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About Us

About

Welcome to Pasifika Digital Knowledge Bank!

The Pasifika Digital Knowledge Trust trading as Pasifika Digital Knowledge Bank (50140972) (NZBN: 9429051099855) is a Maori and Pasifika-focused ideas incubation centre that includes a co-working business center, tech and website developers, a podcasting and photography studio, community organizations, and a sports team that supports the hopes and aspirations of the Franklin community.

Our team is dedicated to providing a collaborative and inclusive environment for all members of our community. We strive to foster an atmosphere that encourages growth, creativity, and innovation. Our experienced professionals are passionate about supporting our community and helping them achieve their goals.

Mission

Empowering innovation and community through Maori and Pasifika wisdom in the digital world.

VISION

The Trust envisions an inclusive and empowered future, where disadvantaged communities have unrestricted access to educational resources, and underrepresented groups find newfound employability through comprehensive training. We strive to safeguard and digitize traditional knowledge and heritage, while nurturing early-stage businesses with resources, mentorship, and opportunities. We aspire to cultivate a robust ecosystem of startups and entrepreneurs, promoting diversity and boosting local economies. In our vision of the future, shared knowledge, cultural preservation, and data accessibility drive enlightened decisions and societal progress.

Board of Trustees

Akerei Maresala – Thomson:
Co-Chairperson

Akerei Maresala-Thomson, of Samoan heritage, is the Co-Chairperson and Founder of the Pasifika Digital Knowledge Bank, a groundbreaking initiative preserving and promoting Pasifika knowledge. He holds a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Chichester and a Certificate in Entrepreneurship from Harvard Business School. Akerei is also a Commercial Engagement and Research Advisor for the Centre for Co-Created Ageing Research (CCREATE-AGE) at The University of Auckland. Additionally, he serves as an Executive Committee Member of the Pukekohe Business Association and a member of the Customer Panel for Counties Energy, advocating for local business development and community representation. His leadership is defined by his passion for innovation, inclusivity, and cultural empowerment.

Robert Clark: Co-Chairperson

Robert Clark is a respected Kaumatua and Cultural Consultant from Pukekohe/Franklin with extensive expertise in Māori culture, governance, and tikanga. He has held key roles with organizations such as the NZ Māori Rugby Board and Manawhenua I Tamaki Makaurau Health Board. Robert serves as a cultural advisor to government agencies and chairs various marae trusteeships, blending indigenous values with modern governance. With qualifications in Tikanga Māori and Hauora Māori, he is dedicated to cultural preservation and community development.

Katrina Thomson: Trustee

Katrina Thomson, of Māori heritage and affiliated with Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti iwi, is an experienced HR leader with a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Labour Studies and Industrial Relations & Human Resource Management from Waikato University (1996–1999). She has held senior roles such as Group People and Culture Manager at Moana New Zealand and HR Project Manager at Serco NZ, where she spearheaded initiatives in cultural integration, employee engagement, and organisational strategy. Katrina’s work reflects her commitment to aligning business goals with community values while fostering innovation in human resources.

Will Fleming: Trustee

Will Fleming, of Cook Islands heritage, is a creative storyteller, educator, and media expert with over 15 years of experience in podcasting, video production, and digital media. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Screen and Media from the University of Waikato. As Founder and CEO of Campfire Studios, Will focuses on empowering communities through storytelling. His previous roles include Digital Navigator for Accelerating Aotearoa Charitable Trust and P-TECH Digital Technology Lecturer at Manukau Institute of Technology. Will’s passion lies in fostering digital skills, promoting creativity, and enabling community-led initiatives.

Robert Perelini: Trustee

Robert Perelini, of Samoan heritage, is a seasoned technology entrepreneur and innovator with over 15 years of experience in cloud infrastructure, SaaS solutions, and digital transformation. He is currently pursuing an Executive MBA at Massey University and holds a Certificate in Small Business Management from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Robert co-founded MYRIVR Technologies, where he developed the MYRIVR App, connecting thousands of users to essential community services and achieving 62.4 million touchpoints. He has successfully built and exited multiple ventures, including ASPX Limited and 2 Onions Limited. Robert’s focus is on leveraging technology for social and community impact.