Derek Brien, Executive Director
Derek Brien is co-founder and executive director of the Pacific Institute of Public Policy. With an academic and professional background in development planning, Derek has provided policy and strategic planning advice to governments in Australia, Britain and the Pacific over the last fifteen years. Prior to establishing PiPP, he ran his own consultancy practice focusing on strategic communications, stakeholder engagement and the reform of government systems. In his current role, Derek has led a range of research communications initiatives to stimulate and support policy debate in Pacific island countries on issues relating to trade, economic growth, infrastructure, governance and political systems, the aid relationship and climate change. Derek is regularly called upon to provide advice to governments, development agencies and academia, and is a regular commentator on public policy issues in the Pacific.
Ben Bohane, Communications Director
Ben is a photojournalist, television producer and media consultant with over 15 years experience in the Pacific. He has worked for many of the world’s major news organisations and his work is collected by institutions such as the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art, the British Museum and the Australian War Memorial. He joins PiPP as Communications Director to oversee the output of research material for wider public awareness and debate. He has a Masters Degree in Melanesian religion and conflict. More background on Ben’s work can be found via the photo collective www.degreesouth.com and www.wakamedia.net
Dr. Tess Newton Cain, Director of Operations
Tess has lived and worked in the Pacific island region (based in Vanuatu) since 1997, first as a Lecturer in Law at the University of the South Pacific (1997-2001), then as a freelance consultant and now (since February 2012) as a member of the PiPP team. Tess has an academic background in law and criminology and her professional experience covers a wide range of areas including organisational development, strategic planning, private sector development and monitoring and evaluation. Within PiPP Tess is responsible for co-ordinating activities to ensure delivery of strategic objectives. She is also a member of the PiPP editorial team and provides support to the Executive Director in relation to planning and reporting.
Anna Naemon, Senior Research Officer
Anna is responsible for the institute’s research program. Prior to joining PiPP in July 2010 she was a research fellow at the Papua New Guinea National Research Institute (NRI). In this role she was responsible for research management, coordination and supervision of the National Department of Health and NRI HIV Behavioral surveillance surveys program. She has experience in research management and research processes including ethics and risk management. Anna holds a Masters in Applied Arts (Social Science Research) from the Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand.
Ellen Bitalau, Executive Assistant
Ellen joined PiPP in July 2008 bringing a rich history of experience working in both Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands that included the Equity Investment Group Ltd, Vanuatu National Statistics Office, the Vanuatu Sustainable Forest Utilization Project, Solomon Airlines and the Solomon Islands College of Higher Education.
Talita Tu’ipulotu, Senior Communications Officer
With her media and communications background, Talita joined PiPP in July 2010. Talita worked as a broadcast journalist for five years, including acting as Editor for the News, Sports and Current Affairs Department for the Tonga Broadcasting Commission. She has also worked in the area of communication and public relations for the Constitutional and Electoral Commission, the Royal Constituency Boundaries Commission and the Royal Land Commission in Tonga. Talita holds a Masters degree in Journalism from the University of Westminster, United Kingdom.
Mary Kaviamu, Programme Officer
Mary joined PiPP in 2010 to implement the Drivers of Change communication programme in Vanuatu. Mary has ten years experience working as a provincial planner and community project coordinator in Tafea Province. She brings to the team excellent community relations skills, knowledge and experience.
Brida Bani, Communications Officer
Frida initially joined PiPP under the research internship programme working on the socio-economic assessment of telecommunications liberalisation in Vanuatu. Since becoming a full time member of the team Frida has had an active role in the institute’s communication outreach programmes, with a special focus on engaging community stakeholders. She plays am important supporting role in the ongoing development, implementation and quality assurance of the institute’s communication activities.
Erika Morishita, Research Officer
Erika joined PiPP as a Research Officer in September 2011. Prior to this, Erika had completed a 6 month internship with the European Union Delegation to Vanuatu. She has also worked as a Public Relations director in the Colombian private sector and as an advisor in area of cooperation and trade in the Colombian Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Erika holds a Master degree in International Conflict Studies form King´s College London.
Toby Ley, Research Associate
Toby joined PiPP as a Research Associate in March 2012. Prior to this, Toby had completed a 6 month Internship with the UN ESCAP Pacific Office in Suva, Fiji. Toby has a Masters of International Studies from the University of Sydney.
