2025 mentees
Congratulations to our 2025 mentees
Aaron Hape
As a new board chair of a national philanthropic foundation, I’m keen to learn how to lead through change, make smart decisions about risk and reward, and grow into the kind of chair who adds real value. I’ve spent my career working between government, business, and NGOs, and I’m looking forward to bringing those experiences into the boardroom, and learning from directors who’ve walked the path before me. Most of all, I’m excited to connect with a group of people who care deeply about making a difference and who aren’t afraid of the big, crunchy conversations.
Angela Dixon
I am thrilled to be accepted into the programme to continue my governance learning journey. Over the last three years, I have been involved in governance roles across the private and public sectors, and the Mentoring for Diversity programme is perfectly timed to help me further build my governance skills and grow confidence as a professional director. Being selected for the programme will allow me to reflect on my current governance practice and challenge myself to look critically and purposefully at my development and influence moving forward. I am keen to build a lasting relationship with my mentor and learn from their wealth of experience, as I believe their guidance will be instrumental in helping me navigate the next steps in my governance journey and be a long-time support. Moving from executive roles to full-time governance can initially be isolating, so meeting other directors and having regular networking opportunities with those who face similar challenges will be a significant benefit. I am fortunate to work with incredibly supportive and knowledgeable board colleagues, and participation in the programme will undoubtedly support the organisations I currently serve, as well as those I hope to serve in the future.
Bronwyn Koroheke
He uri ahau No Ngati Maru, Te Atiawa ki Taranaki
I am honoured finally after my third attempt to be a recipient of the IoD's Mentoring for Diversity Programme.
The access to professionals with expertise within governance is what drew me to the programme, along with the ability to be able to be mentored by an experienced Director. I welcome the challenge.
I can see the benefits that being a member of the programme can provide to the communities that I serve.
In continuing to develop my Governance career, I am eager to enhance and sharpen my skills, and drive value and deliver impactful results for the Boards that I currently serve on.
“Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou, ka ora ai te iwi; - with your basket and my basket the people will thrive.”
Caroline Williams
It is exciting to be accepted for IoD’s Mentoring for Diversity programme and I am very grateful for the opportunity. With a background in both the public (infrastructure) and private (technology, services) sectors, I would like to expand my director perspective to learn about governing more diverse and complex organisations. I am interested in influencing and effecting change and, as a result, in further developing my appreciation of stakeholder management in different contexts. I hope to use the learning and experiences I gain in the Mentoring for Diversity programme to explore how I can best contribute to public or private organisations that have a wide-reaching impact. I'm very much looking forward to connecting with my mentor and building a stimulating and supportive network amongst our talented programme cohort.
Dave Guruge
I am honoured to have been chosen for the Institute of Directors' 2025 Mentoring for Diversity program, and I look forward to learning from a diverse group of leaders. Having previously led organisations, I acknowledged the prospect to contribute more effectively through governance and started exploring this further. This program provides an excellent chance for me to further develop my governance skills and abilities, strengthen strategic thinking, and assist others in their leadership development.
Donna Maxwell
I’m delighted to have been accepted into the 2025 Mentoring for Diversity programme. It’s a privilege to be part of a community committed to building more inclusive and effective governance in Aotearoa, and I’m looking forward to learning alongside a mentor as well as this year’s cohort.
With a background in executive leadership, governance, and strategy roles predominantly in professional services and privately held organisations I’m now looking to broaden my contribution within more complex, diverse and scaled environments, and deepen the impact I can have at and beyond the board table. A big thank you to the Institute of Directors for the opportunity to participate in this mentoring programme.
Frances Boyce
I’m excited to be accepted onto the 2025 Mentoring for Diversity programme and believe this opportunity will support the development of my governance capabilities, leadership contribution and advocacy to enrich diversity in the industry sectors I work in.
I have worked in the construction sector throughout my career and have continuously sought to expand my knowledge, develop new skills, and actively contribute to removing challenging perceptions of the inclusivity of the industry.
I look forward to the guidance, learning and connections to be made from this programme.
Gina Mills
I'm thrilled to join the 2025 Mentoring for Diversity cohort. My not-for-profit board experience has motivated me to build my governance capability and expand my impact, and that’s why I applied for this program. With a background in accounting, tax, strategy, transformation as well as deep expertise in people and culture, I offer a range of perspectives and skills to a board.
My leadership ethos is focused on creating environments where people can belong, perform and thrive, and I’ve been recognised with several awards for my advocacy in LGBTQ+ inclusion. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to learn from experienced directors, build a peer network within the cohort, and enhance my governance skills in a supportive environment.
Dr. Heida Donegan
I am thrilled and honoured to be part of IoD’s 2025 Mentoring for Diversity programme. This opportunity presents a unique platform for us, the 2025 cohort, to refine our governance skills, share our board experiences, and gain insights from highly experienced professional directors who share a commitment to fostering inclusive and effective governance.
Building on my governance journey which spans both corporate and mission-driven sectors, I look forward to learning from, working with, and being guided by, my fellow participants and professional director mentors.
Jacqui Hori-Hoult
I am honoured and feel privileged and honoured to a part of this opportunity and participate in this programme, being a strong proud Māori Wahine a voice that does not always sit at the governance table, I am excited to learn, share experiences, be challenged and uplift the Mana of others so they can succeed now and for our future generations.
I am fortunate to serve on a number of boards alongside amazing people through work, for my Hapu and the community this allows me to bring a Te Aro Māori view which I balance as a Public Servant. This provides me with "Dedicated Time" to learn, reflect and grow especially in a fast-changing world, the need to be relevant and add value is paramount.
"Ma mua ka kite a muri, ma muri ka ora a mua; - Those that give sight to those who follow, those who follow give light to those who lead."
Julia Foxley
Being selected for the IoD’s Mentoring for Diversity programme is an honour and an exciting opportunity to broaden and deepen my governance capabilities. I currently serve on boards in the agriculture and horticulture sectors, private education, and the not-for-profit space—where I’m especially passionate about building resilient, community-focused organisations that serve regional New Zealand.
I’m eager to learn from an experienced mentor who can both guide and challenge me as I continue to grow as a director. I also look forward to engaging with a cohort of diverse thinkers and exchanging ideas that will strengthen our collective impact.
As I prepare for future roles - particularly on listed or large-scale boards - I see this programme as a valuable step in sharpening my commercial governance acumen and contributing to inclusive, purpose-led leadership across Aotearoa.
Kate Armstrong
I am extremely honoured to have been selected for the IoD’s Mentoring for Diversity 2025 programme. I have been involved in governance since 2017 but only took the leap into full time governance last year. It’s quite an adjustment so I am excited to be part of a diverse cohort of directors who may be facing similar challenges but may come at those challenges completely differently. I am really looking forward to thinking outside of the box and further developing my governance skills.
Having access to a mentor will be invaluable and can only enhance my decision making and open my eyes to the further possibilities that a full-time governance career can offer.
Kate Keddell
I am thrilled to be part of the Mentoring for Diversity Programme in 2025 and to have the opportunity to learn from and connect with the other directors from across the country.
Like many people, I got my first taste of governance by being involved on the board of my eldest daughter's primary school. Currently I am a co-opted member of the board for my youngest daughter's secondary school.
My background as a commercial lawyer helped me take my personal governance experience into a more professional realm. I have had varied governance roles, including involvement at the national level in the commercial fishing sector and the membership organisation which governs my current profession, mediation.
Recently I have focussed more on my professional practice and family life, but I am now excited to put energy into developing my governance career again. As a mediator, I help people work through diversity of ideas and personalities to find understanding and strength. I hope to bring this approach to the organisations I become involved with in the future. It is essential in these changing times where conflict is happening more and more.
Keri Welham
Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Ranginui
I am honoured to be part of the 2025 IoD Mentoring for Diversity programme and grateful for the opportunity this affords me to learn from and alongside an outstanding group of directors. The insights we gain will be invaluable—not only for me personally, but also for the boards on which I serve.
This experience offers us access to directors whose governance experiences can deepen our understanding in significant ways. I'm particularly interested in the lens of those championing diverse perspectives at board tables across Aotearoa and I’m eager to explore how high-performing boards are navigating complex financial, environmental, social, and talent challenges. Also, how do they manage reputation risk, both in moments of crisis and in day-to-day decision-making? I'm excited to find out.
Thank you to the mentors who have so generously offered to share their knowledge and expertise with us over the next year. He taonga tēnei.
Kirsten Andrews
Being accepted into the Institute of Directors’ Mentoring for Diversity programme is both a privilege and a pivotal step in my governance journey. It represents an opportunity to refine my leadership style, strengthen my strategic contribution, and learn from experienced mentors who have navigated complex board environments. I’m committed to bringing a fresh and grounded perspective to the boardroom. I look forward to deepening my understanding of governance in the context of diversity, public accountability, and long-term value creation. This programme will help me connect with other like-minded Directors, grow as a director and strengthen the contribution I bring to boards that are shaping Aotearoa New Zealand’s future.
Kirsty Vercoe
Thank you to the Institute of Directors for this opportunity to participate in the Mentoring for Diversity programme.
As a young female and professional working mother of five young kids, I relish a challenge.
I am a huge believer in diversity at the board table and also believe in the breadth that I can bring in a governance role because of this. I value the advice, support and guidance of others and as such, an opportunity to learn from an experienced director in this programme.
I look forward to developing my confidence, knowledge and connections so that I and this cohort of mentees can help increase the value of our contribution to governance in New Zealand.
Liz O’Neil
I am delighted to have been accepted into the IOD’s Mentoring for Diversity Programme for 2025.
Throughout my accounting & finance career, in a variety of different industries here and offshore, I have had exposure to the different approaches of boards and their directors leading to a desire to further develop my own governance skills.
I see this opportunity providing guidance from experienced directors, extending my understanding of good governance practice, growing my skills for the current boards I sit on and any future boards.
Louisa Homersham
I am delighted to have been accepted into the 2025 IoD Mentoring for Diversity programme. Being accepted into the programme opens a unique avenue that would not ordinarily be available to me to access skills, experience, insight, and knowledge from an experienced director. This will enable me to grow and develop my own skills and experience as I progress on my governance journey. It also provides an opportunity to establish valuable connections across the governance community. I am very much looking forward to spending time with everyone involved in the programme this year.
I am very appreciative of the IoD for running this programme and of my mentor for being willing to give their time, experience and energy. As is well documented, the journey to diversify the governance base in New Zealand is extremely important. I look forward to developing my own journey, and to being able to pass on what I learn to others in due course.
Peter Kelly
Dia dhuit, tēnā koutou katoa
Being accepted onto the IoD Mentoring for Diversity programme is a real privilege, and I see it as a chance to deepen my understanding of effective governance, gain insight and challenge myself to grow as a future board contributor.
As someone with a long-standing commitment to LGBTQI+ visibility and equality, I’m also hopeful that my participation can help reflect the importance of diverse lived experience in shaping thoughtful, values-led governance.
I’m looking forward to connecting with others who are equally passionate about creating a more inclusive and representative Aotearoa.
Sarah Colcord
I’m honoured to join the Mentoring for Diversity programme. With a governance journey that began at 16 and a career spanning non-profits, business, and the public sector, I’m passionate about bringing courageous, values-led leadership to boardrooms. Now, a decade into my governance journey, this opportunity will help sharpen my practice, clarify my governance identity, and expand my thinking - ultimately enabling me to step into more complex roles and stretch into spaces that demand both courage and clarity to create greater impact across Aotearoa.
Teresa Poli
Ngāi Tūhoe
I have been navigating governance across a range of organisations from public and not-for-profit structures. As a young wāhine Māori, I bring a unique perspective shaped by my experiences across various sectors, including education, engineering, infrastructure, and the sport of powerlifting. Balancing both between Māori world view and modern world.
I recognise the value of diverse thought at the governance table in driving organisational success. I look forward to the opportunity to further expand my governance skills and continue to add skills and knowledge to my kete to be able to continue to contribute to positive outcomes for our people and my whānau.