2024 teina (mentee) profiles

Amanda D'Souza

Chair, Children's Rights Alliance Aotearoa New Zealand Incorporated
Te Whanganui-a-Tara/Wellington

I am honoured to have this opportunity to be part of theTuakana Teina programme. I am a new chair and excited to learn, explore and be challenged on how I can support our amazing volunteer organisation, the Children’s Rights Alliance Aotearoa NZ (CRAANZ), to be the best it can be. We are at the start of a new strategic phase and looking forward to realising our aspirations for CRAANZ and, most importantly, to see Aotearoa become a more child- and whānau-friendly place that ensures that all tamariki enjoy their full rights.

Chris Joseph

Chair, Volunteer Kapiti
Te Whanganui-a-Tara/Wellington

Being accepted into the Tuakana Teina Chair Mentoring Programme is a significant milestone for me. It represents an opportunity to deepen my commitment to fostering inclusivity and cultural safety within the volunteer community sector. As a chair, I am dedicated to advancing not-for-profit governance practices, with a particular emphasis on upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi articles and embedding cultural values in our initiatives. For me, this is an opportunity to help elevate to our collective mission of actively promoting, supporting, and strengthening volunteering throughout the Kāpiti Coast, contributing to a connected and thriving community. I’m really excited about what the future will bring for not only myself but also for the community I'm fortunate to serve.

Daniel Mitchell

Co-chair, Te Whanganui-A-Tara Youth Development Trust / Evolve Wellington Youth Service
Te Whanganui-a-Tara/Wellington

Evolve Wellington Youth Service (Evolve) is a one-stop shop that provides free, integrated primary healthcare, counselling, social work and youth development services to rangatahi aged 10-24 in Wellington City. Evolve is an organisation that is governed by youth, for youth, and our constitution requires at least five of our board members to be under 30, as must at least one co-chairperson.

I am incredibly excited and thankful for the opportunity to participate in theTuakana Teina programme. As a recently appointed board member and co-chair, I look forward to the opportunity to connect with, and learn from, an experienced mentor and fellow cohort members so that I can enhance the governance and leadership practices of myself and my fellow board members.

Dominic Bloomfield

MInstD
Chair, Nelson Environment Centre
Whakatū/Nelson

I am honoured and grateful for the privilege of being selected to participate in the Institute of Directors Tuakana Teina Chair Mentoring Programme. I am eagerly anticipating the chance to engage with an experienced mentor and to collaborate with my fellow mentees. Through this programme, I aim to not only enhance my understanding of governance practices but also gain valuable insights and guidance from someone who has navigated similar paths before me. I am excited to embark on this journey of reflection, learning and development, confident that it will greatly enrich my current governance role and future endeavours.

George Dawes

MInstD
Chair, Short Film Otago
Ōtākou/Otago

I’m really excited to be joining the Institute of Directors Tuakana Teina Chair Mentoring Programme in 2024. I strongly believe in the potential for the not-for-profit space to give back to society, provide opportunities that do not otherwise exist, and enable the community to support the needs, aspirations and wellbeing of all New Zealanders. I’m looking forward to engaging with all the tuakana and teina taking part this year and I’m especially looking forward to putting the learnings and new skills to use. A huge thank you to Community Governance Aotearoa and the Institute of Directors for facilitating this amazing opportunity.

Gurdeep Talwar

President, Waitākere Ethnic Board
Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland

Being accepted onto theTuakana Teina Chair Mentoring Programme is an incredible honour and validation of my leadership journey as the President of the Waitakere Ethnic Board and the President of the Institute of Management Consultants New Zealand (IMCNZ). I am proud to be the first President of colour at IMCNZ since its inception (over 50 years). This opportunity signifies a significant step forward in enhancing my governance capabilities and deepening my understanding of effective leadership within community organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand. I am eager to leverage my experience while also learning from experienced mentor chairs, gaining valuable insights, and contributing meaningfully to the vision of well-governed community organisations.

This programme represents not only personal growth but also a commitment to fostering strong governance practices that empower communities. My passion for Māori culture further fuels my dedication to the tuakana teina concept, emphasising the importance of shared knowledge and support in our collective journey toward impactful governance and community development.

Isa Carmichael

Co-chair, Phillipstown Community Centre Charitable Trust
Waitaha/Canterbury

I am both delighted and honoured to be accepted as a participant in the 2024 cohort of theTuakana Teina Chair Mentoring Programme. As co-chair of the Phillipstown Community Centre Charitable Trust (PCCCT), I serve in carrying out our mission of promoting opportunities for people to connect, learn, share and work together for the Phillipstown friends and whānau.

This programme offers me a unique opportunity to expand my governance skills under the guidance of an experienced mentor, and I am eager to learn strategies that will not only enhance my effectiveness as a leader but also contribute to the success of our organisation. Through collaboration with fellow professionals in the network, I anticipate gaining valuable insights, perspectives and connections that will enrich my contributions to PCCCT.

Jahmaine Cummings-Hodge

Ngāti Hikairo, Ngāti Whakaue
Chair, Te Maunga Kōhungahunga Kōhanga Reo
Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland

Mā te tuakana te teina e tōtika, mā te teina anō te tuakana e tōtika, I am looking forward to the reciprocal learning opportunity that this kaupapa provides to be part of the transformational change that can happen when people from different backgrounds and upbringings can grow and shape the Aotearoa of tomorrow.

E hīkaka ana te ngākau ki te mahi tahi ki ētahi mātanga kua roa nei e hīkoi ana i tēnei ara, ka mutu ki te hono anō hoki ki ētahi atu manu kai mātauranga e whanake tonu ana ki roto ki ēnei mahi nui whakahirahira. Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini.

Judy Bruce

Co-chair, Youth Cultures and Community Trust, trading as Praxis
Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland

Keen to strengthen my skills and knowledge in governance, especially for the not-for-profit sector, I am very grateful to be selected for the Tuakana Teina Chair Mentoring Programme. Through participation I will be able to take steps toward achieving the goal of strengthening our board practices. Additionally, a long-term governance goal I have is to support other community leaders in governance, especially with a focus on fostering growth in diversity and equity. Mentoring will help to realise this aspiration. Thank you to all those who have made this programme possible.

Kara Scally-Irvine

MInstD
Chair, Aotearoa New Zealand Evaluation Association
Waitaha/Canterbury

I am thrilled to be selected for this year’s Tuakana Teina Chair Mentoring Programme. While I’ve enjoyed seven years in my governance journey, becoming a chair of my professional membership organisation ANZEA (Aotearoa New Zealand Evaluation Association) has taught me a huge amount about how much more I had to learn. I’m so grateful to have this opportunity to not only strengthen my own skill set, but to be in a position to strengthen my board and ANZEA in the process. There is so much good work done in our community and not-for-profit sector. I’m excited to be part of this programme and learn what more we can do to have our greatest impact, learning alongside a cohort of passionate, like-minded colleagues.

Karen Hormann

MInstD
Chair, Bike Auckland
Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland

Volunteering for a community organisation provides a wonderful opportunity to translate passion into purpose. As the leader responsible for the governance of Bike Auckland, there are many stakeholder relationships to manage to ensure the success and ongoing sustainability of the organisation. The Tuakana Teina programme offers the chance to seek experienced guidance and peer support in an increasingly challenging political and social environment. With a healthy governance culture we improve our odds of Bike Auckland achieving its goal: a vibrant, connected, climate-positive city.

Katie de Roo

Chair, Skills4Living Whānau Tautoko
Taitoko/Levin

As a new chair, the Tuakana Teina programme will help me build a solid foundation of skills and knowledge that will enable me to effectively lead Skills4Living Whānau Tautoko, as well as support my future governance journey. As a not-for-profit organisation in a small community, we will benefit from the expertise of an experienced governance mentor to support a sustainable future empowering our community with essential life skills.

Kauia Moriarty

Chair, Te Rākau Hua o Te Wao Tapu Trust
Te Whanganui-a-Tara/Wellington

I am grateful to be accepted into this mentorship programme to develop skills to work collaboratively with our board trustees and enable the growth and development of our trust. I’m excited to learn and fill my kete with new tools so that our board is positively contributing and supporting the communities we serve. I am interested in the intersection between strategy and on-the-ground operational delivery, I also hope to learn more about driving strategy in a way that is connected to the people, so it can have a long-lasting and meaningful impact.

Megan Wills

Chair, Northland Community Foundation
Te Tai Tokerau/Northland

As a recently appointed Chair for the Northland Community Foundation, I am thrilled to be accepted to receive mentoring through the Tuakana Teina Chair Mentoring Programme. I know it is a big step up from being a board member and I want to be able to do the best job that I can. I look forward to being supported as I grow and learn the role from my tuakana in order to better serve the organisation and our community.

Michael Maahs

Chair, Environment Hubs Aotearoa
Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland

Securing a place on the Institute of Directors Tuakana Teina Chair Mentoring Programme is a tremendous honour, with far-reaching benefits. It offers a platform to refine my governance skills under experienced guidance and a forum to contribute to a passionate community of leaders. As Co-Chair of Environment Hubs Aotearoa, I am keen to share insights and gain invaluable knowledge to more effectively guide our organisation forward. It is challenging to support and guide a membership organisation of capable, progressive, highly professional leaders to move beyond where they are, to where they want to be. I cannot wait to start a programme that is not just about personal development, but about uniting leaders, caring for our communities and cultivating a useful legacy of environmental regeneration.

Misty Sansom

MInstD
Chair, Te Whai Community Trust Mangawhai
Mangawhai

I am delighted and honoured to be part of the 2024 cohort of the Tuakana Teina Chair Mentoring programme. Being new to the chair role with Te Whai Trust Mangawhai, this will enable me to deepen my understanding of governance, develop my skill set and better serve our community. I look forward to learning alongside otherteinaa and being able to share learning and insights with my fellow board members. Ngā mihi nui.

Peter Felhofer

Chair, Whangārei Museum and Hertiage Trust Board
Whangārei

I feel very fortunate to be awarded a place in the 2024 Tuakana Teina Chair Mentoring Programme. In any new role, I adopt the principle that you don't know what you don't know, and becoming chair of a major community organisation is certainly living up to that. I look forward to the wisdom and experience that will be offered and the support of my peers throughout this programme.

Rieke Lamb

Chair, Wellness Gym Charitable Trust
Ōtepoti/Dunedin

What an honour it is to be a teina in the 2024 intake of this programme. The Wellness Gym runs exercise programmes for cancer survivors in beautiful Ōtepoti Dunedin. While the programme is well established, our charitable trust is in its infancy, and we have much to learn when it comes to community governance. Being mentored by a tuakana will help me guide our charitable trust into the next phase of its growth. And on a personal level, connecting with other chairs to share experiences and challenges will enrich my own governance skill set and journey. Much gratitude to the IoD for offering such an incredibly valuable programme.

Rizwaana Latiff

Chair, Multicultural Association Hawke's Bay
Te Matau-a-Māui/Hawke's Bay

I am honoured to be part of theTuakana Teina Mentoring Programme. This will give me the opportunity to enhance my governance skills and build me capability to continue to work with communities to make a more meaningful impact.

Stu Ennor

Chair, Aotearoa Food Rescue Alliance
Waitaha/Canterbury

It is a privilege to be accepted intoTuakana Teina Chair Mentoring Programme. I am the GM of Kairos Food Rescue leading a team of 11 staff and sit under a trust board. I am also a member representative and the board chair of theAotearoa Food Rescue Alliance , which is a charitable society of 34 food rescue members across Aotearoa. I have worked a lot of my life in community-based organisations and with trust boards and I know the outcome good governance can have. I am looking forward to honing my governance skills through this programme so that I can be involved in stable, strong trust boards giving back to the community. It is a privilege to be accepted into the programme. Thank you for the opportunity.

Sumita Paul

Chair, Grief Centre
Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland

I am honoured to be chosen to participate in the Tuakana Teina Chair Mentoring Programme. I am thrilled to join this esteemed programme and eagerly look forward to the opportunity to connect with my mentor and fellow cohort members.

Although my journey in governance commenced seven years ago, stepping into the role of chair at the Grief Centre, recently, marks a new chapter for me. I hold a deep-seated passion for the meaningful impact the Grief Centre has within our community. Our ongoing commitment to enhancing sustainability is paramount, ensuring uninterrupted support for those in need.

The prospect of learning and refining my governance approach through the guidance of my mentor is of great value to me. My ultimate goal is to establish a governance framework rooted in best practices, enabling me to effectively lead our board of trustees and provide unwavering support to our general manager. I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to participate in this programme.

Suzanne Cookson

Chair, ADHD New Zealand
Te Whanganui-a-Tara/Wellington

I’m delighted to have been accepted onto the 2024 Tuakana Teina Chair Mentoring Programme and incredibly grateful for this opportunity. ADHD New Zealand is a small organisation with big ambitions to improve access to diagnosis and support for the estimated 260,000 New Zealanders with ADHD. This is a big mission and I’m looking forward to developing my governance skills, with the support and guidance of an experienced chair, to help ADHD NZ be a successful change maker. I’m also excited to be part of a network of teina, supporting, learning and being inspired by each other.

Tania Sawicki Mead

Co-chair, 350 Aotearoa
Te Whanganui-a-Tara/Wellington

I'm delighted to be able to participate in this programme alongside an amazing cohort of emerging governance leaders. My role so far as a chair has been exciting and challenging in equal measure. I'm really looking forward to learning from the tuakana and deepening my understanding of good governance practice in the wider context of our collective responsibility, as tauiwi, to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. The health and wellbeing of our communities and planet is the reason I've stepped up to chairing and I'm motivated to apply what I learn from my mentor to advance this kaupapa. I'm also really looking forward to meeting, connecting and leaning from the other teina. Mauri ora.

Virginia Ballantyne

MInstD
Chair, Onenudge Community Trust
Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland

How excited I am to be accepted onto this year's Tuakana Teina programme. The skills to be learned and the personal relationships developed over this year will bring me life-lasting experiences that will not only help me through my governance career, but have a lasting impact on the community trust I chair and the wider community it operates in.

Zoё Juniper

Chair, Whirinaki Whare Taonga
Te Whanganui-a-Tara/Wellington

I am very honoured to have been accepted into the 2024 cohort for theTuakana Teina Chair Mentoring Programme. I am excited to get to know an amazing cohort of like minded chairs and to learn. This programme will give me some great tools with which to lead good governance that brings a diversity of thinking, and meets the challenges of not-for-profit and charities sector in the current climate. I am excited to build a relationship with, and learn from the experience of, my tuakana to take back, test and grow my role as chair.