Henry Puna
CHAIRMAN

Mr Henry Puna brings extensive governance, leadership and stakeholder engagement experience to the To Tatou Vai Board, gained through decades of service across the Cook Islands and the wider Pacific region.

Mr Puna has held a number of senior leadership and governance positions throughout his career, including serving as Prime Minister of the Cook Islands from 2010 to 2020 and Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum from 2021 to 2024. He is currently the Interim Director of the Pacific Islands Development Program (PIDP), an agency of the East-West Center in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, and is also a member of the East-West Center Board of Governors.

During his tenure as Prime Minister, Mr Puna oversaw the development and implementation of the Te Mato Vai programme, one of the largest infrastructure investments undertaken in the Cook Islands. The programme was designed to improve the security, quality and long-term sustainability of water supplies for current and future generations, and laid the foundation for the establishment of To Tatou Vai.

With his background in governance, law, public policy, regional diplomacy and stakeholder engagement, Mr Puna brings a wealth of experience and strong partnership-building capability to To Tatou Vai as it continues to deliver safe, reliable and sustainable water services for the people of the Cook Islands.

Sam Tauei Napa
DIRECTOR

Sam Napa has a vast and deep knowledge of Rarotonga’s Water Network and its history since inception in 1907. He has worked in the water industry in Rarotonga for over 40 years and has seen every major project initiated on the island with involvement in most. Sam is also a qualified engineer and with his wealth of experience in Cook Islands land customs, project management and local connections, he brings invaluable knowledge to the To Tatou Vai board.

Ash Steele
DIRECTOR

Appointed to the To Tatou Vai Board in 2022, Ashleigh Steele brings a strong background in business, finance, and governance. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Sydney, a Diploma of Financial Markets from the Australian Financial Markets Association, and has undertaken the Company Directors Course with the New Zealand Institute of Directors. She is also completing her MBA with the University of Otago.

Ashleigh’s career spans financial markets, education, entrepreneurship, and governance, equipping her with a broad perspective on strategy and leadership. She is committed to contributing to her island home through her role on the Board, where she combines financial expertise with a focus on community benefit and long-term sustainability.

Phillip Vakatini
DIRECTOR

Born and raised in Rarotonga, Philip Vakatini has built a lifelong connection with his community through diverse experiences in tourism, aviation, hospitality, and cultural leadership.

Philip began his career in the tourism industry, working in restaurants and bars before developing a passion for scuba diving. This interest grew into business ownership, as he became a shareholder in both hospitality and diving ventures. His career then expanded into aviation with Air Rarotonga, where he gained extensive experience across traffic, engineering, and nine years as a guide on the renowned Aitutaki Day Tour.

Entrepreneurship has been a consistent theme in Philip’s journey. He successfully established and operated a charter fishing business, which later branched into managing tourist accommodation for both short- and long-term visitors — an enterprise he continues to run today.

In recent years, Philip has taken on the esteemed role of Ariki, a traditional leadership position that has deepened his commitment to serving his people and upholding customary values. His role on the To Tatou Vai (TTV) Board reflects his dedication to ensuring sustainable water management — recognizing water as a fundamental necessity for life. He is focused on meeting the challenges inherited from the past while striving to deliver a reliable and inclusive service for the benefit of all.

Through his professional journey and cultural responsibilities, Philip Vakatini continues to embody leadership, resilience, and service to both the people of Rarotonga and future generations.

Charles Carlson
DIRECTOR

Charles Carlson is the former Director of Emergency Management for the Cook Islands, widely recognised for pioneering the integration of traditional knowledge with modern science and technology. With a career dedicated to resilience and community safety, he continues to share his expertise through consultancy in Disaster Risk Management and government policy.

Now retired from public service, Charles is also an accomplished children’s author, inspiring younger generations through storytelling. He holds an MBA from the University of the South Pacific and an MPhil from Auckland University of Technology. His wealth of knowledge and passion for sustainable development are invaluable to the governance and vision of To Tatou Vai.

Jessica Puiri
DIRECTOR

Jessica Puiri is a valued member of the To Tatou Vai Board of Directors, bringing a strong professional background in financial accounting and strategic financial management.  Over the past eight years, she has worked in the Cook Islands’ offshore trust and banking sector, gaining extensive experience in managing significant asset portfolios and ensuring robust financial oversight.

With her analytical strengths, fresh perspectives, and collaborative approach, Jessica adds valuable depth to the Board’s governance team. Her expertise supports To Tatou Vai’s mission to deliver sustainable, reliable, and community-focused services for the people of the Cook Islands.