Meet PVA’s new Kaihautū Atutahi

Pacific Vision Aotearoa would like to warmly welcome Jessica Tyson who is our new Kaihautū Atutahi.

Jess was proudly born and raised in Whanganui and is of Te Atihaunui-a-Pāpārangi descent. She moved to Tāmaki to study a Bachelor of Communication Studies at AUT University, where she also began her te reo Māori journey.

She brings more than a decade of experience across Māori media, journalism, communications and community advocacy, with a strong focus on building meaningful connections and creating positive social impact. 

In her career, Jess has been passionate about amplifying Indigenous voices, celebrating culture and connecting people with the issues that matter to their communities, especially te taiao. She is also the founder of Brave Charitable Trust, a sexual harm prevention charity supporting rangatahi to develop safe and healthy relationships, where she’s developed strong experience in community engagement and partnerships. Her other passions include governance, competitive ocean swimming, adventuring the outdoors, second-hand shopping and travelling the motu and ao with whānau. 

As Kaihautū Atutahi, Jess will be looking outward for new opportunities, building relationships with funders, partners and communities and helping grow PVA’s impact, all while staying connected to the kaupapa of caring for our environment, zero waste, food sovereignty and regenerative living. It’s all about helping PVA connect with the right people and opportunities to keep moving the waka forward!

Jess says, “I'm very honoured to have this role and have already enjoyed learning so much about PVA’s purposeful mahi supporting our communities and taiao in Tāmaki Makaurau. I look forward to helping PVA grow it’s impact while contributing to the important mahi already underway.”