SUVA, Fiji – July 24, 2018: 10.15am (RNZ PACIFIC/Pacnews): The incoming head of the Pacific’s Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) aims to focus on “strength through co-operation”.

Manumatavai Tupou-Roosen, a Tongan lawyer, will become the first woman to head the agency when she replaces James Movick in November.

She says in her 13 years at the agency she has worked under three directors-general and her style won’t deviate from their mission to maximise the social and economic benefits of the Pacific fisheries for all the people.

But Tupou-Roosen said she will emphasise co-operation because it is the cornerstone for success in the Pacific.

“So this will be the tool that I will be utilising to ensure that we deliver on that mission. If we look at all the successes in our region, the mechanism for that success has always been through co-operation.

“It’s our Pacific Way, and it’s the only way that we can ensure a safe, stable and prosperous region for our,” he said.