Emeretta Cross, Director-Climate Change
CEO & Founder - Merethan Vision
Projects Coordinator - People Ernst & Young
Director - Entertainment / Kaiga Tuvalu Melbourne

Emeretta was born on Banaba, formally known under the British High Commission as Ocean Island, during the Phosphate mining era.  In 1974, just before mining ceased on Banaba, she moved with her family of seven, Emeretta the eldest, to Auckland New Zealand.  

Whilst living in New Zealand, Emeretta finished High School and began a career of juggling full time paid roles in administration whilst volunteering for services that engaged in community liaisons.  Her first role at Ullrich Aluminium gave her insight in the manufacturing and metal industry.  Assisting the CEO - who was also the New Zealand Consular General for both Kiribati and Tuvalu.  During this time, Emeretta was able to perform diplomatic disciplines of order and communication.  From coordinating events and special functions, addressing logistical requirements at venues and catering, prior to dignitary arrival; to entertaining and participating in cultural floorshows.  Demonstrating her passion for her ethnic background from both Kiribati and Tuvalu.  Those relationships are still strong to date.

1986 Emeretta moved to join her family on Tarawa Island in Kiribati and worked for two years as Dorm matron and Secretary at the Moroni High School.  During this tenure was awarded a scholarship to study at Brigham Young University - Hawaii Campus.  There she studied towards degrees in both Communication and Theatre.  Her theatrical experience rewarded her with the opportunity to further work with community affairs in Laie and Manoa - where she became involved with local focus groups.  Playing lead roles showcasing the historical and monumental milestones in Hawaiian history.  These opportunities filled Emeretta with the passion to use entertainment as the medium to touch lives and make a change.  To influence Youth to choose roles, whether on stage or in real life, that will be meaningful and poignant.

1992 - Emeretta moved to Melbourne to be with her Australian family whom she really needed to get to know.  This side of the family personified the colonialist aspect of her heritage.  Here she was married and had a son.  Here Merethan Vision was born.  A combination of both her name and her son's, the company was established to mould a way for her son to learn about his culture and a purpose in life.  Through Merethan Vision productions and events, Emeretta hopes to share with other parents and children, that which is important. To have an identity and find a purpose.  

Currently employed in the HR division of Ernst & Young - Emeretta thrives in building relationships with Partners and the communities abroad.  In the corporate sector - demonstrating integrity, respect and teaming is paramount to their success.  These values, coupled with energy, enthusiasm and the courage to lead, guide Emeretta in making steps that build multicultural bridges for Oceanic Indigenous Regions.

Tuvalu and Kiribati are threatened by environmental changes.  These realities have provided an opportunity for Emeretta to become an identity in the Climate Change sector by speaking on known conditions facing her people, including displacement and loss of land.  Her goal now is to liaise with leaders and activist for sustainable options for all the low lying regions.  She is an advocate and presents for Oxfam, CANA, Youth Coalition Australia, Friends of Earth, Melbourne University, Federation Square - Gift of Light annual project and Footscray Community Art Centre.  

Her links with leaders and Elders in all regions of the Pacific have been established over twenty five years, through constant demonstration of her pride in heritage.  Through open and honest discourse.

Manuia te aso - Kamna bane ni tekeraoi n tai aka ana roko... now known as Aunty “M”