Staff

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

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.

Frida 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.