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About Us

 

The FONS Story

 

With encouragement and support from the International Union of Nutrition Sciences (IUNS), members of the Nutrition Societies of Australia and New Zealand began conversations about the feasibility and usefulness of a Federation representing nutrition in Oceania.

Extensive consultation with stakeholders across Oceania representing various sectors (nutrition, dietetics, public health, NGOs, government, universities, private practice) confirmed overwhelming enthusiasm and agreement that FONS can make a difference to, and be a collective voice for, nutrition in Oceania, including all Pacific Islands, Australia and New Zealand.

The inaugural Founding Members meeting was held on 11th October 2023 where the Constitution was approved and Committee members were elected. This enables FONS to be registered as an Incorporated Society with Charitable status with the NZ Companies Office.

FONS was launched at the Joint Nutrition Societies of NZ and Australia Annual Scientific Meeting, 28 November 2023.

 

The FONS Logo

 

The FONS logo was developed, signifying the FONS purpose and values. 
This includes:
  • A woven mat in the shape of a wave that symbolises family and  fellowship, networking, and collaboration and bringing people together across the Oceanic region. Rolling out the mat symbolises a space for people to come together to have a conversation / talanoa / yarn / korero.
  • The food basket represents nutrition.
  • The Island represents the many islands across the Oceanic region.
  • The green colour represents sustainability.


We acknowledge SPC for the development of the logo

 

The FONS Committee

 

President
Dr Sarah Burkhart is a nutrition scientist, based within the Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research (ACPIR) at the University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia.
President-Elect
Elisiva Na'ati is the Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Adviser, Public Health Nutrition with the Public Health Division of SPC (Pacific Community), based in Suva, Fiji.
Secretary
Professor Pam von Hurst is a Professor of Human Nutrition at Massey University, New Zealand.
Treasurer
Mafi Funaki-Tahifote is a NZ registered dietitian based in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand.
Committee
Mallika Janakiraman is a New Zealand Registered Nutritionist, Founder and Chairperson of Wahine Charitable Trust.
Committee
Josephine Maelaua is a nutritionist and teacher at the Solomon Islands National University.
Committee
Dr Pragya Singh is an Associate Professor and Program Coordinator (Dietetics & Nutrition) at Fiji National University.
Committee
Professor Eugeni Roura, is an animal nutritionist at the University of Queensland.