Pacific Business Networks
The public-facing business and professional network. It runs events and capability sessions, publishes founder spotlights, and promotes the Māori & Pacific Business Directory.
Team & governance
How the network is held together.
Meet the people providing governance, strategic direction and practical oversight across Pasifika Australia Inc and Pacific Business Networks.
Operates within
Pasifika Australia Inc
The incorporated not-for-profit association providing the organisational and governance structure under which PBN’s work and initiatives operate.
Board / Committee
Different strengths. Shared purpose.
Pasifika Australia Inc is governed by its Committee under its Model Rules. In everyday communications, the Committee is referred to as the Board.
NZ | Samoa
Karolina Salanoa
President / Founder
Karolina is a stakeholder engagement and partnerships professional with more than 15 years’ experience across government, Defence, corporate and cross-sector environments. She founded Pacific Business Networks in 2019 and leads the strategic direction, partnerships and development of Pasifika Australia Inc and PBN.
NZ | Samoa
Christine Sevita
Treasurer
Christine brings more than 30 years’ professional experience, including credit control, financial processes, account management and customer relationships. She supports the organisation’s financial oversight and governance.
Australia | Samoa
Catherine Chushing
Secretary
Catherine is an emerging professional with qualifications in Communications and Event Management. She supports the organisation’s governance, administration, Committee documentation and communications.
Fiji
Ashwinita Ackers
Committee Member
Ashwinita brings technology and systems experience, healthcare operations knowledge and community leadership. Her perspective is informed by experience across community organisations, IT systems and operational management.
Tonga
Ane Fotu
Committee Member
Ane is the founder and principal consultant of Fotu Intercultural, working across multicultural engagement, co-design, strategic partnerships, grant writing and community-led program development.
Samoa
Lanee Niukapu
Committee Member
Lanee is a Sydney-based professional, family commitments leader and founder of Naked Poly. She brings product-business experience across development, retail, wholesale, market readiness and access.
Papua New Guinea
Doreen Bana-Kimroy
Committee Member
Doreen brings experience across education, technology, business and leadership. Through her roles with the Papua New Guinea Australia Association Inc. and the PNG Women’s Association Victoria, she brings a strong governance and people-focused perspective, alongside practical business experience through Best Price Traders and Ipikara.
Australia | Samoa
Mellisa Silaga
Committee Member
Mellisa brings more than 20 years’ experience across health, education and community sectors, including senior management roles. An MBA graduate, she is Founder of Know Your Roots, Co-Founder and Board Chair Director of Point of Difference Studio, and a co-founder/organiser of the Shepparton Pasifika Festival/Showcase. She brings strong regional, organisational development, youth, cultural engagement and stakeholder experience to the Board.
Our work
How the work is organised.
Connection
Relationships intentionally brokered between businesses, professionals, institutions and people across the network.
Explore our workCapability
Practical business and professional learning delivered by people with relevant experience and expertise.
Explore our workCommerce
Visibility, introductions and pathways that create opportunities for Māori and Pacific businesses, founders and professionals.
Explore our workContribute
Interested in contributing?
Share your expertise, support a project or event, or express Committee interest through the PBN contact form.