Author: Pacific Data Sovereignty

Professor El-Shadan is a member of the Pacific Data Sovereignty Expert Advisory Group.

His primary area of research expertise is the health and well-being of Pacific families and communities in New Zealand. He has demonstrated expertise (PhD and Postdoctoral level) with both quantitative and qualitative research skills, including generalised estimating equations for longitudinal analysis, multivariate investigation, grounded theory, thematic analysis, and focus group interviews.

As current Director of the Pacific Islands Families (PIF) Study, an ongoing birth cohort study of 1398 Pacific families, El-Shadan has investigated a diverse range of health and development-related topics encompassing child and maternal health, tobacco control, mens health, and mental wellbeing, and my research is translational to clinical practice. He has led and collaborated on research projects funded through HRC, MBiE, & the National Science Challenges totalling in excess of $30 million.

In addition to his leadership within the University, El-Shadan holds significant leadership roles nationally and internationally within the Pacific health sector and the broader Pacific community. As former Chair of the NZ Health Research Council Pacific Committee, he has contributed to developing initiatives which provide funding to support the advancement of Pacific health researchers, from early career and emerging through to established levels. These capacity building opportunities have fostered a demonstrated increase in numbers engaging in Pacific research, and cultivating academic research as a career option. He also served as Co-Chair for the 2026 PBRF Pacific Research Panel and tasked with helping develop the panel-specific guidelines for assessment of portfolios. This work was instrumental in establishing a platform for Pacific Research excellence across the academic sector, and ensuring Pacific research and input is valued and acknowledged.

Professor El-Shadan is extremely passionate about research which has an impact in the community – and through engagement and partnership with key government and community stakeholders, is proactive in facilitating the wider dissemination of research findings within the Pacific community and amongst key audiences and agencies.

Vaotui Seulupe Falaniko Tominiko hails from the villages of Apia, Matatufu, Lotofaga and Aleisa (to name a few) from the beautiful island of Samoa.

He is an ex-officio member of the Pacific Data Sovereignty Network Advisory Group. He currently work for Stats NZ as the Principal Advisor Pacific Engagement. Prior to becoming a public servant in 2023, he worked in the tertiary education sector for over twenty years.

His work in the tertiary education sector involved people management, student support, lecturing and researching (at different times); while working at the Unitec Institute of Technology, Manukau Institute of Technology and the University of Auckland. He has had a particular interest in Pacific data as it has played an important part in his previous roles from monitoring Pacific student success to informing Pacific research.

He has studied Pacific Studies at the University of Auckland from Bachelors level right through to Doctorate level. His research interests are predominantly in Pacific leadership, culture & customs, history, language and arts.

Loata Tiapapa is the Learning Vaka Manager at Moana Connect, where she leads the Moana Learning Vaka. She is of Cook Islands and Samoan descent, with family connections to Tongareva, Aitutaki, Palmerston, and Tahiti. From Samoa, she hails from the villages of Nofoa’ali’i and Faleu Manono

Loata is currently completing a Doctor of Education at Auckland University of Technology. Her career has included roles in both primary and secondary education, youth work, and policy development, including time as a policy intern at the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).

Her doctoral research focuses on the intergenerational sharing of knowledge and cultural practices within the Tongareva community in Aotearoa. A servant leader at heart, Loata is driven by a deep commitment to improving outcomes for Pacific communities — o le ala i le pule o le tautua (the pathway to leadership is through service).