Nicole Rex Taofinu’u is joining PCBL as General Manager, Pasifika On Air.
By Michelle Curran
Strategic Communications, Pasifika TV
Nicole Rex Taofinu’u, a renowned champion of growth and sustainability of the media industry in Aotearoa New Zealand, is being embraced into the Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Limited (PCBL) – Pasifika TV magafaoa.
Nicole Rex Taofinu’u.
She leaves NZ On Air – Irirangi Te Motu after almost a decade of working as a Funding Advisor, followed by the Senior Funding Advisor role, where she has had a huge impact in New Zealand’s media space.
Proudly Niuean, Nicole was the NZ On Air project lead for the inaugural Pacific Regional Media Fund (PRMF) initiative, announced in 2024 in partnership with PCBL.
The PRMF paired Aotearoa-based Pasifika producers with Pacific-based producers and broadcasters, to create and produce content shot in the Pacific, with the first slate of documentaries and films being released throughout 2025/2026.
Nicole joins PCBL as the newly created role, General Manager, Pasifika On Air, where she hopes to continue having a positive effect on the media landscape throughout the Pacific region.
“Over the past nine years, I’ve worked with screen and radio creatives across Aotearoa to help share the stories that shape our nation’s identity,” Nicole says.
“As a proud Pasifika, I’m passionate about creating the same opportunities across the Pacific region, to tell our own stories, celebrate our heritage, and be seen on our own terms.
“I’ve been fortunate to have developed my skillset under the stewardship of some amazing people at NZ on Air.
“It has set me up well to build on my passion for Pacific storytelling, and in this new role, I’m committed to elevating Pasifika voices and preserving our unique storytelling traditions, honouring our Tupuna and the histories that connect us all.”
An advocate for Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles, Nicole says her role extends beyond funding to fostering meaningful partnerships and advocating for inclusive media representation.
“My experience in strategic collaboration with government, corporate, and community entities reflects a commitment to nurturing economic and cultural prosperity, underpinned by a hands-on, inclusive approach to leadership and management,” she says.
Natasha Meleisea, PCBL Chief Executive Officer, adds it is a coup having Nicole join the PCBL family, as the organisation evolves to better support the Pacific region’s broadcasters and media industry.
“Nicole will lead the expansion of our Pasifika On Air programme, enabling more opportunities for Pacific stories to be told and building new partnerships for those stories to reach more audiences across the region and beyond,” Natasha says.
“Her wealth of experience coupled with her passion for Pacific storytelling makes her an invaluable addition to the team, and I have no doubt her impact will be felt across the Pacific media landscape in no time.”
Prior to working at NZ On Air, Nicole had roles as a Radio Broadcaster at Mai FM, and National Pacific Radio Trust where she was also Operations Executive, and at Wellington City Council as the Niue Representative for the Pacific Island Advisory Committee.
Nicole begins her new role at PCBL on November 27, 2025.
