Staff

Mr Cocker who is of Tongan descent has a strong tourism and marketing background and joins us after eight years in Fiji where he was employed by the South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) and WWF - The Conservation Organisation.

Mr Cocker holds a Bachelor of Business (The University of Queensland-Gatton Campus) and a MBA degree from Central Queensland University (Fiji Campus) and has been an Executive Member on a number of professional committees which include the WWFSPPO Executive Committee and the South Pacific Marketing Advisory Committee.

Mr Cocker has travelled to many of the Pacific Islands as well as to Europe and the USA to attend various press functions and travel exhibitions. In his spare time, Chris enjoys reading, cycling, not to mention a good game of tennis.

According to Mr Cocker, “It is an honour to serve the region as well as represent the Pacific in NZ. Regional cooperation is the way to go for developing islands in the Pacific. I foresee the focus of the Trade Commission as continuing the good work that's been undertaken by Mr Parmesh Chand, which is becoming more customer focused and responsive to the needs of the Forum Island Countries (FICs).”

“The Trade Commission Office plans to build closer links with the public and private sectors in NZ as well as the FICs, the Pacific Island community and Pacific Media in NZ, Civil Society and the overall Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat network. Special focus will be directed to assisting Small Island States, women and youth in the Pacific and promoting Pacific Island tourism in the NZ market.”

Louisa is of Samoan descent and holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing from the University of Auckland. Louisa has a genuine interest in the Pacific with a strong belief in the role PITIC plays in promoting trade between the Pacific Islands and New Zealand. She enjoys the public relations aspect of the job and is a keen and proactive promoter of Pacific Island products.

Manuel hails from the Philippines and brings with him 20 years experience of business development and promotion.  He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics at the University of the Philippines and a MA in Applied Business Economics at the University of Asia and the Pacific.

His experience includes strategic planning, market research and financial loan packaging.  Manuel worked with small entrepreneurs helping deliver workable business plans for loan and expansion program and acted as a business consultant to international credit institutions and potential investors.

Eleanor joined the PITIC team in October 2004. Eleanor is Niuean and gained a Bachelor Of Communications in Public Relations from the Auckland University of Technology and a Bachelor of English from Auckland University. As a graduate of Communications in PR, Eleanor has returned to the fulltime workforce after caring for her family. She has held various previous roles which have involved communications and has a strong interest in bilingual education.

Rangi is from the Cook Islands and joined PITIC in February 2006.  She brings with her a wealth of experience having worked in a large fish processing and export factory in the Cook Islands for a number of years.