“We are deeply saddened to know our Pacific islands region has lost a true Pacific Warrior. Dr Netatua Pelesikoti was visionary, inspirational and dedicated to building the resilience of all Pacific countries. She was proud to serve our region and her dedication to that calling came with a bottom line - that our Pacific islands came first, all Pacific island countries.
Dr Netatua was with SPREP from 30 November 2009 to 31 May 2017, initially as Programme Manager, Pacific Futures then as Director, Climate Change from 1 January 2012.
Over that period, she initiated several new climate change projects and initiatives which continue her vision and dedication to building Pacific resilience. We are proud of her accomplishments.
She was the first Pacific Island Woman to be a Lead Contributing Author to Chapter 29 on Small Islands in the 5th Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
More recently and not surprisingly, Dr Netatua was admitted to the Scientific Advisory Panel of the World Meteorological Organisation, an elite group of 15 scientists worldwide who are experts on weather, climate and water. This achievement is no small feat for our region.
In 2019, the Pacific Meteorological Council awarded her “The PMC Lifetime Award” in recognition of her key role in the establishment of the Pacific Met Council, the Pacific Meteorological Desk Partnership, Pacific Island Climate Outlook Forum and the Pacific Ministerial Meeting on Meteorology that had its inaugural meeting in Tonga in 2015.
We cannot talk of the enhanced visibility of the meteorological issues in the region without attributing credit to her.
Dr Netatua leaves behind a vast regional and global network of climate change professionals, who also mourn her loss.
We were all blessed to have worked with her. She was a respected colleague, a trailblazer, a leader and a loyal friend.
We have all lost an amazing Pacific Island Woman, a leader in her field.
On behalf of all of SPREP may I convey our deepest condolences to Pita, children, and all of her family at this most difficult time.
Toka ā Netatua ‘ihe nonga ‘a e ‘Eiki”