Financing change: Dominic’s frontline experience in Pacific climate action

Dominic Hoban, one of our Master of Environmental Management and Development students, brought over seven years of experience in environmental assessment and planning to a unique internship opportunity in Fiji. With a strong professional background across both public and private sectors in Australia, Dominic sought to deepen his understanding of climate finance and environmental governance in the Pacific.

His internship took place at Matanataki Pte Ltd, a Fiji-based private impact fund that is reimagining the flow of climate finance across the Pacific. Guided by its name—which means to take action; to lead by example in Fijian—Matanataki works at the intersection of climate resilience, gender equity, and sustainable development. Led by Jodi Smith, the organisation is at the forefront of redirecting capital to where it’s needed most: locally driven initiatives that deliver measurable, long-term impact.

Dominic was drawn to Matanataki for its bold approach.

“I wanted to go beyond academic theory and understand how private climate finance in the Pacific functions in practice,” he reflected.

The internship gave him direct exposure to the structural barriers that impede effective funding, such as excessive donor bureaucracy and investor risk aversion—factors that disproportionately impact Pacific Island nations.

During his time with Matanataki, Dominic contributed to donor communications, helped shape investment screening procedures, and supported the development of internal operating systems. Although conducted remotely, his base in Suva provided valuable contextual insights and opportunities to engage in high-level discussions and strategic planning sessions.

The experience surfaced key lessons:

• Bureaucratic hurdles delay action: Dominic observed the intense pressure placed on limited local capacity to meet donor requirements, often at the expense of timely impact.
• Impact must lead: Matanataki’s rigorous Impact Measurement and Management (IMM) system reinforced the importance of outcomes that communities can feel—not just reports that tick compliance boxes.
• Risk perception needs rebalancing: Overly cautious investment protocols can drive away the private capital global climate frameworks aim to attract.
• Smaller players deserve space: Multilateral dominance in the finance space often sidelines innovative, locally embedded actors like Matanataki.

While Dominic had initially hoped for more fieldwork, he emerged with a richer appreciation for the behind-the-scenes systems that power impact. He also developed critical professional skills in cross-cultural communication, remote collaboration, and adaptive problem-solving.

For future interns, Dominic has clear advice:

“Be prepared for ambiguity, roll up your sleeves, and remain open to learning. Don’t underestimate the importance of administrative systems - they are the quiet engines behind impactful work.”

He strongly encourages international placements for anyone seeking to work in global or development-focused careers, citing the exposure to alternative leadership models and deeper cultural understanding as career-defining benefits.

Dominic’s experience with Matanataki highlights the importance of local leadership, equitable financing, and the role of passionate professionals willing to roll up their sleeves in the fight for climate justice.