Kate works with leaders and communities across the globe to strengthen their resilience, build sustainable development strategies, and protect biodiversity. With over 25 years of experience, she has collaborated with governments, NGOs, and local communities in regions such as the Pacific, US, Caribbean, Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean. Each initiative allows has allowed her to help islands confront the unique challenges they face. Born in New Zealand, my Māori heritage has always played a significant role in her approach to partnership and collaboration. The values of collective responsibility and working together for the greater good are central to her work. These values, combined with my extensive global experience, enable me to build partnerships that create lasting, positive impact. She also mentor emerging professionals across island nations, helping them build the skills and connections they need to succeed. At the same time, I work with organisations to build strong networks that can tackle the most pressing issues of our time, from climate adaptation to sustainable economic growth.

Sharin is a Climate/Sustainability specialist with nearly two decades in the field of climate change, energy & environmental science. Her background includes climate change mitigation policy development, project planning and the delivery of energy transitions and resilience projects in the Pacific Islands on the Frontline initiative, working with New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria local governments. She has extensive experience in actively influencing environmental management systems, planning processes, as well as institutionalizing climate action and Sustainable Development Goals localization at an intermediate City level. Her in-depth understanding of environmental regulatory and disaster risk frameworks has primed her 16-year career in coastal, mining, and industrial environments in South Africa. Sharin holds a Master in Environment and Climate Emergency from Curtin University; a Master of Science: Sustainable Development from the University of Sussex; and studied Environmental Science and Geography at undergraduate and honors levels at Rhodes University. She is currently pursuing post graduate diploma in Carbon and Energy Studies at Murdoch University.

Amit is the NDC Hub's Project Manager and is based with the Hub Implementation Unit in Suva, Fiji. He will be managing the Hub beginning in Phase 4 and will work closely with the NDC Hub Partners to deliver all the activities under this phase and beyond. Amit's primary interest is in climate resilient development and adaptive water management PSIDS and he also takes keen interest in science and investigative documentaries.

Kaiea Awira is the project manager for the Climate and Biodiversity Smart Marine Spatial Planning project in Kiribati. Kaiea is experienced in the development of ocean policy and planning within Kiribati, and also runs his own fishing company.

Tom is a marine ecologist at NIWA with expertise in spatial and population modelling to inform stakeholder participatory processes for marine spatial planning. He has a specialisation in marine mammal ecology and works regularly across dual-knowledge systems.

Halatoa has been Director of the National Environment Service (NES), since 2022, leading initiatives focused on environmental policy, conservation, and sustainable development. He was previously Chief Executive Officer of Cook Islands Tourism Corporation. He is instrumental in helping to advance the work of the Marae Moana Technical Advisory Group, of which the NES is a member.

Lukes is the project manager for Palau's MSP work. She previously worked as an applied scientist for the Palau Centre at the Palau International Coral Reef Centre and was awarded the European Union’s Erasmus Mundus scholarship for her Masters research in ecohydrology.

Siosinamele Lui is the Climate Traditional Knowledge Officer based at SPREP. She is the project lead for the CaB Smart project to develop guidance for ensuring Traditional Knowledge is appropriately included in MSP processes. She has spent a decade working for the Samoa Meteorological Service, in particular the Geoscience and Oceans observations before working at SPREP.

Carolyn has a joint position at NIWA and the University of Auckland. She is an interdisciplinary scientist, and specialises in development of decision support tools to inform stakeholder participatory processes for marine spatial planning and ecosystem based management from coasts and estuaries to the deep sea.

Coral Pasisi is the President of Tofia Niue, and the Director of the Climate Change and Ecosystem Services Division at the Pacific Community (SPC). She was previously a member of the Climate Security Expert Network, and the Regional Advisor on the Pacific to the Green Climate Fund. Prior to that, she worked with the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.

Brendon is the project manager for Niue Ocean Wide. He worked for government of Niue for 25 years, including as the Director of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries for 12.5 years of those years. He is now consulting for local ‘not for profit’ organisation Tofia Niue (managing Niue Ocean Wide project). He trained as a Marine Biologist and runs his own fishing charter and marine services business.

Kabure Yeeting is the Director of Geoscience for the Kiribati Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, and is the Director responsible for coordinating Kiribati’s Marine Spatial Planning Coordinating Committee (KMSPCC). She regularly represents Kiribati in international fora on ocean management, as well as facilitating cross-agency MSP work within the Kiribati Government.

Sharin is a Climate/Sustainability specialist with nearly two decades in the field of climate change, energy & environmental science. Her background includes climate change mitigation policy development, project planning and the delivery of energy transitions and resilience projects in the Pacific Islands, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria. She has extensive experience in actively influencing environmental management systems, planning processes, as well as institutionalizing climate action and Sustainable Development Goals localization at an intermediate City level. Her in-depth understanding of environmental regulatory and disaster risk frameworks has primed her 16-year career in coastal, mining, and industrial environments in South Africa. Sharin holds a Master in Environment and Climate Emergency from Curtin University; a Master of Science: Sustainable Development from the University of Sussex; and studied Environmental Science and Geography at undergraduate and honors levels at Rhodes University. She is currently pursuing post graduate diploma in Carbon and Energy Studies at Murdoch University.

Brendon is project manager for Niue Ocean Wide. He worked for Government of Niue for 25 years, including as Director of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries for 12.5 years. Brendon trained as a Marine Biologist and runs a fishing charter and marine services business. Kabure Yeeting is Director of Geoscience for the Kiribati Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, and is the Director responsible for coordinating Kiribati’s Marine Spatial Planning Coordinating Committee (KMSPCC). She regularly represents Kiribati in international fora on ocean management, as well as facilitating cross-agency MSP work within the Kiribati Government. Siosinamele Lui is Climate Traditional Knowledge Officer based at SPREP. She is project lead for the CaB Smart project to develop guidance for ensuring Traditional Knowledge is appropriately included in MSP processes. She previously spent a decade working for the Samoa Meteorological Service, in particular the Geoscience and Oceans observations. Adelle Lukes is the project manager for Palau's MSP work. She previously worked as an applied scientist for the Palau Centre at the Palau International Coral Reef Centre and was awarded the European Union’s Erasmus Mundus scholarship for her Masters research in ecohydrology. Halatoa has been Director of the National Environment Service (NES), since 2022, leading initiatives focused on environmental policy, conservation, and sustainable development. He was previously Chief Executive Officer of Cook Islands Tourism Corporation. He is instrumental in helping to advance the work of the Marae Moana Technical Advisory Group, of which the NES is a member. Carolyn has a joint position at NIWA and the University of Auckland. She is an interdisciplinary scientist, and specialises in development of decision support tools to inform stakeholder participatory processes for marine spatial planning and ecosystem based management from coasts and estuaries to the deep sea.