Rachel Afeaki-Taumoepeau

Rachel Afeaki is a New Zealand-born director and business owner of Tongan and Samoan descent, with strong cultural, professional and governance connections across Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific. A Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Directors, Rachel brings more than 25 years of governance and executive leadership experience across business, economic development, education, housing, energy, For-Purpose and public sector organisations.

Her governance portfolio includes chair, director and trustee roles, with experience in strategy, audit and risk, investment, organisational performance, people and culture, and long-term stewardship. She currently chairs the Waikato Pacific Business Network and New Zealand Tonga Business Council and holds governance roles across education, housing, health, community and business organisations. Rachel is also the Immediate Past Chair and Trustee of WEL Energy Trust.

Rachel is actively involved with the Institute of Directors, including its Waikato Branch Committee, Pacific Advisory Group, Tautua mentoring programme and Chapter Zero New Zealand Steering Committee.

Her regional engagement has a strong South Pacific focus, particularly Samoa and Tonga, connecting business, government and community stakeholders to advance trade, responsible investment, institutional capability and sustainable economic development.

Rachel has a growing governance interest in climate change, environmental sustainability and resilience, particularly their implications for Pacific communities and economies. She is interested in how boards can integrate climate and environmental considerations into strategy, risk, investment and long-term decision-making.

Rachel is committed to strengthening Pacific governance and leadership, supporting resilient Pacific businesses, and ensuring Pacific perspectives contribute meaningfully to the economic and environmental decisions shaping Aotearoa New Zealand and the wider Pacific.