Tautua Pasifika Mentoring Programme

Dame Dr Teuila Percival, DNZM QSO MInstD
Dr Teuila Percival is a paediatrician and researcher who has been a strong advocate for Pacific children’s health in New Zealand and the wider Pacific region for 30 years.

Dr Percival is a founding member and Deputy Chair of South Seas Healthcare (SSH), a community health service providing care to Pacific peoples in Auckland since 1999. She chaired SSH from 2014 to 2022, growing the healthcare provider to be the largest of its kind in Ōtara and Papatoetoe, providing services to more than 120,000 people.

She was a founding member of the Pacific Medical Association (PMA) in 1996 and is a past president. Through SSH and PMA, she was a leading clinician for the 2009 Samoa tsunami disaster response and provided paediatric support in Vanuatu following Cyclone Pam in 2015 and the 2019 measles outbreak in Samoa. She helped create the Mana Kids clinics at 88 primary and intermediate schools in Ōtara, Māngere, Manurewa, Franklin and Papakura, with SSH a registered clinic based in the nine largest South Auckland schools.

She served as a member of the World Health Organisation’s Emergency Medical Teams Maternal Newborn Child Health Technical Advisory Group between 2017 and 2019. She has been the Director of Moana Connect, researching and advocating for Pacific women’s and children’s health in New Zealand and the Pacific region. Dr Percival was a Board member of the Health Promotion Agency from 2018 to 2022 and chaired the Auckland DHB Community and Public Health Advisory Committee from 2020 to 2022.

Dr Antony Vriens, CFInstD
Dr Antony Vriens is an experienced professional company director with a governance career spanning more than 15 years, in a variety of sectors including transport, finance, insurance, leadership, health and retail. These roles have been in publicly listed companies, private entities, statutory boards, and the for-purpose sector. 

Antony is a qualified medical doctor, and has also worked in financial services in executive roles across Asia, Australia and New Zealand, specialising in operations, risk assessment and risk management, but now devotes all his time to governance. He has special interests in technology, innovation, sustainability and risk. 

Antony is involved in governance because he has a deep belief in creating value for all stakeholder groups, as well as equity in communities and outcomes. Purpose is a fundamental of governance and leadership. Directors have a strong leadership role to play in organisations and society, and all stand to benefit from skilled, informed and ethical governance professionals. 

Cecilia Tarrant CFInstD
Cecilia is the Chair of New Zealand Green Investment Finance, a director of Seeka Limited and Payments NZ, a trustee of The University of Auckland Foundation and a member of the University of Auckland Council. She is an active angel investor, and is Chair of the ArcAngels Angel Investment Network and a member of IceAngels.  She is also an Executive-in-Residence at the University of Auckland Business School where, among other things, she leads a women’s mentoring programme.  
  
Cecilia has over 20 years’ experience in international capital markets, banking and finance, having worked first as a finance lawyer in San Francisco and then as an investment banker in New York and London. Cecilia joined the Auckland Branch Committee in 2012 through to 2022.  

Fiona Oliver, CFInstD
Fiona is an experienced professional director with a governance career that has spanned a variety of sectors, including renewable energy, natural gas, technology, commercial property, financial services, professional services, and sport. These roles have been in commercial, public sector and not-for-profit entities.

Fiona was awarded the New Zealand Shareholders Association’s Beacon Award in 2021.

Fiona has held Executive leadership roles in funds management for Westpac (BT Funds Management) and AMP in New Zealand. She has also held commercial roles in asset management and private equity in Sydney and London. Prior to her management career, Fiona practised as a senior corporate and commercial lawyer in New Zealand and overseas, specialising in mergers and acquisitions.

Fiona is involved in governance because she believes an entity benefits from the different perspectives a board brings. Independent directors are increasingly valued as management teams have confidence their goals and strategies are supported by independent contributors. Ultimately New Zealand stands to benefit if entities have stewardship, strategic thinking, and the support that a board brings.

Fiona is a keen swimmer and her first job in London during her OE was as a lifeguard at the Brentford Leisure Centre.

George Adams, CFInstD
George is a Professional Company Director, a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, and a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Directors. George has been happily married to Barbara for 35 years and has two delightful daughters, Rebekah and Lucy. 

George’s interest in fostering and growing New Zealand brands is evident in his current governance portfolio. He is currently Chairman of Bremworth, Synlait, Apollo Foods Limited which he co-founded, New Zealand Frost Fans, Netlogix, and Insightful Mobility as well as Director of Arborgen.

George is passionate about improving New Zealand’s health and safety record and has been Chairman of the Business Leaders Health and Safety Forum since 2015. In 2014 he chaired the Independent Forestry Safety Review which delivered a report on practical recommendations to improve the industry’s dreadful safety record. At the 2013 Safeguard Workplace Health and Safety Awards George was awarded the “New Zealand Leader of the Year Award”. George also spent seven years chairing the Occupational Health Advisory Group, an expert panel that advised WorkSafe on developing its national Occupational Health strategy. He is currently a member of Te Kahu Matai, WorkSafe’s leader’s advisory forum.

Moving from Northern Ireland to New Zealand in November 2003 to take up the role of Managing Director of Coca-Cola Amatil New Zealand & Fiji, a role he thoroughly enjoyed for a decade. During this time, he also became Chairman of the New Zealand Food and Grocery Council.  

Prior to this he was Finance Director of British Telecom Northern Ireland and Group Finance Director of Dublin based Coca-Cola Bottling Group, Molino Beverages, which operated across Ireland, Romania, Moldova, Russia and Nigeria.

Leo Foliaki, MInstD
Leo Foliaki is a Chartered Accountant and was a Partner at PwC New Zealand (1999 to 2022). During his professional career he was the lead audit partner on several significant publicly listed entities on the New Zealand Stock Exchange and worked on large project in complex operating environments.

Leo currently holds governance roles in the following organisations: Auckland University of Technology, Dilworth Trust, New Zealand Opera, Tamaki Regeneration Company and TupuToa Trust. Leo is passionate about serving the Pacific community and has been on the Board of a number not for profit community organisations.

Mark Tume CFInstD
Mark has governance experience with both public and private companies across the infrastructure, energy, and investment sectors in Australia and New Zealand. 

He is the Chair of Te Atiawa Iwi Holdings and BlueCurrent Pty, and a director of ANZ Bank New Zealand Limited, Precinct Properties and Booster Financial Services. He was previously Chair of Ngai Tahu Holdings Corporation, Infratil, and Retire Australia Pty Limited.

Meleane Burgess, CMInstD
Meleane Burgess is a Chartered Member of the NZ Institute of Directors. She is an Accountant and Managing Director of Dynamic Advisory Limited. Meleane is an Independent Director on the Public Trust Board, Council Member at the University of Waikato, Member of the Pacific Reference Group for the Ministry of Social Development, Director of Mapu Maia Ltd, and a Trustee of Mahi Mihinare – Anglican Action. Meleane was a future director on the NZ Post Board and in 2021 was part of the Institute of Directors Mentoring for Diversity programme.

Meleane won the Pacific Governance Leader and Rising Governance Star awards at the 2022 Women in Governance Awards and was recognised as a Pacific Woman in Business at the 2023 Waikato Pacific Business Excellence awards. She is currently part of the 2024 Breakthrough Leaders Programme with Global Women.

Rachel Afeaki-Taumoepeau, CFInstD
Rachel Afeaki-Taumoepeau is an experienced independent strategic and business director for FaceNorth Promotions, overseeing key relationships in the public and private sectors internationally, including across the Pacific region. Her broad commercial experience includes numerous projects between New Zealand and the Pacific relating to trade and investment promotion and facilitation, international research expeditions, public relations, marketing management, government and NGO advisory.

She is an independent director for Habitat for Humanity NZ, Activate Education Group Ltd, Deputy Chair for Ember Wellbeing Trust and Chair of WEL Energy Trust. Rachel holds various NGO governance roles in the Social Housing, Mental Health and Business and Economic Development spaces and is highly engaged in international global Church governance through the World Evangelical Alliance.

Rachel also delivers consultative management services to a national NGO that addresses family wellbeing, prevention of violence and child abuse across New Zealand and has passion to advance Pacific economic development regionally. Rachel is a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Directors NZ and sits on the Waikato Committee for IOD.

Rob Campbell, CNZM CFInstD
Rob is one of New Zealand’s leading professional directors, with more than 40 years’ experience in capital markets and as director and advisor to local and international businesses and organisations.

He is committed to seeing Aotearoa take a leadership role in the field of emissions lowering energy innovation and commercialisation, and is passionate about improving diversity and inclusion, promoting sustainability as a core value, and creating equality in the organisations he is involved with.

Trained as an economist and holding degrees of BA (Hons)(1st) and M.Phil. (Economics) Rob joined the union movement in the 1970s and became a member of the Federation of Labour and Labour Party executives.
Rob is the Chancellor of Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makau Rau (Auckland University of Technology), Chair of Ara Ake, Chair of NZ Rural Land Co, and Advisor to BBM.

He has served as the Chair of various private companies and public organisations including Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand, SkyCity Entertainment Group Ltd, Summerset Group Ltd, Tourism Holdings Ltd, and WEL Networks Ltd.

In 2019, Rob was awarded the Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) and is a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Directors (CFinstD). He was recognised as a Distinguished Alumni of Victoria University (Te Herenga Waka) in 2019.


Sina Wendt, ONZM MInstD
Sina was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2022, for services to governance. A Pacific woman of Samoan, German and English descent she has over 25 years working in the commercial, public and not-for-profit sectors in governance and executive roles. Sina is committed to developing the leadership, governance and strategic capability of individuals, organisations and communities. As Tangata Tiriti (Tangata Moana), Sina believes we must honour Te Ao Māori, uphold the principles of Te Tiriti, and support equitable outcomes for Māori. She is also passionate about contributing to the success of Pasifika peoples and communities in Aotearoa.

For 8 years, Sina was the Chief Executive of Leadership New Zealand - an organisation that contributes to the capacity and capability of diverse leaders across community, public and private sectors. She helped to develop and launch the Mana Moana Experience during this time - a leadership journey for peoples from the Moana. Prior to that, she was the founding Chief Executive of the National Pacific Radio Trust (that established the Pacific Media Network and NiuFM).

Sina has broad and diverse governance experience on a range of boards and trusts over the last two decades. She is currently the Chair for the Centre for Pacific Languages (CPL), on Radio New Zealand’s Board of Governors, a trustee on Emerge Aotearoa, a trustee on the NZ Opera Foundation, and a founding trustee of the Pacific Music Awards Trust. Sina just completed a 4-year term on the AUT University Council.

Vanessa Stoddart, CFInstD
Vanessa is currently a Director for Channel Infrastructure, Waste Management and OneFortyOne - an international forestry company, and sits on a number of advisory and NFP boards. She has held governance positions with other listed, private, public sector and co-operative entities here and in Australia, chairing many People and Health & Safety Committees.

Prior to her governance career, Vanessa was head of engineering and human resources at Air New Zealand and Chief Executive Packaging Australia for Carter Holt Harvey – having started her career in the legal profession. Vanessa is passionate about inclusion  - is a member of Global Women and a mentor on various programmes including mentoring Kupe Scholarship candidates and MYLN participants. Vanessa is a Companion of Engineering NZ and an Honorary Fellow of HRINZ.

Akerei Maresala-Thomson
Being selected for the Tautua Pasifika Mentoring Programme is a privilege. This opportunity represents a chance to build skills, strengthen networks, and contribute to the advancement of Pasifika governance. I am eager to engage, learn, and grow alongside fellow leaders while continuing to uplift our communities through strategic and impactful initiatives. 

Ala Pomelile
As a young Pasifika professional with a strong desire to develop my governance skills, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Tautua Mentoring Programme. While I am in the early stages of my governance journey, I recognise the immense value of mentorship in drawing invaluable insights from the wisdom and experiences of others, fostering both personal and professional growth. I am excited about the opportunity to be challenged, expand my horizons, and refine and grow my governance toolkit, ultimately enabling me to contribute more effectively, wisely, and meaningfully in governance roles within organisations and communities.  

Ana Ika
I’m truly grateful to be selected for the Tautua Pasifika Mentoring Programme. I’ve never had governance aspirations, and I think that’s common for many young Pasifika, as we often focus on putting our heads down and getting the work done for our communities. However, after reading Mission Drift by Chris Horst and Peter Greer, my perspective shifted. I realised the crucial role governance plays in shaping the impact we have on both our organisations and communities. I’m excited for the opportunity to learn, grow, and work with a mentor who can guide me as I build my confidence and capacity in governance.   

Chris Laufale
Selection for IoD's 2025 Tautua Pasifika Mentoring Programme is an honour that will enable me to broaden, develop and enhance my governance capabilities with the focus of being able to better serve the organisations, customers, and communities I work with across private, public and not-for-profit sectors.

I am fascinated by the changing environment of organisational, political, and regulatory uncertainty challenges, especially associated with large and complex organisations, particularly in the charitable and public sectors. I look forward to learning from, being guided and challenged by mentors as well as being exposed to diverse thinkers who will challenge me and enable me to learn from their wealth of experience on the basis that I can deliver meaningful value and impact to the board table. 

Ioane Afoa
Extremely blessed and grateful to have been selected to participate in the 2025 Tautua Pasifika Mentoring Programme. I welcome the opportunity to be a recipient of the inaugural pilot, to enhance my unique, Pasifika governance value proposition. Learning from highly experienced directors and deepen my knowledge of the governance sector, with a specific focus and contribution of Pasifika governance. 

With governance positions, in the non-for-profit and community sectors, moreover, involved in some of New Zealand’s largest infrastructure projects, I sincerely value the mentorship and expertise from the distinguished group of directors. Enabling exposure to directorship opportunities, refine my leadership and governance judgement and remain intentional with a purpose of giving back to our Pacific and wider communities. 

Jillaine Heather
I am honoured and grateful to be accepted into the IoD’s Tautua Pasifika Mentoring Programme. I look forward to both sharing my experience and being guided and challenged by a mentor in order to further develop my governance capability and establish valuable connections across the governance community.

I believe that boards must evolve to reflect the communities they serve, not just in terms of demographic representation, but in their fundamental approach to leadership and decision-making. I hope that my experience in recruitment and people and culture enables me to both participate in and drive this transformation. 

Kasey Pasene
I feel very honored and excited to be accepted into the Tautua Mentorship Programme.  
I am grateful for the opportunity to absorb knowledge and gain insights from experienced Pasifika mentors who can support and guide me to make sure I can contribute to the governance sector in a way that is meaningful to both me and our Pasifika communities. 

Leanne Brighouse
I am extremely honored to be selected for the inaugural Tautua Pasifika Mentoring Programme in 2025. As a proud Pasifika woman, I am committed to bringing my authentic self into these leadership spaces and learning how to navigate the western landscape of governance. This mentorship presents a valuable opportunity for growth, and I look forward to learning from the experts. I am confident that it will not only strengthen my governance skills but also broaden my perspective on how to create a lasting, positive impact in our communities through effective leadership. I am excited to build meaningful connections and contribute to a network of like-minded leaders who are committed to service and excellence. 

Lisa Meto Fox 
I am thrilled to be selected for the inaugural IoD Tautua Pasifika Mentoring Programme and can't wait to connect with my mentor and fellow mentees. It’s an honor to be part of a new generation of Pacific governors, and I feel deeply grateful to the current generation of Pacific leaders who have worked tirelessly to inspire confidence in our cultural foundations and their role in making us natural governors. Their efforts to create opportunities like this are truly inspiring. I look forward to expanding my governance knowledge and using it to serve my communities.    

Natasha Prendergast
I am honoured to be accepted into the 2025 Tautua Pasifika Mentoring Programme. This incredible opportunity allows me to deepen my governance expertise and leadership capabilities while honouring and integrating my Pasifika heritage within Aotearoa's governance landscape. I am eager to learn from experienced mentors and my cohort, refining my ability to articulate change with influence and foster inclusive, strategic decision-making.  

This programme aligns closely with my commitment to creating meaningful, lasting impacts within communities and leaving a legacy for future generations. I look forward to a journey of shared growth, cultural exchange, and service-oriented leadership.  

Penina Schmidt
I am honoured to be part of the Tautua Pasifika Mentoring Programme for 2025. As a Samoan tama’ita’i with strong roots in my heritage, I am passionate about empowering Pasifika communities and advancing my governance knowledge. This programme offers an invaluable opportunity to deepen my understanding of leadership across the corporate, public, and community sectors, which will enhance my leadership capabilities.

My commitment to uplifting Māori and Pasifika communities aligns with my desire to contribute to the growth and success of others. I am excited to learn from mentors and peers, and to explore how reciprocity and diverse perspectives can strengthen governance systems.

The guiding principle of "O le ala o le pule o le tautua" deeply resonates with my values, as I believe true leadership comes through service. I look forward to growing alongside like-minded professionals and making meaningful contributions to our collective future. Fa’afetai Lava.

Dr Polu Apollo Taito
Talofa lava, I am honoured and privileged to be accepted in IoD’s inaugural pilot Tautua Pasifika Mentoring Programme. As a Public servant, I am committed to fostering a growth mindset, building networks, and enhancing my ability to serve my family and community. The IoD’s Tautua Pasifika Mentoring Programme provides a much sought-after opportunity to build on my governance capability, contribute to Aotearoa New Zealand’s governance community, and advocate for Pasifika governance models. This opportunity will not only strengthen my governance leadership but also expand the representation of Pasifika in governance roles, concurrently, making a meaningful impact in both my military, and civil career, and community. Fa’afetai ma ia manuia.

Dr Stephven Kolose
Talofa lava, I am honoured to be selected for the IoD Tautua Pasifika Mentoring Programme. This opportunity is an exciting step in my governance journey as I continue to refine my skills and expand my influence at the board level.

As one of the only Pasifika Ergonomists in the world, I have spent over 16 years as a scientist, researcher, senior and principal consultant, and director. While I serve on various boards and steering committees related to these roles, there are still few Pasifika board members especially in positions that advocate for Pasifika workers in our workplaces. 

I see this programme as a chance to learn from a highly experienced and respected mentor who will challenge and support me as I continue to grow in my governance practice. I look forward to building connections with like-minded peers in the cohort and exchanging valuable ideas, insights, and inspiration.

Toleafoa Alfred Schuster
A significant opportunity and honour to be a part of the inaugural Tautua Pasifika Mentoring Programme. Learning never stops, and being a part of the mentoring programme creates new pathways to continue my professional growth and learning from the lived experiences of others and my peers.

I’m excited by the prospect of walking alongside learned mentors. I’m also hopeful in the prospect of deepening my understanding of best practices and approaches in championing Pasifika values, principles and ways of doing, within the governance frameworks of the organisations I become involved in. Vinaka vaka levu for this great opportunity. 

Tom Va'afusuaga
Malo le soifua manuia. I am thrilled and thankful to begin this journey with IoD. I look forward to learning and growing in my knowledge and mentorship in good governance. I have a lot to learn, and I believe this programme will enable me to continue to make a positive impact on the people, organisations, and communities I’m connected with. Like all of us, I wear many hats whether it be in the corporate arena, community space, sports scene, village politics and others – but good decision making and great governance is required across all to function well. I’m privileged to be part of Tautua and look forward to the journey ahead. Fa’afetai tele lava.

Traci Sietu
It is with profound gratitude and humility to have been accepted into the Tautua Pasifika Mentoring Programme. This opportunity is a chance to cultivate my commitment to developing my skills and governance experience through the foundational principles of respect, empathy, and service.

The prospect of working alongside an experienced mentor where I can learn, grow, and embrace this experience represents an opportunity to build connections, develop skills, and create lasting change. Through this mentorship, I hope to not only advance my own understanding of governance but to become a catalyst for empowerment to add value across sectors and organisations that I currently serve. "Tautua nei mo se taeao manuia - Serve now for a better tomorrow."

Vaine (Ta'i) Richard
As a proud rainbow tangata ō Te-Moana-Nui-Ō-Kiva hailing from the paradise islands of Aitutaki, Palmerston Island, Atiu and Rarotonga in the Cook Islands, I am honoured and delighted to be an inaugural member of IoD’s pilot Tautua Pasifika Mentoring Programme.  My extensive experience in public policy, strategic leadership, as well as community engagement alongside my values of aro’a / love, tā’aka’aka / respect, tā’okota’i’anga / collaboration and tauturu / service underpins my commitment to promoting and empowering Pacific communities. I am a firm believer and practitioner of utilising my skills and experiences to ‘tautua’, to serve and advocate for marginalised groups especially the Pacific rainbow, Pacific youth and our Pacific peoples with a disability communities and others to ensure their voices and perspectives are represented at key decision-making and governance levels. As a lifelong learner, I am looking forward to bringing those skills, experiences and values to the programme while learning and growing alongside my fellow mentees as we work with our respective mentors. Meitaki ma’ata for the opportunity.