Christmas wish granted for Pasifika leaders
Christmas has come early for 17 leaders of Pacific descent who have been selected for the Tautua Mentoring Programme 2025.
Panel Discussion
2
CPD
Established Asian governance leaders Vanisa Dhiru and Karun Shenoy, moderated by Kennie Tsui share why, and in what ways governance is important to them.
This panel discussion is created by and for the local Asian diaspora community who are already directors on, and/or aspiring directors of boards in New Zealand.
Panellists will share:
The aim of the panel discussion is to introduce governance approaches and opportunities in New Zealand to Asian directors, to help them become better at setting the future direction of their businesses and organisations, to achieve sustainable social and financial outcomes.
All ethnicities are welcome.
MInstD
Vanisa Dhiru is an equality champion with a strong sense of social responsibility who has worked in a variety of advocacy roles throughout her career. She has assembled an astonishing collection of skills across leadership, management, marketing, communication and strategy.
Born and raised in Manawatū, she is now based in Wellington, she has served the community through a variety of both paid and volunteer commitments including previously holding the roles of National President of National Council of Women of New Zealand (NCWNZ), CEO of Volunteering New Zealand, Executive Director of 20/20 Trust and General Manager with InternetNZ.
Today, she is a member of the Institute of Directors and the Global BMW Foundation Responsible Leaders Network. She volunteers with the Wellington Interfaith Council and is a Justice of the Peace. Vanisa currently holds commissioner roles with the NZ National Commission of UNESCO and the Library & Information Advisory Commission, as well as trustee roles with the Spark Foundation, Multicultural Aotearoa NZ Trust, and He Whenua Taurikura, the National Research Centre for Countering Violent Extremism. She has recently joined the board of Global Women NZ.
Vanisa was awarded a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to community and gender rights, as part of the New Year’s Honours in 2020.
CMInstD
Kennie Tsui is a governance professional whose passion for engineering and commitment to making a positive impact on governance has transformed her into a purposeful leader. As the Chief Executive of the New Zealand Geothermal Association, she is a true asset to the organisation, bringing over 25 years of experience in pioneering climate initiatives in Aotearoa.
One of Kennie's greatest strengths is her ability to lead diverse, skilled, and innovative teams that provide collaborative and innovative solutions to complex challenges. Her experience in private, public, and not-for-profit sectors has equipped her with the knowledge and skills to navigate complex governance issues, ensuring that the organisations she leads are effective, efficient, and sustainable.
As a Chartered member of the IoD, Chartered Professional Engineer, Vice President of Engineering New Zealand, a Global member of the USA Geothermal Association, Fellow of the Gates Foundation, Trustee of Taupō Economic Development Agency and President of Scots College Parents Association, Kennie has demonstrated her dedication to excellence in governance. She draws strength from the Māori proverb, “Ehara tāku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini” which translates to "My strength is not as an individual, but as a collective." This principle guides her leadership style, and she firmly believes in the power of collaboration and inclusivity.
In all her endeavours, Kennie is committed to advancing the greater good, and her passion for making a positive impact is an inspiration to those around her. She is a true leader in the field of governance, and her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and a commitment to excellence.
Members — $50.00
Non-members — $100.00