From Rugby Fields to Regional Fisheries Leadership: Poi Okesene Reflects on His Time as FFC Chair

There was a moment during his farewell remarks at the 142nd Forum Fisheries Committee (FFC) Officials Meeting in Wellington when outgoing Chair Poi Okesene of Niue paused, smiled, and took delegates back to his younger days in New Zealand.

Long before chairing one of the Pacific’s most important regional fisheries meetings, Mr Okesene was a young Niuean student trying to find his place in Wellington.

“I attended Mana College in Porirua for two years in the late 1980s,” he recalled.

“Being new to New Zealand for the first time, I had to overcome the challenge of speaking English as a second language. At the school canteen, the only thing I recognised on the menu was a mince pie, so that became my lunch every day for quite some time.”

The story drew laughter around the room at Te Papa Tongarewa, where Pacific fisheries senior officials had gathered for the official opening of the 142nd FFC Officials Meeting.

But it was also a reminder of the journey behind the man stepping down after leading the Forum Fisheries Committee through one of the most challenging and important periods for Pacific fisheries cooperation.

For Mr Okesene, Wellington holds more than political and professional memories. It was also where he proudly represented Niue on the rugby field.

“I had the honour of representing Niue three times at the Wellington Sevens tournament,” he said.

“One of the highlights of my sporting career was captaining the first Niue National Rugby Sevens team at the Wellington Sevens and playing against some of the best New Zealand and world-class rugby players, including the late Jonah Lomu.”

Even though the team suffered a heavy defeat, Mr Okesene remembers the experience with fondness.

“Even though we were defeated by more than 60 points, it remains one of the most memorable experiences of my life here in Wellington.”

Those who know Mr Okesene say the values he carried from rugby –  teamwork, resilience, discipline, humility, and standing together under pressure – have also shaped his leadership style at the FFC table.

Throughout his tenure as Chair, colleagues often described him as calm, respectful, and steady during difficult negotiations, particularly during discussions around tuna management, treaty negotiations, and regional fisheries priorities.

In many ways, the parallels between rugby and regional fisheries diplomacy are clear. Both require strategy, trust, patience, and the ability to bring people together despite different interests and pressures.

Addressing delegates during the opening session, Mr Okesene reflected on the responsibility of leading the FFC and the importance of regional solidarity.

“When I was appointed Chair, I promised myself that I would place my trust in God’s wisdom, listen carefully, learn from all of you, and lead our discussions with patience and humility,” he said.

“Together, we have navigated important decisions, demonstrated regional solidarity, strengthened partnerships across members, and kept the rights and livelihoods of Pacific peoples at the centre of every decision we made.”

During his term as Chair, the region achieved several major milestones, including the adoption of the South Pacific albacore management procedure, progress on conservation and management measures, strengthened monitoring and surveillance cooperation, and advancement of US treaty negotiations and funding arrangements for members.

“These achievements are the result of countless months of hard work, long days, late-night conversations, and the willingness of members to compromise for the greater good,” he said.

“I am proud of how we have held one another to high standards while remaining respectful and constructive.”

Mr Okesene who is the Director of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries for Niue, also acknowledged the Government of New Zealand, the Ministry for Primary Industries, mana whenua, and the FFA Secretariat for hosting the meeting and extending warm hospitality to all delegations.

The traditional Māori pōwhiri that welcomed delegates to Te Papa Tongarewa set a fitting tone for the week ahead, grounding discussions not only in fisheries policy and science, but also in culture, identity, and shared stewardship of the Pacific Ocean.

“It is especially fitting that we gather here at Te Papa Tongarewa, where the stories of land and ocean are connected and preserved with care,” Mr Okesene said.

“The moana is not simply a resource, but a relationship that connects us all.”

As he handed over the Chair to New Zealand’s Heather Ward, Mr Okesene spoke warmly about the future of the FFC and the importance of continuing to put Pacific people at the centre of regional fisheries work.

“My hope for the FFC is simple and steadfast,” he said.

“That we continue to keep people at the centre of our work, strengthen resilience, foster stronger collaboration and regional solidarity, and continue to build partnerships that are equitable, respectful, and focused on long-term outcomes.”

Despite the seriousness of the work ahead, Mr Okesene ended his remarks with humour, admitting he was looking forward to spending more time with family – and perhaps attending fewer meetings.

But beneath the light-hearted comment was a deeper reflection on leadership itself.

“This role has taught me that leadership is less about the person sitting at the front, and more about the people who stand together,” he said.

As delegates applauded the outgoing Chair, it was clear many saw the same qualities that once guided a young Niuean rugby captain on the field now reflected in the way he helped steer Pacific fisheries cooperation – with humility, resilience, teamwork, and heart.

WELLINGTON, 12 MAY 2026

Media Contacts: Emily V. Moli FFA Communications Manager e: [email protected] Ernest Ta'asi FFA Communications Officer e: ernest.ta’[email protected] Priscilla Ragu FFA Communications Officer e: [email protected]

About Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) FFA assists its 17 Members to sustainably manage fishery resources that fall within their 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). FFA provides expertise, technical assistance and other support to its members who make decisions about their tuna resources and participate in regional decision making on tuna management. Find out more here: www.ffa.int