Our Team

Fran, a retired physiotherapist, possesses a nurturing nature and a genuine love for connecting with people. She has spent her time working in New Zealand and remote communities in Australia. Fran’s compassionate nature led her to be a leading figure in a humanitarian expedition to Tikopia in 2018, where she provided much-needed assistance. Fran and her husband Grant also financially support a trust for At Risk youth. They were part of its formation in 1998 and have facilitated camps on their cattle farm.

Martin, the initiator of the Manawanui project, has an impressive background in open ocean sailing spanning 40 years. Now, he has taken on the role of teaching sailing to others. Martin’s expertise has led him to lead numerous scientific and humanitarian expeditions in the Pacific, some of which have brought him to Temotu.

Monika, a boat builder turned dock master in a large marina, possesses the perfect skills to keep our vessel in order. Additionally, she is a yoga teacher, contributing to the physical and mental well-being of our team. Monika’s diverse skill set makes her an invaluable member of our crew.

Grant, an innovative entrepreneur and company director is the go-to person when it comes to problem-solving. His expertise extends from fixing equipment on board to finding food in the wild or sea. Grant’s talent on the guitar and his singing also serves as an icebreaker on each new island we visit. Grant has gifted several guitars to Tikopians.

Angella holds a masters of international public health from Sydney University. She worked in the health sector for the last 30 years. Just recently she aspired to be a politician with a special interest in the affairs of Temotu, most specifically the islands of Vatud, where transportation between islands and travelling for important services such as health are almost impossible.

Jochen holds a MSc in ecology and is passionate about marine conservation. He is actively involved in various conservation groups and works towards raising awareness about the ocean and its inhabitants. Jochen was the proud owner of the research vessel Manawanui. And our charity is great-full for his generous support that allowed us to take this vessel into our possession.

Luke, the former commander of the Solomon Island police patrol vessel, possesses valuable local knowledge of the some still uncharted waters in the Temotu Islands, which will greatly contribute to the success of our project. Luke is also the founder of a navigation school on Taumako. He will train a local crew to man and maintain the SV Manawanui.

Mimi, a remote oceans sailor with a PhD in cultural anthropology, has a specialised interest in voyaging cultures. She is dedicating her time to studying and working with indigenous cultures by answering their requests for assistance in helping young people to learn and document their own ancient voyaging knowledge. Mimi has done this work with communities in various locations such as Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and the Siberian and Alaskan sides of the Bering Sea. Mimi’s extensive experience has made her a leading figure in the Pacific  Traditions Society since Dr David Lewis and she co-founded that organisation 46 years ago.
 

Corto, an author-director, is driven by a deep fascination for wild nature and its inhabitants. He explores traditional societies and cultures, sharing his experiences with the general public through films, ethno-sociology courses, exhibitions, conferences, and writings. Corto’s passion for his work allows him to bring the beauty of these cultures to a wider audience. His film ‘Nous,TIKOPIA’ has won many international prizes .

Thomas first visited Tikopia in 1999. He returned in 2005 to document the aftermath of cyclone Zoe. In 2013, he lived there with his wife and two young children, creating a children’s documentary series called “Message in the Bottle.”

Julie has held several senior positions in IT and telecommunications, with a primary focus on training, sales, and marketing. Alongside her successful career, Julie’s passion lies in sailing, which led her to operate a sailing school. She actively promotes the need for ocean conservation, combining her love for the sea with her professional expertise.

Ariki Kafika is one of the four paramount chiefs of the Island of Tikopia. He is the guardian of a 3000-year-old culture that has managed to live sustainably and isolated on an island that is barely 5 square kilometers, but supports a population of 1200 through carefully managed resources. The changing climate is now threatening the survival of this cultural heritage. It has taken courage and wisdom for Ariki Kafika to ask for outside help. His, and the signature of the other three chiefs of Tikopia on a letter addressed to their friends brought this project to life. 

Warren looks back on a corporate career as a senior strategic leader with a deep understanding of the community through his work in conservation and local government, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, economic development, transport tourism and building long-term, sustainable relationships. He has a great passion for growing and strengthening organisations that make a difference for people, with a proven record of success in building and influencing networks, and balancing corporate, community, iwi maori and business needs to deliver outcomes.

Tim joined the Manawanui Project, embracing the grassroots approach of this intercultural friendship voyage. On his first journey, he looks forward to connecting with the island communities of Temotu, sharing knowledge, and improving his sailing skills. With a background in Agri- Horticulture and construction, Tim is ready to provide help, wherever it’s needed and wanted.

Thomas, a Tikopian, now lives and works in Honiara. With experience as a public servant and having contested for a National Parliamentary Seat for Temotu VATUD Constituency, now serves as a Commissioner of Oaths at the High Courts of the Solomon Islands. Additionally he works as a para legal, providing consultation services to various businesses on immigration, customs, and company registration issues.

Treasa was born and raised in Ireland, and Aotearoa New Zealand has been her home since 1986. She is an international lawyer, with a particular concern about the impact of militarisation in our societies. Along with climate change, the Pacific has borne the brunt of militarisation, especially in the specific context of nuclear weapons testing/bombing. She works as a Professor at the Faculty of Law, University of Auckland, where she has the privilege of helping to raise awareness of the global impacts of militarisation in her teaching and research.

Dr Carol and Dr David met in medical school in London and have followed identical career pathways since. She also loves medicine and travelling to remote places to work, hopefully making a difference and understanding what makes each place unique, while recognising again and again our common humanity. When not working, she loves cooking from scratch (especially her sourdough bread), hiking in the mountains, walking her elderly dog and hanging out with her lovely children when she gets the chance. She is unusually fond of hanging laundry outside. Colours against the blue sky make her very happy.