Pacific Foundation Appoints New CEO

Pacific Foundation Appoints New CEO

The Pacific Cooperation Foundation (PCF) will have a new Chief Executive, Markerita (Meg) Poutasi at its helm in January 2009, the Chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, Neil Plimmer announced today. 

Mr Plimmer said the Board is delighted that she has accepted the appointment to this central role as the organisation completes its first five years of activity.  “Meg is a skilled and resourceful person, strongly committed to the Foundation and fully able to develop and articulate its expanding role,” he said.

Of Samoan and European descent, Ms Poutasi is a solicitor who has worked in private legal practice and in the Crown Law Office specialising in Treaty settlement issues.  She was a founding member of the Pacific Cooperation Foundation Board of Trustees and will bring to the CEO’s position first-hand knowledge of both the objectives and the workings of the organisation.  Meg replaces Vince McBride who has held the position since January 2004.  He will take up a position with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. 

Mr Plimmer said the PCF has a number of achievements to its credit over those five years.

“PCF has increased coverage of Pacific issues in the mainstream media and held public seminars on topics impacting New Zealand/Pacific relations.  It has hosted high profile Pacific leaders to give an annual Pacific lecture.  It has established web-based tools to assist Pacific businesses to market their products in New Zealand and globally.  And it has engaged with the academic community on key political, economic and social issues affecting New Zealand and Pacific countries. 

“But there is much more to do in widening New Zealand's understanding of Pacific issues and developing deeper linkages with the Pacific Island countries. Meg Poutasi will be taking over the PCF's executive leadership at a time when we are poised to expand our activities in these ways,” Mr Plimmer said.  “PCF has established itself firmly as a respected player in the region.  With a significantly increased budget for 2008/2009 PCF is ready to step up the level of its engagement.”

ends

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