Gerald Naepi (Niuean) is a dedicated researcher and Director of Matada Research Group Ltd who is passionate about improving Pacific health outcomes in Aotearoa New Zealand. With a strong foundation in science and physiotherapy, he is currently pursuing his PhD on "Protecting the Heart from Diabetes and Hypertension: A Community-Guided Preclinical Study," addressing health conditions that significantly affect Pacific communities. Through his work with Matada, he has partnered with organisations including Health New Zealand, United Nations focusing on delivering community-driven research outcomes. Gerald has conducted valuable research on vaping, gambling and health behaviours in Pacific communities, highlighting the importance of community leadership and culturally appropriate health information. As a Pacific researcher, he emphasises science as a tool for creating lasting impact on community wellbeing.

Dr. Sereana Naepi is a Rutherford Discovery Fellow at the University of Auckland whose research critically examines equity, decolonisation, and systemic change in academia, with expertise in Pacific research methodologies grounded in cultural values and knowledge systems. As previous co-chair of the Royal Society Te Apārangi's Early Career Researcher Forum and a member of the MBIE Science Whitinga Fellowship Panel, Dr. Naepi brings valuable experience in interdisciplinary and community-driven research approaches. Her commitment to Pacific methodologies that emphasise relationality, reciprocity, and respect aligns perfectly with this project's Pacific-led approach to address gaps in health data for Pacific peoples in Aotearoa, challenging dominant Western paradigms while ensuring research remains meaningful and empowering for Pacific communities.

Fuimaono Dylan Asafo, from the villages of Salani, Satalo, Siumu, Moata’a, and Leufisa in Samoa, and is an accomplished legal scholar. Dylan holds an LLB/BHSc and a Master of Laws (First Class Honours), and an LL.M. from Harvard University as a Fulbright scholar. His research focuses on race and the law, climate justice, constitutional and human rights law, and criminal justice in the Pacific. His work is dedicated to advocating for marginalised communities through rigorous, interdisciplinary scholarship.

Evalesi Tu’inukuafe is a proud Pasifika woman and mother who is passionate about Pasifika-led research as a form of self-determination. She graduated from the University of Auckland with an undergraduate degree in Sociology and German and is currently studying a Master’s degree in Pacific Studies. Evalesi also works in West Auckland as a Community worker with a particular focus on strengthening connections between Pasifika organisations. Both her research and work is driven by the love she has for her communities.

Kate holds a Master of Arts from the University of Auckland, where they researched neoliberalisation and its impact on marginalised communities. They have a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Development Studies, as well as a Bachelor of Arts (Honours, First Class) from the University of Auckland, awarded in 2020 and 2021 respectively. Kate is an expert in queer theory and higher education studies, employing a range of quantitative and qualitative research methods to critique neoliberalism and innovate new approaches that prioritise community experiences.

Nathan Rew is a Doctoral graduate from the University of Auckland, researching colonial and indigenous relationships to water. He has a unique background in both Papua New Guinean and Pakehā descent, combining critical theory with material sciences for an interdisciplinary approach. His work promotes indigenous sovereignty and self-determination in Aotearoa and across the Pacific, aiming to reinvigorate indigenous relationships to water and mitigate the consequences of colonisation, capitalism, and climate change. He has also contributed to the Human Rights Commission's 'Pacific Pay Gap Inquiry' and is assisting Dr Sereana Naepi in researching Pasifika students’ experiences at university.