November 15, 2021

Meet the Top Diverse Board-Ready Directors 2021

The Superdiversity Institute and the Ministry for Ethnic Communities are pleased to announce that the ‘Top Diverse Board-Ready Directors List 2021’ has been decided. Meet the winners below!

Jade Tang-Taylor
A designer, dreamer, doer. I’m a purpose-driven, design-led, creative social entrepreneur. Endeavouring to connect across sectors, inter-disciplinary spaces, inter-cultural communities and find ways to collaborate, co-design and co-create positive social impact together. Over the past 10-15+ years my career has been more of a squiggly line than a straight one, moving in & out of being a social entrepreneur to social intrapreneur across various organisations, industries & sectors. From across the design / creative industries, digital / tech sector, not-for-profit / community sector, social enterprise, academia higher education, philanthropy and consulting. However, the common thread through them all is that I’m deeply passionate about design for social innovation, social change & more recently systems change. Over the next 10-15+ years I would like to continue to challenge myself, to keep learning and to develop my leadership experience, particularly in the area of governance. Providing strategic advice & advocating for marginalised communities, ethnic communities with a focus on women, ethnic women, economic empowerment and diversity, equity & inclusion overall. I’m also particularly interested in exploring how we as tangata tiriti can authentically partner with tangata whenua, and how I can personally be a good ally to Māori, the indigenous people of Aotearoa, New Zealand. Currently, the main “hat” I wear is the Director of Innovation & Partnerships at Innovation Unit. Alongside this, I serve on a few governance & advisory roles, from a grassroots community level to ministerial level. I am also an Edmund Hillary Fellow, a SheEO activator but most importantly I’m a proud working mum of 1.

 

Marcia Rohario Murray
Marcia is a natural people leader with a demonstrated history of local and national level governance experience. She is a connector, motivator and an advocate. Marcia brings a strategic and transformational leadership style, strong legal skills and experience in the government legal sector, and authentic knowledge of tikanga and te reo Māori.

 

Arti Chand
Arti is an experienced tax lawyer who set up her sole practice, Arti Chand Tax Law, in 2015 after more than a decade in the private sector working for various accounting firms.

In addition she is:
• Vice President (Wellington) of the New Zealand Law Society;
• an executive Committee member of the New Zealand Fiji Business Council;
• a member of the Pacific Lawyers Association;
• a member of New Zealand Asian Lawyers;
• a member of the Wellington Pasifika Business Network;
• the former chair of the Wellington charity, Parent Help; and
• the former vice president of the Wellington branch of the New Zealand Law Society; and
• the 2018 Winner of the Pasifika Woman Business Owner Award (Pasifika Business Network).

Arti is of Fijian descent and grew up in Lautoka, Fiji. As such she is a strong advocate of celebrating the success of Pacific people and businesses in New Zealand.

 

Rachel Afeaki-Taumoepeau
Rachel born and raised in Auckland currently lives in Hamilton City. Rachel has a very strong interest in transformational leadership within communities, cities and Nations and is currently involved in Pacific advancement through social and economic development, foreign affairs and bilateral trade between NZ and the Pacific region whilst advocating for the for mental health and well-being of families, women and children. A professional chartered director in NZ and internationally, Rachel governs across spheres of influence to include government, private sector, not-for-profit and the global church. With commercial leadership experience concerning international relations, trade and investment promotion, government, and NGO advisory. Rachel has extensively travelled internationally as a business, community and regional leader representing New Zealand and the South Pacific region on business and trade missions led by the NZ government and on behalf of the global church the World Evangelical Alliance.

 

Imche Fourie
A future-focused Chief Executive with five years board level experience across the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors. I can specifically evidence success in venture capital and startup incubation, deep technology commercialisation, and publicly funded research. At board level, some highlights include setting and executing the strategy for the rapid growth and capital raise for a technology incubator, participating in a strategic overhaul for the board of an investment group, and advising one of the country’s largest public science funding bodies on youth engagement. In an executive capacity, I am currently the CEO of Outset Ventures where my primary responsibilities are making investment decisions, executing on strategic projects, hiring and managing a team, and supporting the growth of early-stage science-based ventures. I have a Bachelor of Technology in Biotechnology and Postgraduate Diploma in Bioscience Enterprise. I have completed the Governance Essentials and Finance Essentials workshops hosted by the Institute of Directors.

 

Sachin Sarin
Sachin is a young Kiwi-Indian business owner, executive and entrepreneur with experience in the hospitality and property development industries. Sachin is the Director of Marketing and Business Development at Sarin Investments, a family-owned and operated specialist in hotel and conference centre ownership, management and construction. In his role, Sachin is responsible for managing the company’s partnerships with global hotel brands such as Hilton, IHG, and Accor, and leads its portfolio of residential property development projects. Additionally, Sachin is the co-founder and director of Genesis Skin, a hospitality amenities company. Outside of work, Sachin is an involved Big Buddy mentor and has previously been a judge for the Young Enterprise Scheme competition. Sachin holds a BCom (Accounting, Commercial Law) degree from the University of Auckland. Currently, he is also undertaking an Executive MBA at the University of Otago and a Diploma in Quantity Surveying.

 

Daniel Tulloch
Dr Daniel Tulloch is a member of the Institute of Directors New Zealand and holds multiple Board and governance-level positions, including as Members of both the Lawyers & Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal and the Financial Advisers Disciplinary Committee. He is an experienced economist and public policy consultant in climate change, market design, consumer protection and economic regulation. His background includes cost benefit analysis, modelling and policy framework design. He completed his postdoc in Sustainable Finance at the University of Oxford and holds a PhD in Finance from the University of Otago and a Masters (with distinction) in International Accounting and Financial Management. Daniel is committed to increasing diversity of representation on public sector boards and committees and was recently profiled as an emerging ethnic leader in the 2019 stocktake of Gender, Māori, and Ethnic Diversity on State Sector Boards and Committees, which is published by the Ministry for Women.

 

Jerry He
Jerry is a Chinese Kiwi Entrepreneur who founded 3 FMCG brands, the company aims to provide 100% NZ-made value add products to children & women around the world. He’s the former Deputy Convenor of The Small Business Development Group which advises the NZ Government on issues affecting Small-to-Medium Enterprises and helps government agencies communicate with them. He’s also the founding Chair of Singapore-based Asia Pacific Micro-Small-to-Medium-Enterprise (MSME) Trade Coalition, a 4000 memberships organisation that was set up to help. Businesses to trade across borders, facilitate internationalization through more permissible trade policies and serve as a data repository for the common challenges faced byAsia MSMEs. Jerry’s passion is future education. After exiting his business in 2019 he was working with ACC in business strategies who conducted a migrant based work and safety awareness campaign that reached 5000 businesses. He currently serves as board member in a number of universities and ITPs in New Zealand and leads the International business development team in University of Auckland.

 

Khoa Nguyen
Khoa is an Independent Director, Chartered Accountant and Managing Director of Viet River Holdings Limited. Khoa has marketing, tourism, and accounting qualifications, combined with strategic management and governance experience at Board and Executive levels. He brings expertise in trading with the Asian market, especially Vietnam and best commercial practice in a trans-border cultural environment. Khoa has served as a Board member of the Social Workers Registration Board, the New Zealand Lottery Grants Board, Barnardos New Zealand, Iwi Board – Tu Mai Ra Investment Limited and has also held several Directorships with not-for-profit organisations and privately owned companies.

 

Herman Visagie
Herman is a proud “bi-cultural kiwi” and immigrant – born in South Africa to Afrikaans parents, he arrived in New Zealand when hewas nine years old and spent his formative years in rural South  . He is also a member of the rainbow community. Herman has had a varied career in policy, industry advocacy and the private sector, working in Wellington, New Plymouth, and most recently Auckland. He brings strong governance experience, including working as Company Secretary for TSB Bank and currently serves as Vice-President and Chair of the Finance Audit & Risk Committee for the New Zealand Law Society, Board Member & Treasurer for ActionStation Aotearoa, and Board member for the Mentoring Foundation of New Zealand. Herman is passionate about empowering communities and sees good and diverse governance as a key avenue to help work towards a better and more inclusive future for all of Aotearoa.

 

Ikhlaq Kashkari
Ikhlaq has been helping organisation organisations improve their business performance and governance to realise measurable business benefits for over 30 years. He worked with Board members and Snr. Executives of NZ largest organisations to help align their organisation to industry best practices, this includes reviewing & designing process, policies, technology and better governance. Ikhlaq has passion for helping communities. He holds following community roles:
• President New Zealand Muslim Association
• Council member of the Federation of Islamic Associations of NZ
• Advisory roles for Government and agencies incl. Immigration NZ, NZ Police, RCOI into Christchurch massacre and NZSIS
• Working with various government organisations on community related matters incl. Min of Social Development, Ministry of Ethnic Communities, Dept of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Health, Auckland Council, Dept of Prime Minster and Cabinet
• President Kashmiri Association of NZ
• Interfaith communities to foster greater understanding and tolerance.

 

Jaya Prasannan
Jaya Prasannan is an experienced executive, non-executive and in-house legal professional based in Auckland demonstrating strong adaptable skills and experience. She has successfully transitioned into a diverse range of industries, allowing her to bring innovative ideas to each role: Digital Technology, Tourism, Automotives, Financial Services, Building Supplies, Food Services, Property, Membership Organisations and Local Authority. Offering strong leadership and a natural ability to pivot, she has also been responsible for a broad range of functional areas of business: Strategy, Governance, Legal, Compliance, Risk, People & Culture, Health & Safety, Insurance, Operations, Business Process Improvement and Change Management. Jaya has strong international experience from working for firms and businesses in New Zealand and the United Kingdom with international clients. She is a clear communicator, enthusiastic and approachable. Jaya has a particular interest in organisations that are proactively managing sustainability related risks, empower and encourage leadership of all staff and drive their futures with purpose and trust.

 

Mavis Mullins
Mavis Mullins MNZM is a recognised leader in Aotearoa’s food and fibre industry. She is chair of Ātihau Whanganui Inc and a patron of Agri-Women’s Development Trust (AWDT), facilitating leadership and mentoring for rural women. Beginning her career as a fourth-generation shearing contractor, Mavis is a passionate advocate for innovation and mentorship with a sharp focus on equity, economics and environmental issues. She currently holds many roles in governance including Alliance Board for the Manawatu Tararua Highway, UNICEF Aotearoa, Moana NZ, Hawkes Bay Rugby Union, Stock X and Rangitane Iwi. Her contribution to New Zealand’s primary sector has seen her recognised with many honours and awards, including Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (NZMN) in 2002 for services to the wool industry. In 2017 Mavis was inducted into the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame and the same year awarded Outstanding Māori Business Leader of the Year from University of Auckland.

 

Najira Khanam
Najira moved to Tāmaki Makaurau six years ago. She is Bangladeshi British, passionate about social justice and brings a unique worldview and perspective to every role she undertakes. Najira is a member of Auckland Council’s Ethnic Peoples Advisory Panel; a Trustee of the Auckland Refugee Family Trust. She is currently working at Belong Aotearoa, a social change and innovation hub. As a Systems Change Activator, Najira works with and for communities from migrant and former refugee backgrounds, for positive social change. Her previous experience includes policy and relationship management at the British Council (the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations), and various cross-sector leadership and communications roles in Aotearoa NZ and internationally. Najira grew up surrounded by a loving family. Strong female role models in her life – her mother and sisters – shaped her values of courage, compassion and togetherness. The wonderful people in her life, inspire her every day.

 

Mena Antonio
‘Bring your whole self to the table’ underpins my governance approach and one I share with coaching clients. It’s simple yet one that is constantly tested. Good governance is imperfect. Decisions that impact lives and livelihoods are often made with imperfect information, limited time and resources. Before any meeting, I set 2-3 goals only which is a far cry in the my first years of governance where I set out to change the world. My mis-placed & overzealous ideals served only to amuse and annoy my colleagues. Allies around the table is crucial and that’s a surefire way to crush any chance of making any! Nowadays my meeting goals center around the people to whom we’re in service of. I best serve when I’m in alignment with the goals and value of the entity I have the privilege of governing.

 

Pramjit (Jeet) Suchdev
Jeet Suchdev passionately believes ‘Service to mankind is service to God’. To pursue his passion, he founded Bhartiya Samaj in 1995 which was later registered in 2001 as Charitable Trust with an aim to bring positive change in the lives of Aotearoa’s diverse communities. Since then Bhartiya Samaj has become a centre of hope for the community and has received many accolades and recognition for its work. He holds an honorary position of Justice of the Peace and a recipient of the Queen’s Service Medal for his outstanding contributions and service to the community. In 2018 his leadership was commended with “Kiwi Indian Community Service Excellence Award”. Twice he was invited by Indian Government to represent NZ Indian Diaspora in India twice on a Panel Discussion “Organisations Working for Distressed Indians Abroad”. Jeet has broad international experience working in Australia, India, and Nigeria.

 

Rachel Stotter
Rachel is a seasoned Executive leader, passionate about people and about taking the richness of Aotearoa to the world. In her current role as Director of International Sales & Marketing for T&G Global, Rachel leads a multi national team who distribute, market and sell fresh fruit & produce in over 40 countries around the world. She has spent many years working with customers and partners in NZ and offshore, having held senior roles at Fonterra and Goodman Fielder with Sales, P&L Management and Transformation responsibilities. Rachel started her working life as a secondary school History & English teacher, which she credits for her people first approach, and the importance she places on diverse social and cultural perspectives. This background allows her to work and think across both the public and private sectors, offering a unique perspective around the table.  As a working parent Rachel is ruthless about role modelling and creating flexible working conditions for anyone who wants to make a contribution, regardless of circumstance. Her background and experience understanding customers , developing offshore markets and building in- market capability is something Rachel believes could be really valuable at Board level for other New Zealand export focussed organisations.

 

Claire Richardson
Claire Richardson is a dynamic leader and visible champion of diversity and inclusion. Growing up in Aotearoa and Fiji shaped Claire’s desire to seek out and celebrate difference. As a woman, rainbow leader and parent of a young adult with complex disabilities, she is committed to walking the talk when it comes to valuing diversity and building inclusion into the way we work, inspiring people to reach their full potential. Claire draws deep insights from her rich and varied career, which includes senior roles working on some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters, working with indigenous and migrant communities, on global projects for international NGOs and as an executive leader in the public sector. Claire builds strong partnerships and is a successful influencer who positively engages with business, government, Iwi / Māori and community. As a trusted, commercial leader she brings broad governance and risk management experience. This includes substantial Health, Safety and Wellbeing leadership and experience. Claire holds a Masters of International Affairs from the Australian National University and the International Peace Research Institute, Norway.

 

Warrick Cleine
Warrick Cleine brings diversity of thought, experience and perspective. He is an Asia-centric business leader, having built an international career at the highest levels of one of the world’s largest professional services firms, from his 20+ year base in emerging Asia. Warrick’s career started as a Chartered Accountant on the West Coast, and he currently serves on the Global Council and Asia Pacific Board of KPMG International, as Chairman and CEO of the 1,800 employee KPMG in Vietnam and Cambodia, which provides audit, tax, legal, strategy, deal advisory and management consulting services. He is also an Adjunct Industry Professor at RMIT University. Warrick is passionate about New Zealand’s role and engagement with Asia, and is a lifelong advocate for inclusive international trade and investment, inclusion and diversity in the workplace, women’s leadership and LGBT inclusion. Warrick is a Chartered Accountant, presently living in Ho Chi Minh City with his very modern family.

 

Zoe Dryden
I have a combination of practical business experience, as a successful business owner, combined with 15 years of coaching and culture work, an advanced academic knowledge of strategy and business, a personal growth focus and a deep wellbeing interest. I founded a successful charity organisation and have spent 15 years doing development work in Nepal building schools, developing child sponsorship programs and working with indigenous community and women’s groups. I am incredibly purpose driven, with leadership, in the big sense of the word, at the forefront of all my decisions. I take pride in supporting changes that add value to society. I don’t fear a challenge and have the professional experience, ability (and temperament) to work at many levels. I am often described and “too entrepreneurial” for the board room and my background is unusual. but my proven track record is undeniable.

 

Debbie Sew Hoy
Debbie is a 5th generation Chinese New Zealander. She worked in marketing roles for a range of companies including Unilever, SC Johnson, Tip Top Ice Cream, Sky City before joining the family apparel business. She has 17 years’ experience building relationships in China and Bangladesh, supplying major NZ retailers such as The Warehouse and Farmers. Having experienced many changes and developments in China during this time, she enjoyed the challenge of this ever-changing environment. Debbie is currently a product manager at New Zealand Post as the Import Specialist. Debbie was an inaugural trustee of the Chinese Poll Tax Heritage. Trust. She was a member of the NZAL Advisory Board from 2013 through to 2016 and is currently on the executive committee of New Zealand Chinese Association Auckland. Debbie has recently completed an 18 month position on The Lion Foundation board as part of the Future Director programme. Debbie is a member of the Institute of Directors.

 

Bobby Shen
Bobby Shen is a Chinese New Zealander, an elected representative of the Puketapapa Local Board of Auckland Council and a green building design professional. He brings a dual culture of growing up in a Kiwi world with Chinese values. Having experienced the obstacles to becoming a leader, he hopes to empower young people to increase youthful diverse leadership across the governance sector, representative of our superdiverse community and activating the voices of diverse and ethnic peoples. With urban environments transforming rapidly, it is important to keep diverse perspectives in the picture. Bobby’s expertise in urban planning and design can help people understand and shape their city, as he had done with Architecture for Humanity. On the Tu Manawa Fund advisory group, he helps make decisions on grants for getting high-deprivation youth and girls to be physically active and was a First Foundation mentor for university students from low-decile schools.

 

Cathy Parker
Cathy is a business owner and manager, board member, parent, sportswoman and is also a transgender woman. She has had the typically tangled career path of many women, especially those with a diverse background. Starting with an Engineering degree (BE(Mech) Hons), she entered the corporate world as a Management Cadet with Ceramco Ltd and later worked for several corporates in management roles before buying her own business 27 years ago. Adrenalin Publishing has grown from two titles and two staff to nine respected media brands including NZBusiness + Management and employs around 15 staff. Cathy is a council member for SuperDiversity Institute and sits on several other industry and NFP boards. She is a 2018 alumni of the IOD Mentoring for Diversity Program. She also completed the IOD Company Directors Course and Chartered Member assessment in 2018. She has a particular interest around Diversity & Inclusion matters.

 

Ian Olan
A respected leader in transformation and culture change, Ian believes in creating inclusive, engaged and productive work environments. An exemplary role model, Ian is committed to championing initiatives that harness diversity and foster an inclusive work environment. Ian serves as a Council member and Chair of the Finance Committee for New Zealand Family Planning, Chair of the Counties Manakau Rugby League, and Board member of New Zealand Athletics. He is a member of the CPA Australia not-for-profit committee and is a Director of the NZ Community of Practice for the A4S Accounting for Sustainability Prince of Wales Charitable Fund. Ian’s has published articles in technical journals including the British Journal of Anaesthesia and Mayo Clinic and has spoken at global conferences on finance and business transformation. Experienced in professional soccer, Ian is an aspiring marathon runner and enjoys contemporary Literature. Originally from Mexico, Ian lives in Auckland with his family.

 

Jimmy Chen
Jimmy Chen he has been elected as the Christchurch City Councillor since October 2010. His portfolio in the Council is the Chair of Council’s Multicultural Committee, Chair of Canterbury Regional Landfill Joint Committee as well as Chair of Canterbury Waste Joint Committee. As Chair of the Council’s Multicultural Committee, he has taking a lead to develop the Christchurch Multicultural Strategy. This strategy is a commitment to support and embrace the identity and the diversity of the cultures for the people in Christchurch. He is currently Board members of Hornby-Halswell-Riccarton Community Board, Riccarton Bush & House Trust, Royal Airforce Museum Trust and HeiHei/Broomfield Community Development Trust. He also was Board members of Canterbury Museum trust, Burnside High School Trust as well as Board Director of Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism. He completed the training of Institute of Directors in NZ. He has governance experiences, skills and commitment to taking a lead to provide the strategic directions to the various organisations and monitor the performances of the organisations over the last 10 years.

 

Monina Hernandez
Monina is a Filipino-born New Zealander, a global nurse-leader, a COVID-19 infection control specialist, a university lecturer, PhD candidate and a hardworking mother. She is an advocate for patients, health workers, students and vulnerable populations. Monina is currently a board member of the Nursing Council of New Zealand, an elected member of the Leadership Succession Committee of Sigma Theta Tau International Honour Society of Nursing and has served as a director of the New Zealand Nurses Organisation. She has been President of the Filipino Nurses’ Association of New Zealand, Inc and the Rotary Club of Hillsborough, Lynfield and Mount Roskill satellite club. She has governance and policy development experience in both public and not-for-profit roles. Monina is passionate about representing the diverse and hard-working ethnic communities. She aspires for a truly inclusive society and her work ethic is driven by the values of compassion, integrity, fairness, connectedness, respect, and excellence.

 

Amit Prasad
Amit is very passionate about helping contribute towards building a brighter future of our nation and is a keen advocate of diversity and inclusion. Amit is always keen to add diversity of thought, perspective, ethnicity, age and varied experience to the strategy dialogue. He is a Chartered Accountant of Australia and New Zealand and Fellow Certified Practicing Accountant. Amit has broad experience in all aspects of accounting, audit, financial and risk management with more than 20 years of professional work experience in various sectors. He has been involved in various digital transformation programmes through his management roles and large scale projects. Amit has held multiple governance roles over the years and currently involved in roles within the NFP sector, central and local government organisation.

 

Daniel Wong
Daniel has significant governance experience on a variety of boards, including the NZ Shareholders Association, Inc., the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and Kohia Terrace School. Daniel has also recently been accepted into the Institute of Directors’ Mentoring for Diversity programme. Daniel co-founded the specialist corporate law firm, Flacks & Wong, and is independently recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading corporate lawyers by Chambers Asia Pacific and The Legal 500 Asia Pacific (the two principal global legal directories).

 

Kennie Tsui
Kennie Tsui is the new Chief Executive Officer for the New Zealand Geothermal Association, commencing in this new role in July. Prior to this, she was the Principal Analyst at the Climate Change Commission, and was heavily involved with developing the recent report “Ināia tonu nei: a low emissions future for Aotearoa” tabled in Parliament in June. She has recently completed the Institute of Director’s 2020 Mentoring for Diversity Programme and won the Engineering New Zealand 2020 President Gold Award for her leadership in the engineering community. She sits on the Boards of Engineering New Zealand, Registration Authority Board for Chartered Professional Engineers, Scots College Parent Association (Incorporated Society) and International Partnership of Geothermal Technologies (Partnership). A Chemical and Process engineer by training and also holding an MBA qualification, Kennie has a wealth of knowledge across the transport and energy sectors. She is based in Wellington, New Zealand.

 

Nick Siu
Nick is a proud “New New Zealander” – ethnically Chinese born in New Zealand and married to a Japanese. Nick has over 18 years experience in a breadth of business and commercial structures after graduating from Auckland University with a BCom / LLB with the UoA Scholarship Prize in Marketing and starting his career with a national law firm. Nick has significant marketing & media experience as the founder and COO of the Agency 88 – New Zealand’s largest multi-cultural advertising agency with clients across NZ & Australia such as Fonterra, BMW, MINI, IAG, ANZCO Beef & Lamb, Farmers, and Foodstuffs. He is also the cofounder and director of a number of hospitality & FMCG brands with nationwide success in New Zealand but also export success to the USA, Japan & Korea. Nick has asked regularly to commentate in the NZ Herald, NBR, NZ Business Magazine & NZ Marketing Magazine on the topic of commercialising opportunities within the Asian market.

 

Whaimutu Dewes
“E noho koe ki te ngaki i nga werawera a o matua tipuna mo nga uri whakatipu”. Whaimutu Dewes, of Ngati Porou and Ngati Rangitihi descent, is constantly reminded of the strictures of his elders to realise the aspirations of the people for the generations that follow has an intense interest in the role of economics and governance in New Zealand and Maori economic development. He is Chairman of Ngati Porou Forests and Sealord Group. Previous roles include the Chair of Ngati Porou Seafoods and Aotearoa Fisheries, and directorships of contact Energy, Ngati Porou Holding Company, Housing New Zealand, Television New Zealand and the Advisory Board to the Treasury and to AMP. A strong advocate of the revitalisation of te reo Maori, Whaimutu regards the fact he and his wife Judy have raised their children to be fluent in the Maori and English languages to be one of the highlights.

 

Karun Shenoy
Karun was born in India and emigrated to New Zealand over thirty years ago, having spent a couple of years in Singapore en route. His professional career has largely been in the tech industry. Karun is currently board chair for English Language Partners (NZ’s largest NGO working with former refugees and migrants as a training establishment). He is also on the board of Wellington Chamber of Commerce/Business Central, NZ Chambers of Commerce and Industry (“the voice of business”) and Angel HQ (investors in early-stage companies). He is fluent in English, Hindi, Konkani and Tamil, with basic skills in several other Indian languages but his attempts to learn Mandarin, Japanese and French have not been particularly successful! Karun has a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Computer Science) and a Master’s in Business Administration. He is a fanatical All Blacks supporter now (though he only saw his first game of rugby at 25).

 

Ben Nettleton
Ben is a director, commercial lawyer and mediator. He graduated from Otago University with a double degree in laws and commerce. Ben worked for a Queens Counsel before joining a Southland law firm and subsequently becoming Barrister in Wellington. Ben’s legal knowledge, mediation experience and understanding of governance mean he knows how to navigate through challenges. A proudly millennial director he enjoys challenging the status quo, encouraging diversity and leading from the front in responding to the major challenges which confront organizations in the 21st Century.

 

Rob Hennin
Rob Hennin was appointed as a Chief Executive Officer and a Director of nib NZ limited in May 2013. Previously, Rob held senior management positions in financial services in Asia, Europe and South America where he was working within minority cultures. He was CEO American Express Banking Corporation India, New Zealand Country Manager American Express and Vice President for American Express Australia, also holding senior management roles in Asia with Visa International and Unilever. One of Rob’s first initiatives at nib was to implement a structured programme to understand nib’s own diversity as an organisation and explore the diversity of nib’s stakeholders, partners and customers in order to do a better job of meeting their needs. Rob has 10 years non–executive director experience in financial services, health, education, travel and humanitarian aid. He contributes to several not-for-profit organisations, providing advice and training on governance, strategy and leadership.

 

Lisa Li
Lisa was born in China and obtained a BA in 1992. She moved to New Zealand in 1998 and gained her Master of International Business from University of Auckland. Lisa was headhunted to open the New Zealand overseas branch of CTS in 2000 to handle ground arrangements for Chinese tourists. The company has grown to become one of the premier China specialists. Lisa was recognised by China National Tourism Administration for an “Outstanding Contribution Promoting Tourism Exchange Between New Zealand and China”. And CTS was recognised at the most recent HSBC-NZCTA China Business Awards for Contribution to the growth of Chinese Tourism in New Zealand. She was also a finalist for the TIA Tourism Champion Award in 2017,2018 and 2019. Lisa joined the Institute of Directors as a member and has been awarded the certificate in Company Direction.

 

Jamie- Lee Tuuta
Jamie-Lee is of Maori and pakeha descent who confidently walks in both worlds. Of Ngai Tahu, Ngati Mutunga, Ngati Toa Rangatira and scottish descent, she was raised Otautahi and currently works as a Barrister and an independent consultant. JamieLee has experience working with iwi, the community, in private practice and the public sector. Jamie-Lee is currently is the copresident of the Te Hunga Roia Maori o Aotearoa, the Maori Law Society, a council member of the New Zealand Law Society and the inaugural intern governor at St. Andrew’s College. Jamie-Lee has also held various governance roles in the past for community groups and NGOs. Jamie-Lee is looking forward to the next steps in her governance career and serving kaupapa that is centered in progressing and developing our communities in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

 

Ziena Jalil
With a career ranging from diplomat to business leader to entrepreneur across New Zealand and Asia, Ziena draws on a rich experience of many worlds to bring equity and opportunity to those with diverse cultures, abilities and experiences. She has helped some of New Zealand’s largest businesses build their reputation and revenue, advised Ministers, and supported the growth of Māori and Pacific young people in professional careers. Ziena consults on strategy and stakeholder engagement; is a board member of Manukau Institute of Technology, Unitec, DNA
Design, and the Cancer Society Auckland Northland; and is a keynote speaker and commentator on diversity and inclusion, Asia business, nation branding, and leadership. A New Zealand Women of Influence awards finalist, she was also recognised by Campaign Asia Pacific as part of its 2020 Women to Watch, a group of 40 outstanding women in the Asia Pacific. Ziena has also received several international awards for her work promoting New Zealand trade and education in Asia, while in the roles of Regional Director (South & South East Asia) for Education New Zealand, New Zealand Trade Commissioner to Singapore, and Head of North Asia Marketing and Communications for New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.

 

Jacque Lethbridge
Jacque represents clients across a wide range of contentious and significant civil litigation in the High Court and other senior courts, has been a partner since 2008 and currently Head of Litigation at Martelli McKegg Lawyers. Between 2004 and 2008 Jacque was a Prosecutor for the Ministry of Social, a Defence Lawyer for the Public Defence Service. Jacque was Chairperson of the board of the Auckland Community Law Centre which won Governance Organisation of the Year in the Women on Boards awards. Jacque was a co-founding Chair of Women in Restructuring and Insolvency and the first woman to be appointed to the board of RITANZ, the industry (and now regulatory) organisation for the restructuring and insolvency industry. Jacque is VicePresident (Auckland) of the New Zealand Law Society and on the NZLS board and was recognised in the NZ Lawyer Most Influential Lawyer 2021 awards in the Changemaker category.

 

Rachel Sanson
Rachel Sanson is a professional director – a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors with experience in the public, private and community sectors – and an Edmund Hillary Fellowship (EHF) Fellow. Currently an elected member at Nelson City Council, she’s held portfolios and appointments in Governance and Finance, Audit and Risk, Iwi Council Partnership, Forestry, Biodiversity. She sits on the boards of Ākina Foundation and of Nayland College, where she’s led development of a Sustainability and Global Citizenship strategy framed on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Rachel cofounded a global education and leadership development company, working with staff and hundreds of partners across 16 countries. After two decades at the helm, she turned her focus to supporting and leading positive impact and outcomes in her community and for Aotearoa NZ. Rachel is committed to partnership with tangata whenua, to honouring Te Tiriti O Waitangi, to being a good ancestor, tūpuna pono, and to a just transition in the face of inequity, climate change and biodiversity collapse. She believes nurturing a governance environment that embraces difference and diversity in all its forms, allows people to bring their whole selves to the table – their unique perspective, lived experience, innovation, and connection to people and place.

 

Matanuku Mahuika
Matanuku is a lawyer and founding partner of the law firm Kahui Legal. He has been in corporate and private practise since 1991. He is Ngati Porou and Ngati Raukawa and was born at Te Puia Springs on the East Coast of the North Island. He is the current Chair of the Eastland Group, a director of the New Zealand Merino Company, and a member of the board of Callaghan Innovation. He has also been the Deputy Chair of Aotearoa Fisheries Limited (now Moana New Zealand), Chair of Sealord Group and Chair of the Ngati Porou Holding Company. Matanuku Lives in Gisborne. He is married to Tiana (who is also a lawyer) and has four children the eldest of which is 25 and the
youngest of which was born in November 2020.

 

Jaydene Kana
I am an experienced chartered accountant that has served in a variety of iwi, not for profit, public sector, and private sector governance and leadership roles. My iwi experience taught me to value mana motuhake and giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, to achieve better outcomes for Maaori. My not-for-profit experience taught me to value people that dedicate their time and resources, often without compensation, to achieve better community outcomes. My public sector experience taught me to value diversity, wellbeing, and better outcomes for minorities, that result in better outcomes for Aotearoa. My private sector experience taught me to protect shareholder value whilst being staunch about the health and safety of employees. As a governor and a leader, I value collaboration, healthy debate, and a mix of traditional and transformational thinking. As an individual, I value challenging the status quo which my teenage son describes as “always asking for more”.

 

Ripeka Evans
Ripeka Evans is an equity and te tiriti advocatet, Māori and iwi development leader and a director of Crown and iwi owned companies. She is Deputy Chair of the Ngāpuhi Investments, Chair of Northland Polytechnic and Deputy Chair of Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, and the latter companies are at the leading edge of the reforms of vocational education. She is inaugural chair of Courageous Conversation Aotearoa a philanthropic racial equity foundation and Chair of Te Aupouri ki Poneke an iwi taurahere – connectedness – trust. She is a lead Claimant in the Mana Wāhine Kaupapa Inquiry to the Waitangi Tribunal along with 160 wāhine, whānau, hapū and Māori women claimant groups. Ripeka holds a Master of Business Administration from Massey University. Her iwi affiliations are Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahu, Te Aupouri and Ngāti Porou.

 

Nevak Rogers
Of Māori and Tongan descent, Nevak Rogers has 25 years’ experience as a journalist, producer and network executive of content in the media industry. The Deputy Content Director at TVNZ oversees the commissioning of more than 100 local shows annually where she’s helped spearhead the state broadcaster’s Māori strategy and Cultural Integrity framework for their local slate. The mother of two is a second language-learner with strong links to her iwi in Tūranga as well as Pasifika media networks and urban Māori communities in Tāmaki. Nevak served on Te Putahi Paoho for eight years; held the deputy chair of Ngā Aho Whakaari; represents TVNZ on Te Pae Tawhiti and is a member of AUT’s Auteur Network. “I believe I have many transferable skills and can be of service to boards in Aotearoa by offering a diverse perspective born of my whakapapa, extensive networks and lived experiences,” says Nevak Rogers.

 

Hongyu (Carol) Cheng
Carol Cheng, the founder of Hong Consulting Limited, is an experienced business advisor with more than 20 years of accounting, auditing and advisory experience in New Zealand, Hong Kong and China. Carol is an independent director and the Chair of the Risk Committee of Auckland Unlimited Ltd. Carol previously was an Executive Director at PwC and a partner of Grant Thornton China. She was the Executive Board Member and Treasurer of the New Zealand China Trade Association from 2014 to 2020. Carol has professional experience in a wide range of industries such as retailing, manufacturing, trading and services, real estate, freight forwarding and technology etc. She is passionate about improving organisations’ performance and contributing to the diversity of thoughts in boardrooms. Carol speaks fluent English and Mandarin. She is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors and a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

 

Jen Lin Wong
Jen’s big picture capabilities, coupled with being a skilled operator, is a culmination of her experience in bringing companies and projects to life in both the non-profit/impact space, as well as spending the past decade immersed in South East Asia’s tech startup ecosystems, and exposed to global ecosystems in Silicon Valley, Europe and Asia. Jen’s role has provided her with extensive engagement with government ministries, Board of Directors, entrepreneurs, and investors. Upon returning to New Zealand late 2020, she is committed to contributing towards the tech and innovation ecosystem, as well as building talent in New Zealand as she believes that it is key to driving the country’s economy forward. Jen believes that businesses can and should be a force for good. With that, strong governance provides the sustainability businesses require for the long term.

 

Lalita Kasanji
I am of Indian heritage, born and raised in Wellington. My Masters in Sociology from Victoria University of Wellington was one of the first to look at Indian migration to New Zealand. This led to a role in the Department of Internal Affairs to establish the Ethnic Affairs Service, a precursor to the new Ministry for Ethnic Communities. At the Ethnic Affairs Service I was the sole person connecting ethnic communities and organisations to government and nongovernment agencies, identifying their economic and social needs. Since then, I have developed broad business experience as a director of two companies and manage a property investment portfolio in New Zealand and Australia. I am a board member of a local business organisation, and on the committee of a community organisation.

 

Adrienne Miller
Adrienne, a lawyer by training, has worked for more than 20 years in and around the infrastructure and construction sector. She has a range of perspectives having worked within a professional services firm, inhouse as a General Counsel, as an executive, in board roles and in a boutique consulting practice she herself founded in 2018. She has worked in the waste industry, for a building products supplier (timber), for contractors, for a public sector water utility; and now a NFP that serves the infrastructure sector. Her day job is as General Manager NZ for the Infrastructure Sustainability Council – a NFP helping ensure infrastructure delivers cultural, social, environmental and economic benefits for the communities it serves. She also sits on the Building Advisory Panel for MBIE and volunteers her time mentoring and on a range of boards and initiatives looking to address diversity and inclusion – a particular passion of hers. She is a foundation member of the WIN Advisory Board at INZ, in her second term as a trustee on the board of Diversity Works NZ and chairs the Steering Committee for the Construction Diversity Roadmap project, a Construction Sector Accord work stream. She also mentors privately and as part of schemes, for example women’s mentoring programs at the Auckland Business and Law Schools and through leadership development programs like GHD Smart Seeds design thinking program which she has been involved with over many years.

 

Duncan Matthews
Kia ora! I have volunteered and worked in (and for) the Rainbow communities of Aotearoa since 2008. Today I serve as Treasurer for the Rule Foundation, and as a member of the Ministry for Youth Development Partnership Fund Board. Alongside these appointments I work for Foundation North and am completing a Masters in Social and Community Leadership. As a director, employee and student I am interested in collaboration, breaking down systemic barriers and creating environments for equity to develop. I have a passion for community organisations and youth development, and personal interests in investing and technology. Based in Tāmaki Makaurau, I grew up in the Waikato and have a strong affinity with both regions.

 

Arran Hunt
I specialise in immigration law, helping thousands of people to secure life in New Zealand, and online/social media law, helping people be protected online. New Zealand is a country where diversity is celebrated, where people can be both a New Zealander while retaining their own heritage. As a first generation New Zealand, I understand the desire to retain a cultural identity, and encourage that others so the same. However, that diversity can often cause issues, whether it is in securing the right to be in New Zealand, or from online harm. My approach is that everyone deserves to know and understand the law that impacts them, and have the right to proper legal information, so I do what I can to make that a reality. In doing so, I’ve had the pleasure of helping thousands of people.

 

Laura Scampion
Laura Scampion is a partner at DLA Piper specialising in employment and health and safety law. Laura is a Board member of the DLA Piper New Zealand Board and leads the employment practice group. She is the driving force behind DLA Piper New Zealand’s Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group and is a Trustee on the Board of the DLA Piper Global Scholarship Programme. Laura entered the legal profession from a modest background attending a low decile school in West Auckland. Against this background she led the introduction of the Head Start programme into DLA Piper New Zealand, a bespoke social mobility programme which aims to improve access to the legal profession to those from low socio-economic backgrounds and underrepresented areas of our community. She is responsible for the oversight of four different diversity and inclusion working groups at DLA Piper including those relating to cultural identity, LGBTI+, mental wellbeing and age. She also sits on an Asia Pacific diversity and inclusion council.

 

Rodney Wong
Rodney brings over thirty years’ experience across the private and public sectors. With an initial background in food production technology, he has held CEO roles (including NZ managing director of FMCG brands e.g. Yoplait, Birdseye, Edgell & Leggos). More recently held numerous board director & Chairman on many diverse organisations e.g. Iwi Investments, Airports and Social Service Agencies. He is a former Chair of Crop and Food Research and led the merger to form Plant & Food Research before becoming their Deputy Chair. He is a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Directors and a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Food Science and Technology. He received the Palmerston North City Civic Award, its highest recognition for voluntary service to the community, for projects such as co-founding the Wildbase Recovery Centre.

 

Suneil Connor
Suneil is the Group Chief Financial Officer for Service Foods. He is on the Auckland Branch Committee of the Institute of Directors where he is also the treasurer. He is a board observer for CAANZ Auckland, a director of KiwiHarvest, New Zealand Food Network, and is a board member of Auckland Foundation. Suneil chair’s Audit and Risk KiwiHarvest, New Zealand Food Network and Auckland Foundation. Outside of work Suneil enjoys testing new craft beer spots, and spending time with his wife Hannah, his son Barney, and their Rhodesian Ridgeback and British Bulldog – Sully and Basil.

 

Vivienne Scott
An experienced board director who has chaired PSGE commercial risk, governance, Health and safety and FAR committees. Brings to boards deep knowledge of infrastructure by involvement in more than 500 projects working in the areas of health and safety, environmental, value engineering, stakeholder engagement, quality management, resource planning, programme management, operational execution, pricing and financial implications, contractual obligations and risks, as well as compliance to relevant legislation and regulation. Understands innovation in AI, machine learning and digital sectors, better risk management, and stronger connections with customers, employees and business partners. She can identify patterns in raw data that help provide insights into, or solve, realworld problems based on spatial analysis using ARCPro GIS (ESRI). This includes Python software programming. Understands and is committed to working within a Te Aō Māori framework and ensuring the principles of Nga Uaratanga, Rangatiratanga, Kaitiakitanga, Kotahitanga, Manaakitanga, Whanaungatanga and Mana Motuhake are included.

 

Kai-Shek Luey
Kai Luey is a NZ born Chinese who is an Electrical Engineering graduate with a distinguished working career internationally in the electricity transmission and distribution industry. Since his retirement in 1998, he has become a respected leader in Chinese community activities and ethnic community affairs generally including being Chairman for over 20 years of New Zealand Chinese Association Auckland Branch and Auckland Chinese Community Centre Inc. A particularly relevant initiative was to organise a series of five Going Banana events which gained considerable attention in highlighting the challenges of acceptance in NZ for ethnic minorities such as Chinese who have contributed greatly to the economic welfare of their new homeland.

 

Luxmanan Selvanesan:
Lux hails from Jaffna, Sri Lanka and has lived in a number of places around the world before moving to New Zealand and calling it home. Lux has a passion for learning about different cultures and languages, and firmly believes in the concept of unity through diversity. Lux trained as a Molecular Biologist at the University of Otago, currently working as a Product Development Scientist for Pacific Edge Limited, a cancer research company in Dunedin at the forefront of developing cutting edge, non-invasive cancer detection tools. Lux is also the President of the Dunedin Multi-Ethnic Council, is a member of many local ethnic and cultural groups and has led multiple community initiative and projects. Lux is excited about using his knowledge and experiences gained in the fields of science and community work to help other individuals and organisation grow. He lives with his wife and four kids in Dunedin.

 

Staverton Kautoke
Staverton Kautoke was born and raised in Tonga and came to New Zealand in 2006 where he completed his medical studies at the University of Otago. He is happily married with a young son. Staverton has vast experiences in leadership and governance. Working as a doctor for the last almost 10 years has been a pleasure and privilege for Staverton who has met many people with diverse backgrounds and different walks of life. He has shared their happiness, sadness, suffering and journey which has cultivated empathy and compassion which is integral to all aspects of life especially being an adapatable and a conscientious diverse thinker.

 

Debbie Peri
I am of Tainui, Ngāti Raukawa and Italian descent. I spent eight years abroad, six of which were spent studying in the USA in esteemed academic institutions. Since I returned to Aotearoa in my mid-20s, I have worked in many different sectors and in many different roles, including governance roles. I picked up a Law degree in the early 2000s and have most recently been in senior leadership and executive roles in large commercial and public sector organisations. I have a uniquely global-cum-local perspective, an appreciation of many cultures and countries, and I am also aware through firsthand experience, observation and data, of the inherent biases people carry, the privileges many people benefit from but are not necessarily aware of, and how these affect our decisions and impressions. My appreciation of diversity comes not only from my experience of ethnicities, cultures and biases, but also from my intellectual curiosity and exposure across many social and business sectors. I am and always have been a cautious optimist, a pragmatic idealist and I continue to search for ways in which I can help to push us all forward towards a more equitable, sustainable and fair future, one that my three children can inherit.

 

Maria Jose Alvarez
Maria Jose invests in deep-tech start-ups from Seed to Series A and supports companies through the process of investment, commercialisation, and growth. MJ is a Biotechnology Engineer from Universidad Andres Bello in Chile and has a Masters in BioScience Enterprise from the University of Auckland. Prior to her time in NZ, MJ co-founded and operated VidAoX, a deep-tech start-up focused on the Agritech sector. MJ is an Executive Council member at AgritechNZ, and an Independent Committee member at StartUp Science, the Seed Fund of the Chilean Ministry of Science. She is also a founding member of the Momentum Investment Committee, a national organisation that provides advice and access to funding for young entrepreneurs. MJ is a part of the AgriTech & Food Investment Committee at Return On Science, a member of the Women In Leadership Development Program, and mentors early-career women in STEM that are transitioning into Industry

 

Yeshe Dawa
As a community-builder, Yeshe enjoys connecting with people in an authentic way and forming strong, ongoing, inclusive relationships. Yeshe is drawn to meaningful work and organisations. She has eleven years of experience in marketing, communications and relationship management, including seven years managing her own successful business, The Midnight Baker. Yeshe is the brains and baker behind The Midnight Baker. On a journey to heal her eczema from the inside out, Yeshe crafted her allergy-friendly gluten-free bread and fostered a conscious new community. Now, her much loved bread is supplied and served at eateries and speciality stores across Aotearoa.

 

Roimata Claasen
A proud graduate of Kohanga Reo and Kura Kaupapa, Roimata grew up in Rangitukia, in Te Riu o Waiapu, on the East Coast of the North Island. She was privileged to be taught the stories and histories of her tīpuna and to be nurtured by the many different nannies, pāpā, uncles and aunties across the Coast. For the past ten years, Roimata has worked as a corporate lawyer in Auckland and London, and recently completed an MBA at The University of Oxford. She is passionate about improving the lives and wellbeing of iwi Māori and New Zealanders in general, and looks forward to contributing her basket of knowledge in the boardroom.

 

Dr Melani Anae
Dr Melani Anae, is Associate Professor in Pacific Studies, at the University of Auckland. She is a former Director of the Centre for Pacific Studies; a recipient of the Fulbright New Zealand Senior Scholar Award; the Companion to the Queen’s Service Order for services to Pacific communities in New Zealand. In 2014 she was awarded a Marsden Grant from the Royal Society of New Zealand for her project on transnational Samoan chiefs. She has carried out research and published extensively in her specialty areas of ethnicity, health, education, Pacific research methodologies, relational ethics and Pacific approaches to a broad range of social issues. Her research interests include regional processes of migration, urbanization, ethnicity, Pacific activism, and the politics of identity, more specifically focusing on more finely nuanced understandings of transnational identity construction of Pacific peoples and communities in the diaspora. She is part of a large extended Samoan aiga, and is a grandmother and mother of three children.

 

Deborah Hart
A first generation New Zealander and the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, I’ve had a varied career as a lawyer, director, chief executive, government relations specialist and media commentator. I’ve managed complex relationships and have a collaborative style to ensure the voices of all. I have been appointed by the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to chair the inaugural Consumer Advocacy Council. I am the chair of the board of the Holocaust Centre of New Zealand and on the board of DocEdge. I am also on the panel of the Human Rights Review Tribunal and have advised on family justice reform. I am the Director of ASH NZ and recently undertook the review of the Banking Ombudsman Scheme. I am the former executive director of the Arbitrators’ and Mediators’ Institute of New Zealand.

 

Linda Meade
Linda was a Partner at Deloitte New Zealand from 2013 until 2020, when she established her own advisory firm. She continues to play a lead role in the delivery of public sector and infrastructure engagements, with particular emphasis on central government departments, the transport sector, education and housing. Linda is on the Boards of Weltec and Whitireia polytechnics, Studio Pacific Architecture, The New Zealand Initiative and was a founder member of Women’s Infrastructure Network advisory board. She owns two childcare centres in Wellington, which were established as a lighthouse of best practice in early childhood education, and is a trustee of the Whanake Education Trust and a former trustee of Wellington Zoo. She is a passionate Wellingtonian, with strong connections to the Wairarapa and two teenage daughters.

 

Gordon Shaw
Gordon is the Executive Director of VINZ – Vehicle Inspection NZ. (Appointed in 2019). Gordon was the CEO of VINZ from 2014 to 2019.  Gordon is a Chartered Member of the NZ Institute of Directors [CMInstD] and is also currently a Steering Group member of the NZ Business Leader’s Health and Safety Forum. Gordon has extensive management and governance experience in the transport sector in New Zealand and overseas. He joined VINZ in 2014 as CEO. Part of Gordon’s group accountabilities has been to lead the development of new products and services in NZ, Australia, Fiji and Japan. Gordon is an experienced governor and hands-on senior executive / business leader at a CEO and general manager level  in both private and public sectors with organisations in Japan and NZ such as Optimus Group, JEVIC JAPAN, JEVIC NZ, VINZ, Auckland Council, Auckland Transport, LTSA (now Waka Kotahi), ACC and Dun & Bradstreet. Gordon has a specialisation in the transport and automotive sectors. Gordon has honed his skills as an experienced certified management consultant and independent consulting professional allowing him to bring to the board table specific experience in consulting and advisory, change management, programme and project management and process improvement.

 

Judy Whiteman
A facilitator, mentor/coach, consultant and director in both the commercial and not-for-profit sectors, Judy is passionate about helping people achieve success for themselves, their people, and their organisations. Judy has many years’ experience in senior management and executive positions in the global financial services industry, both in New Zealand and abroad. Judy has been a director (executive and non-executive) on various boards. Her governance experiences are deep, diverse, over many years and several countries. She is currently an Independent Director, Bank of India (New Zealand) Ltd and a Trustee, NZ Housing Foundation. Previous governance roles include Presbyterian Support Northern (Independent Trustee, Deputy Chair, Chair of Investment Committee) and Te Waipuna Puawai (Independent Director, Chair), ANZ Staff Superannuation (Australia) Ltd (Director). Judy is a Chartered Member Institute of Directors New Zealand, a Fellow Australian Institute of Company Directors and a member of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

 

Andy Lowe
I have been working in the museum industry for 25 years. I am an artist and a writer who is passionate about inclusion and equity and can bring some of this to the table through my own lived experience. My commitment to kaupapa Māori and Te Reo is strong. My children started at kohanga in Whaingaroa/ Raglan on the land trodden by Eva Richard.

 

Jennifer Vickers
Jennie’s career is all about diversity of thought. As a trainer in creative thinking and mind mapping since 2003, Jennie understands how her own and others’ thought processes work. This enables her to participate in and guide, high quality conversations and decision making. A life-long learner, 2020 achievements including Lean Agile Procurement, Contract and Commercial Management Practitioner, NSE Cyber Awareness 1 and 2. Jennie is also a lawyer (commercial) qualified in NZ, Australia and UK, runs own lawfirm and is on a full time contract with Fortinet. Jennie’s driver as a lawyer was always best commercial outcomes, underpinned by the best trusting relationships between parties. Jennie is concerned about the continuing proliferation of Boards full of clever but same minded thinkers, which pose a threat and risk to their organisations and themselves. Change does not happen until there are enough diverse thinkers around the table, when it happens Jennie is keen to be back on board!

 

Lucy Griffiths
Lucy Griffiths has had extensive experience marketing premium New Zealand food and beverages locally and internationally. She has run her own business, Innov8 Aotearoa, for the past 12 years while serving as a Professional Director on various boards, both in the private and local government sectors. Lucy is also a Nuffield NZ Scholar, a member of the Institute of Directors, Ministerially appointed to the Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures Independent Advisory Panel, a Director of Trust House and past Director of Wools of New Zealand, the Central Economic Development Agency, and FAME (Food & Agribusiness Market Experience). Lucy serves in a voluntary capacity as the grants officer for Westside Playcentre, as Deputy Chair of Hōkai Tahi (crisis pregnancy support & baby loss), and is co-founder of her local singing group The Songbirds which performs widely in her local Community. She is a Mum, wife, and passionate believer in Jesus Christ.

 

Venky Kosaraju
Venky Kosaraju is a recognized global business leader with a successful entrepreneurial track-record in business development, strategy design & implementation, techno-commercial advisory and in strategic business growth both organically and via M&As, JVs and new ventures.
He is well known in the industry as an expert in business start-ups, in managing subsidiaries, portfolio management, in driving business growth with P&L responsibility, stream lining operations, and in profitably managing businesses across multiple industry domains, and in multiple markets of Middle East, Africa, Europe, South Asia & South America. His sectors of expertise include industrial manufacturing, construction & building materials, metals & plastics downstream processing, engineering services, machinery, capital goods, consumer products, contracting & supplying into the Oil & Gas, EPC, Mining, Power, Defense, Infrastructure, Building & Construction industry.

 

Mawera Karetai
Ko Te atua o Taiehu, Pukekura me Aoraki te māuka
Ko Waitaki rāua ko Waitaha kā awa
Ko Ōtākou te moana
Ko Waitaha, Rapuwai, Kati Hawea, Kai Tahu me Kati Māmoe ōku iwi
Mawera has a strong background in business and governance, working with SMEs and government organisations with a social and or environmental focus. A director, governor, mediator and educator, Mawera brings a diverse perspective to her roles. Mawera’s research interest is in education and identifying barriers to success, particularly for those who are marginalised and discriminated against. Her current research is focused on unconditional positive read as a model of activism. She will defend her newly completed doctoral thesis September 2021. Based in Whakatāne, Mawera is active in Te Ao Māori and enjoys working with groups to build relationships and capabilities.

 

Wayne Tollemache
A seasoned international senior executive and passionate director I am a strategic thinker by nature and experience. My professional experiences have taken me around the world where I have led significant change at a senior level in multiple countries and cultures. A Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors (NZ) I have extensive experience in turning around companies who are under performing or stagnating. Given my international experience I also have a unique ability to work in a diverse cultural environment and maximise complex relationships.

 

Sameer Handa
Recipient of the New Zealand Order of Merit, Sameer is a proven Senior Executive with extensive experience in management and leadership roles in various countries and industries. He is currently the Managing Director of Glowbal NZ Limited and is on the board of Bank of India (NZ) Ltd, Refrigerant Recovery NZ Ltd, Chair of India NZ Business Council and Deputy Chair at New Zealand Asian leaders (NZAL). He has also been part of a few Ministerial Trade delegations. In addition, Sameer is involved with many charities and as a trustee of the Auckland Health Foundation, he is helping it to achieve its purpose of driving positive change in health care through cutting-edge innovation. Sameer is a Mechanical Engineer and MBA from Sydney University. He uses his business, management and international trade experience to mentor entrepreneurs and guide those businesses wishing to make a mark in international markets.

 

Tori McNoe
A 24-year-old, young Wāhine Māori leader, I am always looking to broaden my horizons. I am particularly interested in youth and determining our place in the world. I am particularly led by the whakatauki – Ki te kahore he whakakitenga ka ngaro te iwi –Without foresight or vision the people will be lost. My whānau, community, friends lead me and give me purpose. I hold a Bachelor of Criminal Justice a Bachelor of Arts (Sociology & Psychology). A recent graduate of the University of Canterbury I finished last two years having been Vice President & President of the University of Canterbury Students Association as what first wahine māori to do so. My Board Roles see me serving on the MBIE Reigional Leadership Labour Skills Group, as a member of NZ Police Research Steering For the Investigation into Policing Bias in New Zealand, Science Alive and Chair Momentum Investment Committee.

 

Marise Kerehi Stuart
Dr Marise Stuart (BSc; BPhEd; MBChB) is a medical doctor, with research interests in social justice, health systems sustainability, and climate change. Marise is a member of Te Rōpū Whakakaupapa Urutā (National Māori Pandemic Group) and successfully established the Ngāpuhi COVID-19 Testing service in 2019, a finalist in Matariki COVID-19 awards. She is also a member of Te Mana Raraunga (Māori Data Sovereignty Group) and was the founder of NZ’s first Artificial Intelligence in Health conference “Hack Aotearoa” in conjunction with Massachusetts Institute of Technology. A Fulbright Scholar, Marise is presently completing a Masters in Global Health Delivery at Harvard University, which will focus on future Māori health services. Marise is also currently establishing a trade training program and housing developments in Kaikohe, to provide bespoke solutions to address the housing crisis. Marise has iwi affiliations to Ngāpuhi; Ngāti Kahungunu; Rangitāne; Ngāti Toa; Te Rarawa; Ngāi Tahu.

 

Lyn Huei Min Lim
Lyn Lim has diverse Board and Chair (Board and Committee) experience and is culturally competent. She is experienced in investment structures, risk management, HR, HSW, AML, dispute management and compliance. She is on the boards of Restaurant Brands Limited, General Capital Limited and Auckland Regional Amenities Funding Board. She is also a trustee of the Asia New Zealand Foundation and the Middlemore Foundation. Lyn has held the positions of Trustee, Deputy Chair and Chair of Foundation North (the biggest and leading philanthropic entity in New Zealand) and has served on the Boards of New Zealand Shareholders’ Association, Public Trust (and chaired the Human Resources and Remuneration Committee), the New Zealand China Trade Association, the Hong Kong and New Zealand Business Association and the New Zealand Chinese Youth Trust. She has been a member of ANZ Private Bank External Advisory Board and has served as a council member of the Auckland District Law Society Inc. Lyn holds an LLB (Hons) from the University of Canterbury and has 30 years of legal practice specialising in commercial, corporate and governance issues and dispute resolution. She became a partner after 7 years and was the first Asian woman partner in a NZ national law firm in 1998. In the 2017 New Years Honours, Lyn was appointed as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to New Zealand-Asia relations and governance. Lyn is a Chartered Member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors, a member of the New Zealand Law Society and a member and Vice Chair of the Women in Business Committee of the Inter Pacific Bar Association. Lyn is born in Malaysia and is multilingual.

 

Larissa Logan
Larissa is a mum to two young girls and comes from a Maori/Scottish background. She is a strong advocate for improving diversity within the business community and fostering diverse talent at EY where she is a Director and Insolvency Practitioner in the Turnaround and Restructuring Strategy (“TRS”) team. Larissa has 3 years of governance experience in her voluntary role as chairperson of the Auckland Local Leadership Committee for Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ). This Committee forms a key conduit between CA ANZ and its members, ensuring timely and topical member information is provided to CA ANZ and in turn allowing CA ANZ to improve service delivery by appropriately tailoring its services and products at local level to meet member needs. Larissa is also on the steering committee for Women in Restructuring and Insolvency across New Zealand, which supports women working in and around the restructuring/insolvency space.

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