The Team

The Island Base team is made up of a unique set of leading individuals from across an eclectic mix of cultural backgrounds with creative members from the arts and broadcasting as well as the more formal roles needed to help govern the Trust.

The trustees represent the pillars of a fale to hold it up, while the board then forms a strong roof and structure, helping to facilitate a fun but also safe space for our rangatahi, mentors and community alike. Together we share our perspectives, voices and accountability for the organisation.

With over 100 years of combined industry experience we produce and collaborate with a wide range of organisations to create work which serves to engage, equip, entertain, inform, educate and celebrate our communities and families.

TRUSTEES

JAZZ LOLESIO

Founder/Executive Director Island Base Trust

Born in Egypt, raised in Germany, living in NZ and with years in Samoa as well, Jazz is a true Child of the world. Making Aotearoa & Samoa her homes of choice, Jazz is a DJ, Artist and Youth Mentor herself, connecting people and the sounds of the South Pacific in particular.

With a Masters degree in Media Management & Media Production, Jazz has grown the Base brand not only into a well-respected radio station nationwide but also a crucial platform for up and coming as well as established artists – and now using that network for educating the next generation through music and with a strong focus on Pacific people.

CHRIS HARTNETT

Humanitarian Engineer – WASH (engineers without Borders)

Growing up at the foothills of the Waitakere Ranges has given Chris a deep appreciation for the environment and for connecting with cultures that maintain a close bond with the whenua. Most recently this took Chris to Vanuatu for two years where we worked in rural water supply development (through VSA), as well as hosting a few DJ events and recording local musicians along the way. Now Chris continues in this spirit by mentoring rangatahi from South Auckland in giving them their first taste of radio hosting on

KYLE POPHAM ‘KP’

Youth Mentor, Director – KOA Productions

KP is part Maori & part Samoan. He is an established and internationally touring artist, KP is half of Sunshine Soundsystem and MC for other groups, festivals & gigs. He also hosts the Friday Drive show on Base/Island Base, one of our mentoring slots for young talents.