KVAConsult Ltd

Consultants for the Pacific

CORE TEAM

Mr. Kolone Vaai (Co-Managing Director)

Kolone Vaai is a distinguished Samoan consultant and former senior government official with comprehensive expertise in public sector reform, finance, and governance. He holds a Master of Public Policy from Victoria University of Wellington and completed specialised investment management training at Harvard Institute for International Development. Since establishing his consulting practice in 1991, he has undertaken numerous major assignments across the Pacific region, focusing on economic development, financial sector reform, and institutional capacity building. His career encompasses senior leadership positions including Financial Secretary of Samoa (1984-1991) and Chairman of the Central Bank of Samoa, followed by three decades of consulting work for international organisations, governments, and private sector clients.

Ms. Naomi Tuioti (Co-Managing Director)

Naomi Christina Tuioti is a seasoned financial consultant and business advisor. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Administration from Victoria University of Wellington and a Graduate Certificate in Corporate Management from Deakin University. Since 2003, she has undertaken over 80 consultancy assignments across the Pacific region, specialising in financial analysis, business planning, tourism development, and private sector growth. Her career encompasses roles in the banking sector with ANZ Bank and serving as CEO of Pacific Venture Capital Limited. She is Co-Managing Director of KVAConsult Ltd, focusing on economic impact assessments and strategic planning for private sector clients.

Ms. Nadia Meredith-Hunt (Chief Executive Officer)

Nadia Florida Meredith-Hunt is a highly accomplished development consultant and executive with extensive experience in Pacific Island economies. She holds a Master of International Business from Deakin University and a Bachelor of Commerce and Management from Lincoln University. Currently serving as Chief Executive Officer of KVAConsult Ltd since 2016, she has undertaken over 60 major consultancy assignments across the Pacific region, specialising in climate finance, economic policy, sector planning, and institutional development. Her career spans roles in both public and private sectors, including positions with the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She also serves as Vice President of the Samoa Chamber of Commerce & Industry and as a Director of the National Bank of Samoa.

Ms. Rachel Vaai (Senior Consultant)

Rachel Seepa Vaai is an accomplished accounting and finance professional with extensive experience in project management and private enterprise development. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and International Business from the University of Auckland and is a Certified Practising Accountant with CPA Australia and Chartered Accountant with the Samoa Institute of Accountants. Since joining KVAConsult Ltd in 2007, she has undertaken numerous assignments focusing on financial management, procurement services, and business advisory work. Her expertise spans major World Bank- and ADB-funded projects including the Samoa Aviation Investment Project and climate resilience initiatives, alongside private sector financial analysis and development project management.

Ms. Sosefina Tualaulelei (Senior Consultant)

Sosefina Tepora Talauta-Tualaulelei is an experienced public health and social policy specialist with a Master’s in Health Services Management from the University of New South Wales and a Bachelor of Social Work from Massey University. Currently Senior Consultant at KVAConsult Ltd since 2016, she previously served six years as Assistant CEO Corporate Services at the Ministry of Health, overseeing financing, human resources, and infrastructure management. Her extensive career spans over two decades in health policy development, disaster management coordination, and social services. She has undertaken numerous consultancy assignments focusing on health system strengthening, digital government platforms, social protection indicators, and climate resilience projects.

Mr. Muliufi Nickel (Senior Consultant)

Muliufi Nickel is a trade policy and climate resilience expert with comprehensive experience in Pacific Island development. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of the South Pacific and is pursuing postgraduate studies in Business Analytics and Law. He spent over a decade with Samoa’s Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Labour, culminating as Assistant CEO responsible for Policy, Planning, and Projects. His expertise encompasses trade rules and compliance, climate finance assessment, labour mobility policies, and private sector development. He has led major assignments in Samoa and the Pacific, specialising in WTO compliance, economic integration frameworks, and sustainable development initiatives.

Ms. Mariaolelosalio Petelo (Corporate Executive)

Mariaolelosalio Petelo is an experienced Corporate Executive Support Officer and Community Specialist at KVA Consult Ltd, where she has worked since 2015. She holds a Professional Diploma in Business Management from the University of the South Pacific and has undertaken specialised training in women’s leadership, disaster risk reduction, and corporate law. With over 20 consultancy assignments completed since 2015, her expertise spans community engagement, financial administration, and project coordination for organisations such as UNDP, World Bank, FAO, DFAT, and JICA. Her work focuses on climate resilience, social inclusion, and development projects across Samoa and the Pacific.

Ms. Lynneca Pereira (Policy Data Analyst)

Lynneca Pereira is a Policy Data Analyst at KVA Consult Ltd, contributing to policy, research, and data-driven projects across the Pacific region. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Employment Relations from the University of Auckland and is pursuing a Bachelor of Law Advanced at the University of the South Pacific. Since joining KVA in 2024, she has supported over seven regional assignments focusing on climate resilience, gender lens investing, transport decarbonisation, and labour policy. She has completed professional training in energy transition, climate transparency, and cybersecurity, reflecting her commitment to sustainable and inclusive development.

ASSOCIATES

Mr. Benjamin Pereira (Associate Consultant)

Benjamin Pereira is an accomplished economist and financial policy specialist serving as an Associate of KVAConsult, bringing over 25 years of leadership experience in macroeconomic policy, monetary management, and public financial systems across the Pacific region. His career includes serving as Assistant Governor of the Central Bank of Samoa, Adviser to the Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund in Washington DC, and Assistant Chief Executive Officer at Samoa’s Ministry of Finance. He strengthens KVAConsult’s capabilities in central banking operations, financial sector policy, and economic analysis, supporting governments and development partners to design robust monetary frameworks and regulatory systems that enhance financial stability and sustainable growth.

Mr. Lavea Iulai Lavea (Associate Consultant)

Lavea Iulai is an accomplished public finance and economic policy specialist serving as an Associate of KVAConsult, contributing over 30 years of leadership experience in public financial management, fiscal strategy, and macroeconomic policy across the Pacific region. His distinguished career includes senior advisory roles with the International Monetary Fund’s Pacific Technical Assistance Centre, the World Bank, and serving as Financial Secretary of Samoa. He strengthens KVAConsult’s capabilities in public financial management reform, supporting governments and development partners to design resilient fiscal frameworks. His achievements in mobilizing climate finance, including securing Samoa’s US$57.7 million Green Climate Fund program, position him as a key contributor to climate resilience consultancy.

Mr. Pepe Christian Fruean (Associate Consultant)

Pepe Christian Fruean is an accomplished Pacific leader in digital transformation, infrastructure development, and corporate governance serving as an Associate of KVAConsult. With over 30 years of executive experience, he has led major telecommunications and financial transformation initiatives throughout the region. As former Chief Executive Officer of the Samoa Submarine Cable Company, he drove exponential network growth, achieving 73% annual expansion in capacity while reducing broadband costs by nearly 90%. He contributes deep expertise in technology-enabled economic growth, digital finance, and institutional strengthening. Holding a Master of Commerce with Distinction from the Australian National University, he strengthens KVAConsult’s capacity to lead transformative digital economy projects.

Ms. Toleafoa Pativaine Petaia-Tevita (Associate Consultant)

Toleafoa Pativaine Petaia-Tevita brings extensive leadership spanning government, consulting, and community sectors. As CEO of Samoa Tourism Authority, she led CHOGM Samoa 2024 accommodation preparations, designing requirements for the online Booking and Payment systems that supported the largest event Samoa has ever hosted. She also strengthened STA’s partnership with Travel Focus to secure the inaugural direct flight from China in 2023. A Certified Public Accountant and MBA holder, Toleafoa drafted Samoa’s first sustainable tourism policy. The first woman to hold her family’s Toleafoa matai title, she exemplifies ethical leadership through executive mentorship and inclusive development solutions.

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

Ms. Grace Taramara Tualaulelei, 2025

“At KVA, I had the opportunity to work alongside some of the brightest minds in the industry. The team’s dedication to excellence was truly inspiring, and I found myself motivated to push my boundaries and contribute meaningfully to projects. Whether it was assisting with client consultations, conducting market research, or preparing insightful reports, every task was a chance to learn something new.”

Ms. Tetoafaiga Emyllia Leota, 2025

“Throughout my internship, I also had the opportunity to attend workshops and training sessions hosted by KVA. These sessions covered a wide range of topics, from industry trends to the latest tools and methodologies used in consultancy. They not only expanded my knowledge but also allowed me to network with professionals in the field, further enriching my learning experience.”

Ms. Gillian Leasunia Katoanga, 2025

“Working at KVA has been a wonderful experience exceeding all expectations. Alongside the incredible mentorship and wisdom I’ve received from KVA’s experienced professionals, I’ve particularly appreciated the first-hand opportunity to conduct my own research centering development policy in Samoa and the entire Pacific region. I will carry forward this unique privilege and knowledge as I further my legal career.”