Roger’s career in international development was sparked when managing iwi
consultations for the New Zealand National Coastal Policy, and design of the Resource
Management Act. Concerned by the lack of effective management roles for local
communities and the invisibility of Te Ao Maori in both central and local government
processes, Roger moved into the Pacific to support the central role played by customary authorities in the management of natural resources.
Roger has over 20 years experience supporting Pacific community-based sustainable
development. His work has extended from supporting grassroots community
development as NZAID Environment Specialist, to managing strategic directions of
Pacific sustainable development as a Deputy Director at New Zealand’s Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and as Deputy Director General at the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) based in Apia.
Roger brings to his consulting work a career-long commitment to resilient community-
led development, extensive knowledge of the national and regional Pacific environment and conservation, and wide-ranging Pacific networks.
Roger’s international development experience is founded on his early experience in
policy analysis and team leadership as a Ministerial advisor, Department of Conservation Establishment Unit coastal and water expert, and DOC Coastal and Marine Deputy Director.
Roger has a career-long commitment to the principles of effective development and an
in-depth understanding of development as practiced by international donors and
organisations. As Senior Vice-Chair of the OECD Development Assistance Committee
(DAC), he participated in the peer review of many OECD countries’ development
assistance programmes, and has worked in partnership with many of the organisations
supporting Pacific resilient development.
Roger contributes his extensive experience designing and evaluating development
programmes and projects and developing collaborative, multi-stakeholder partnerships
to the consulting portfolio of Future Partners.
He believes that the biggest challenge facing the Pacific in realising its climate,
biodiversity, circular economy, and resilient livelihoods goals is building the capacity of
its peoples and institutions. He also believes in the potential of Pacific peoples to meet
this challenge and enjoys working with and mentoring Pacific leadership.