Board Members

Honourable member: The HNR. Fuimaono McCarthy (B.A.C.P.Z ANZIM) JP

Fuimaono McCarthy is a past MP for the government of Western Samoa, holding numerous portfolio's within his 15 year tenure, including the position as acting Prime Minister whilst the PM was overseas on state business.

On his retirement from the political arena, Fuimaona has sat on numerous Board of Trustee's as chairperson such as the Pacific Island Internal Affairs, of which his son; Les McCarthy is now Chief Executive Officer.

His academic achievement speaks for itself, a conjoint degree in Bachelors of Art and Commerce, majoring in Accounting; a registered Accountant by trade, and a member of the NZ Institute of Management.

Fuimaono was the chairperson for LIA Trust from 2000 - 2007.

Joy Ramsay JP - (Secretary)

Founder and foundation member since LIA Trusts inception in 1997, Joy brings 20 years banking experience as a branch assistant manager for the BNZ.   Previously has held position's with other Charitable Trusts Boards and Committee's, such as COGS.  In 2005 Joy was treasurer for the new formed political party ‘New Zealand Human Rights Protection Party' for the NZ General elections, and more recently Joy has been elected as a panel member of the Auckland regional Family Violence prevention panel for Child Youth and Family Services (CYF).

Ula Chowdhury

Ula has a long history of community involvement in the public sector.  She has sat on board committees and a board trustees for public bodies and NGO's over the last 20 years including Manukau City Council Pacific Island committee, Tina Samoa Incorporated Society, and the Citizens Advise Bureau committee.

Currently Ula is a support care giver for MOH, in addition to her primary job as a Department Manager for Duty Free.

Her community involvement includes team manager for Papatoetoe Rugby Club over the past 7 years, and a Sunday school teacher at her church. 

Ula has a strong passion for working with young people.  Amongst her many talents Ula speaks Japanese and Samoan fluently.

Alesana (Alex) Talopau - (Ex-officio Treasurer) 

Bachelor degree (Bachelor of Commerce, major in Accounting, sub-major in Economics, Australian National University),
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Managing Director of Breakthrough Accounting & Consulting Limited; Director of Breakthrough Properties Limited, Shareholder of Pacific Economic Development Agency and also a Shareholder of Pacific Economic Investment Group. Board member for Life spring Trust; Trustee of Paepaetele Sailimalo Finance; Member of the Richmastery Club & Property Academy; Treasurer & Executive member for Pacific Islands Chamber of Commerce and active member of the Henderson Christian Fellowship Church.

Alex is a qualified Accountant, Property Investor and a business owner. Specializes in property investment and business accounting & taxation. His business targets the Pacific Island community mainly and is also an experienced public speaker on budgeting, first home ownership & wealth creation.
Alex was born and raised in Samoa, educated in New Zealand and Australia. Married with 3 children and reside in Waitakere City. Goal in life is to become a self made millionaire who can inspire the Pacific generation to believe that we can all make it in life through Jesus Christ who strengthens us.

Alex latest appointment is ex - officio tresurer for the Board of Trustees of LIA.

Lila Tekene (MEd)- CHAIR PERSON

Lila is currently a Lecturer at the Manukau Institute of Technology, has an extensive career in teaching.  Previously Lila has been a lecturer at the Whitireia Polytechnic, and the University of Hawaii.

She holds a Bachelor of Education and in 2005 gained her Master of Education.

Her professional experience also included various roles; Research Assistant for the  University of Auckalnd in Technology, an accounts analyst, and purchasing agent.

Lila is our most recent Trustee for the Board and we are very fortunate to ascertain a person of her calibre who holds a passion in helping LIA Trust aspires to its objects.

Stuart Ramsay - Chief Executive