Panel Discussion
2
CPD
From the field to the boardroom - how Pacific values shape bold, connected leadership.
What happens when leadership is grounded in culture, guided by purpose, and committed to the collective good?
Join us for an engaging evening exploring how Pasifika leadership values influence high-performing teams, resilient communities, and inclusive governance.
Our panel brings together an outstanding group of Pasifika leaders across sport, health, governance, and community leadership. With a keynote by Caren Rangi CFInstD, followed by a panel talanoa with Aaron Mauger, Diane Fenika, and Valentine Tauamiti MInstD, facilitated by Lemalu Levaula Kim Masina MInstD. This talanoa will explore how Pasifika values of service, stewardship, and collective responsibility influence leadership at the board table and beyond.
This session is more than inspiration - it’s an opportunity to recognise the strength of Pasifika leadership and the value it brings to governance today. Expect a rich and authentic conversation relevant to directors seeking to build strong strategic vision, inclusive leadership, and cultures of trust.
CFInstD
Caren is a proud, Canterbury born, Hawke’s Bay raised, Cook Islander who started her career as a chartered accountant and auditor with the Office of the Auditor-General. She chose a career in governance, combined with facilitation and leadership work, so she can contribute to decision-making in areas for which she has passion. Her current governance roles include Chair of NGO Pacific Homecare, Pro-Chancellor of Massey University, Deputy Chair, Pacific Co-operation Broadcasting Ltd (Pasifika TV) and Director, NZ Rugby. She also delivers a governance training programme for Pacific communities with colleague Mele Wendt.
In 2018, she was conferred with an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to governance and the Pacific community. Caren is a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Directors and a member of the IoD’s Pacific Advisory Group.
Aaron is a born and bred Cantabrian with proud Pacific bloodlines on his mother’s side that trace through Rurutu, Tahiti, the Cook Islands and Samoa. He is married to Amy and together they have four children — Felix (21), Zoe (19), Ivy (14) and Hugo (12).
Aaron has over 27 years of experience in professional rugby. His playing career included Canterbury, the Crusaders, Leicester Tigers and the New Zealand All Blacks, where he was part of several championship-winning teams.
Following his playing career, Aaron moved into coaching with roles at Canterbury, the Crusaders, Leicester Tigers and the Highlanders. He was also the inaugural Head Coach of Moana Pasifika and is currently an Assistant Coach with the Flying Fijians national team.
Aaron previously served on the boards of Tamai Sports and Etu Pasifika Canterbury. He and Amy are also the owners of Dux Dine restaurant on Riccarton Road in Christchurch. In his spare time, Aaron enjoys exercise, fishing, golf and walking.
MInstD
Valentine’s villages are Solosolo and Falelatai in Samoa, but was born and raised in Ōtautahi, Christchurch. He has always felt that he has lived and led with the tension of two worlds wanting to go in opposite directions. Individual vs the collective. Sharing all resources vs future investment. Serving vs delegation. Governance has felt like a calling that has embraced him in his entirety, one where his cultural values and worldview are not only welcomed but are celebrated.
He has held a number of executive leadership and governance roles in education, the youth sector, sport, economic development, agriculture and the hotel industry. He is currently GM - Stadium Strategy at Canterbury Rugby and involved in two locally owned apparel businesses.
When he is not reading a board pack, you will find him biking with his family, playing golf, or eating his mother’s legendary pineapple pies.
Diane believes leadership is lived in everyday spaces. A proud mother of four boys, Aotearoa-born, Chinese Samoan, she traces her roots to the villages of Pupa’a, Satupaitea, Salamumu. Often found juggling family life, church commitments, creative small business ventures and new opportunities. Her Pacific values of service, connection and collective responsibility shape how she shows up at home, in community and in her work.
Diane brings this lived perspective into her professional role as a strategic leader, with over two decades of experience across the government sector and Pacific community spaces. Based in Ōtautahi, she contributes to governance, community initiatives and is passionate about encouraging more Pacific voices to step into leadership and decision-making roles.
MInstD
Kim is a dynamic and values-driven leader known for his collaborative, people-first approach to leadership. A senior leader within the Isaac Group, he plays a key role in driving strategic growth and operational excellence across the organisation.
Kim brings a strong governance and industry perspective through his leadership roles across several organisations. He serves as Vice Chair of the Civil Contractors New Zealand (CCNZ) Canterbury Westland Branch and is an elected member of Waihanga Ara Rau – the Workforce Development Council for Civil Infrastructure. He also supports education through service on a school Board of Trustees and recently joined the Institute of Directors Canterbury branch committee.
Passionate about inclusive leadership, Kim is committed to strengthening Pasifika representation in governance and decision-making. As a member of the IoD Pasifika Advisory Group, he advocates for equitable leadership pathways and governance practices that reflect diverse perspectives.
Kim believes leadership is grounded in service: “O le ala i le pule o le tautu – the pathway to leadership is through service.”
Should you have any dietary, mobility, cultural or other requirements, you can let us know on the registration form.
By registering for this event, you are confirming that you agree to adhere to our event terms and conditions.
Regrettably, registration fees cannot be refunded when cancellations are received within two working days prior to any branch event. See our standard terms and conditions for more information.
Sharynn Johnson
Canterbury Branch Manager
+64 27 228 6069
canterbury.branch@iod.org.nz
The Canterbury Branch acknowledges the generous support of
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Members — $35.00
Non-members — $40.00
