME Corporation, working with technical and vocational institutions to build enterprise skills and employment pathways for young people. He also provides strategic advisory support on governance, national planning, and programme design to public agencies and development partners. Peter brings to the PCF Board a strong regional perspective, practical leadership experience, and a deep commitment to empowering Pacific communities.