Sina was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2022, for services to governance. A Pacific woman of Samoan, German and English descent she has over 25 years working in the commercial, public and not-for-profit sectors in governance and executive roles. Sina is committed to developing the leadership, governance and strategic capability of individuals, organisations and communities. As Tangata Tiriti (Tangata Moana), Sina believes we must honour Te Ao Māori, uphold the principles of Te Tiriti, and support equitable outcomes for Māori. She is also passionate about contributing to the success of Pasifika peoples and communities in Aotearoa.

For 8 years, Sina was the Chief Executive of Leadership New Zealand - an organisation that contributes to the capacity and capability of diverse leaders across community, public and private sectors. She helped to develop and launch the Mana Moana Experience during this time - a leadership journey for peoples from the Moana. Prior to that, she was the founding Chief Executive of the National Pacific Radio Trust (that established the Pacific Media Network and NiuFM), and she previously held executive roles in sales management, learning and organisational development with Telecom Directories, and the NZ Institute of Management.

Sina has broad and diverse governance experience on a range of boards and trusts over the last two decades. She is currently on Radio New Zealand’s Board of Governors, on AUT University Council, a trustee on Emerge Aotearoa, the incoming Chair for the Centre for Pacific Languages (CPL), a trustee on the NZ Opera Foundation, and a founding trustee of the Pacific Music Awards Trust. Her past roles have included the AUT Business School Advisory Committee, YWCA AotearoaNZ, PACIFICA Auckland, Appoint better boards, and the CMe Mentoring Trust (Trades At School).

The Centre for Pacific Languages congratulates Sina on her appointment and welcomes her to the CPL whanau.  Sina will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience as she leads the governance and leadership team, to shape and navigate the next stage of the Centre for Pacific Languages journey.  Kia fakamonuina mai he Atua - may God bless you.