Mr Taaniela Kula has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR). He signed a four year contract on Tuesday 23 January, at the Public Service Commission, Nuku'alofa.

Taaniela comes from the villages of Ma’ufanga and Kolonga, Tongatapu. His career in the Public Service began in 1995 when he was appointed as a Cadet Draughtsman at the Land’s Information Division, between the years 1995-1997.

In 1998, he was appointed as Senior Geological Assistant and served in various geologist roles under the Geology and Hydrogeology unit of the Ministry, until his appointment as Geologist in 2002.

Over the years, he achieved promotions to Senior Urban Planner and various senior positions and Manager of projects within the MLNR from 2003 to 2012.

In May 2012, Taaniela was appointed to the Deputy CEO of the Natural Resources Division, where he currently works under until his appointment to CEO position.

He holds a Master of Applied Science (MSc) in the field of Spatial Information Science from the University of Sydney (2009), and a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in the field of Earth Sciences/Geography from the University of the South Pacific (2002).