The New Zealand based Pacific Cooperation Foundation has appointed Fiso John Fiso as its new board chair.
John Fiso Photo: supplied
Fiso had a background in Pacific focussed healthcare delivery and is a long-time advocate for improving economic, education and health outcomes for Pasifika in New Zealand.
He joined the foundation's board as a trustee in 2018 and was involved in developing its five-year strategic plan.
Fiso said he would continue implementing it to increase development and collaboration across New Zealand and the Pacific.
The foundation is a NGO designed to build economic development and socio-cultural initiatives in region.
He said the foundation had done well to successfully deliver several programmes in the last financial year, despite the challenge of Covid-19.
"It is a privilege to take on this role and I look forward to working with the board, staff and the foundation's partners to build on the organisation's important work to grow connectivity between Pacific nations for shared outcomes.
"The Pacific region faces a number of challenges such as climate change, economic fragility and security, but there are also many opportunities," Fiso said.
"Aligned with New Zealand's Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade and our government's Pacific Reset, my priorities will be for the foundation to meaningfully contribute to a resilient future for all of our proud nations in the South Pacific.
Fiso will replace Nicole Metzger who was chair from 2018 to June 2020 and served as trustee from 2009.