Tautua Pasifika Mentoring Programme 2025 mentors

Thank you to our 2026 mentors

Jo Cribb CFInstD
Jo has had a long career working on some of the toughest issues facing New Zealand – child poverty, violence against women and entrenched unemployment. She has been a senior public servant, Deputy Children’s Commissioner and most recently as chief executive of the Ministry for Women.

She is an experienced director with a passion for the not-for-profit sector. Her governance roles include the Royal New Zealand Navy, New Zealand Winegrowers, Tātai Aho Rau Core Education Ltd, Volunteer Service Abroad, Literacy Aotearoa, Wellington Homeless Women’s Trust. Jo was also chair of Scots College. 

Jo has undertaken research into governance in the community sector, including a Winston Churchill Fellowship that investigated how best to upskill volunteer board members.   Her consulting work includes facilitating strategy and governance development for not-for-profit, community boards, leadership coaching, and working with leaders in New Zealand and internationally to achieve their diversity goals.

Jo believes good governance is the anchor for our organisations across all sectors. Good governance is the work of a diverse team of directors working to add value to the organisation’s kaupapa, and so adding value to communities.

Jo has perfected distilling her own gin, owns a small vineyard, and has completed advanced qualifications in wine.

Tone Borren CFInstD
Anthony (Tone) Borren is an experienced director and former CEO with a long career spanning telecommunications, technology, R&D, and governance across both commercial and notforprofit sectors. He has held senior leadership roles in organisations ranging from startups to large corporates, including Telecom NZ, Mitel, and Alcatel, and has chaired and served on numerous boards in New Zealand.

Tone is a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Directors and has particular strength in strategy, change leadership, organisational culture, and governance. Alongside his commercial work, he has over two decades of involvement in NFP organisations, including Cricket Wellington, Hockey NZ, and The Tomorrow Project. He is deeply committed to mentoring, having supported many leaders through formal and informal mentoring programmes, with a focus on practical insight, thoughtful governance, and sustainable impact.

Jane Hindle CMInstD
Jane Hindle has had a varied career in the UK, Europe and Aotearoa New Zealand. Her early career was in the ICT industry, where she held several senior leadership roles. After moving to Northland in 2000, she became involved with the tall ship R. Tucker Thompson, leading its transition into a charitable trust delivering youth development voyages and tourism, and serving as Executive Trustee until 2022.

Jane has extensive governance experience, including roles with the Telecommunications Users Association, Northland Economic Development Agency, the Regional Tourism Organisation, and seven years on the Northtec Council, including as Chair. She also served on the National Coordinating Committee for Tuia 250 and co-chaired Te Au Mārie, the Tai Tokerau Tuia 250 trust.

She is currently a Far North District Council Community Board member for Russell Ōpua, a member of the Northland Lotteries Board, Treasurer of the Russell St John Area Committee, a Trustee of the R. Tucker Thompson, and secretary of a local not-for-profit. She also mentors aspiring directors to support strong governance.

Dame Kerry Prendergast DNZM, CNZM 
Kerry was the Mayor of Wellington from 2001-2010, and a former Vice-President of Local Government New Zealand. She holds an MBA from, and is a distinguished Alumni of, Victoria University of Wellington.

Kerry chairs Wellington Free Ambulance, Wellington Opera, the Royal New Zealand Ballet, the Tourism Industry Association, and Capital Kiwi. She is a Director of Oceania Healthcare, Fish Serve and a Trustee of the Wellington International Arts Foundation, and the New Zealand Community Trust. Kerry has filled many other roles over the last ten years, including chairing the New Zealand Film Commission, NZ Tourism, the EPA, and the Victoria University Foundation.

In January 2019 Kerry became a Dame Companion (DNZM) for services to governance and the community, after being awarded a CNZM in 2011 for her services to local government. In July 2016 Kerry was also awarded a Lifetime Excellence Award for Outstanding Contribution to Local Government.

Dame Diana Crossan DistFInstD
Diana began her working life as a Probation Officer and began charitable work as a response to the needs she saw in that role.

And despite the risks, she had the courage and commitment to justice to be on the Wellington motorway, protesting the Springbok Tour.

To top off her BA, she completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Social Work, and attended senior leadership education at Monash, Stanford and Northwestern in Chicago.

Her first big governance role was as Chair of the JR McKenzie Trust.

In a varied working life Diana held senior roles in the Department of Labour, the Ministry of Education and the State Services Commission and for a short time she became General Manager of the Clyde Dam, working for the SOE Contact Energy. Diana held senior roles in AMP in both New Zealand and the UK before becoming the Retirement Commissioner for 10 years. Her last full time role was as the CE of the much–loved charity - Wellington Free Ambulance.

Today she is Chair or a board member of five charities, on top of many others in the past – such as Refugee Services, and Relationship Services.

In 2019 Diana was made a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for her work in equal opportunities (EEO); as The Retirement Commissioner, and her charitable work. In 2024 Diana was made a Distinguished Fellow of the Institute of Directors.

Rich Easton
Since 2017, Rich has led the Neurological Foundation as CEO, growing their purpose of funding research & education into neurological conditions. He has a background in business change & technology, leading teams at Spark, IAG and British Telecom.

Rich is a passionate volunteer in the community sector, having held a number of leadership & mentoring roles over the last 16 years. Currently, he is the Chair of the Neurological Alliance plus Board Chair of Project Employ, having held a number of Board governance roles over the last 10 years. Rich mentors with the Institute of Directors, First Foundation and provides coaching support for School Principals through the Springboard Trust.

Matthew Prichard CMInstD
Matt is Chair of KPMG NZ and Chair of World Vision NZ. He is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors, Chartered Accountant, and a Certified Treasury Professional.

In his KPMG role, Matt helps lead their work with Māori, and a range of advisory and audit work for financial institutions and other clients. Matt has held several client-facing and leadership roles during his career, including management of some of KPMG’s largest audit and advisory relationships.

Matt is a facilitator for the Springboard Trust, a charitable trust working within the New Zealand education sector to assist principals to enhance strategic leadership capability; and he was the Co-Chair for Champions for Change until July 2024. He is also a great advocate and ally for increased diversity on boards.

Alan Isaac DistFInstD
Alan is distinguished director, holding governance roles with a wide variety of New Zealand commercial, sporting and not for profit organisations.   

He served as President of the International Cricket Council (ICC) from 2012 to 2014, the first New Zealander to hold the position. Prior to the ICC, he was on the board of New Zealand Cricket for 18 years and served as its Chair from 2008 to 2010. He was the Chair of KPMG for 10 years (1996-2006) and President of the Institute of Directors’ National Council (2019-2021). 

Alan currently chairs the New Zealand Community Trust. He is a director on the boards and chairs the Audit & Risk committees of Oceania Healthcare Ltd, Skellerup Holdings Ltd, and the Wellington Free Ambulance.  Alan’s current community sporting roles include chair of the Basin Reserve Trust and serving as a trustee on both the Wellington Cricket Trust and the Wellington Cricket Foundation. 

Alan is an IoD Distinguished Fellow and a Fellow of Chartered Accountants. He was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in 2013 for services to business and cricket. In 2015, he received the distinguished alumni award from Victoria University of Wellington. 

Kennie Tsui CMInstD, CNZM
Kennie Tsui is a governance professional whose passion for engineering and commitment to making a positive impact on governance has transformed her into a purposeful leader. As the Chief Executive of the New Zealand Geothermal Association, she is a true asset to the organisation, bringing over 25 years of experience in pioneering climate initiatives in Aotearoa.

One of Kennie's greatest strengths is her ability to lead diverse, skilled, and innovative teams that provide collaborative and innovative solutions to complex challenges. Her experience in private, public, and not-for-profit sectors has equipped her with the knowledge and skills to navigate complex governance issues, ensuring that the organisations she leads are effective, efficient, and sustainable.

As a Chartered member of the IoD, Chartered Professional Engineer, Vice President of Engineering New Zealand, a Trustee of Venture Taranaki, a board member of KiwiNet and New Zealand Institute of Forestry Registration Board and Chair of the International Partnership of Geothermal Technologies, Kennie has demonstrated her dedication to excellence in governance. She draws strength from the Māori proverb, “Ehara tāku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini” which translates to "My strength is not as an individual, but as a collective." This principle guides her leadership style, and she firmly believes in the power of collaboration and inclusivity.

In all her endeavours, Kennie is committed to advancing the greater good, and her passion for making a positive impact is an inspiration to those around her. She is a true leader in the field of governance, and her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and a commitment to excellence.

Kennie was recognised as the Companion of the Order of Merit (CNZM) in the 2025 New Year’s Honours for her service in the environment and governance.

Joanna Pidgeon
Joanna Pidgeon is a founding director of Pidgeon Judd, a boutique property and commercial law firm.  She is currently chairperson of Auckland City Mission  and Auckland City Mission Housing Ltd, a CHP, President of Auckland Speech and Drama Competitions Society and Vice President of Auckland Lacrosse.  She is also a past President  of Auckland District Law Society (now TLANZ), and a past trustee of the Selwyn Foundation.  Joanna is a property law specialist, particularly in buying and selling, leasing and developing, and body corporate and cross leasing areas of law, and provides expert evidence in courts in relation to property disputes as well as making determinations.  She is a passionate mentor, in both governance and law.

Judy Whiteman CMInstD 
 Judy is an experienced governor and provides specialist advice for capability and capacity development programmes for the for-purpose sector with a particular focus on governance. A facilitator, mentor and consultant in both the commercial and for-purpose sectors, Judy is passionate about helping people achieve success for themselves, their people, and their organisations. 

In addition to many years’ experience in the global financial services industry both in New Zealand and abroad, Judy has also been involved for over 30 years in the for-purpose sector in several countries as a volunteer, board member and consultant. Her governance experiences are deep, diverse and over many years. She is currently on the board of two for-purpose organisations (including being the Chair of one). Judy is a Chartered Member of the NZ IOD and a Fellow of the AICD. 

John Gallaher CFInstD
John Gallaher joined Forsyth Barr Dunedin in 1985. He has over 40 years of experience in the financial services industry in funds and investment management, commercial and chartered accounting, management and banking.

John is registered as a financial adviser and is accredited as an NZX Adviser. He has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Otago, majoring in Accountancy and Information Systems. John is a Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA), a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Directors (CFInstD) in New Zealand and an Associate of the New Zealand Institute of Management (ANZIM).

John is currently Chairman of NZCEO Ltd/NZCEO Finance Ltd, Grow Dunedin Partners and Te Kupenga CLI, a Director of the Otago Rescue Helicopter Trust and past Chairman of Mercy Hospital Ltd and City Forests Ltd. He also has an active involvement in the non-profit and sporting sectors as Chairman of the Catalytic Foundation and the William Sherriff Charitable Trust, and previously as Chairman of Basketball NZ and Member of the FIBA Finance Commission.

Lindsay Corban ONZM FInstD (Retd)
Lindsay is an experienced governance professional and business consultant with a strong track record across both the commercial and not-for-profit sectors. A former Director in KPMG’s Management Consulting, she established her own consultancy in 2000 and has since advised companies, boards, councils, and executive teams across a wide range of industries.

Her core consulting strengths include mentoring Chairs and CEOs, facilitating strategic and business planning, and leading human resources and organisational change initiatives. A skilled problem-solver, Lindsay brings a practical, outcomes-focused approach and a deep understanding of the critical role effective governance structures and high-performing boards play in organisational success.

Lindsay currently chairs two private boards and has previously served as a director on a number of public entities/NFPs as well as managing businesses on behalf of her family.

Will Ward MInstD
Will Ward is a values-based leader and Chief Executive with extensive experience leading organisations in complex, dynamic environments. He brings many years of diverse governance experience across multiple sectors, including long-standing service as a Board Chair, where he has guided organisations through periods of growth, transformation, and heightened accountability.

Known for his strategic clarity and purpose-driven leadership style, Will works effectively at the intersection of governance, executive leadership, and stakeholder engagement. His board and chair experience is complemented by a deep understanding of organisational culture, risk, and long-term value creation.

In addition to his executive and governance career, Will is the founder of an executive coaching business, where he partners with senior leaders to strengthen leadership capability, decision-making, and impact. His work reflects a strong commitment to purpose-led leadership, integrity, and sustainable performance.

Ken Williamson OStJ, QSM, JP, DistFInstD
With his partners, Ken built Law Mooney Williamson Insurance Brokers (est. 1974) into one of NZ's largest commercial insurance brokerages. After selling 'LMW' to Crombie Lockwood (now Gallagher Insurance), he remains a salaried employee. Ken’s a Fellow of the Insurance Brokers Association of NZ. He’s given much of his life to community service, including St John, with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II making him a Knight of St John in 2020. He’s served, and serves, as a governor on a diverse range of Not-for-Profit boards, including within the tertiary & secondary education, and in the health, philanthropy, special needs, broadcasting, women's refuge, science, and local body sectors. Ken’s been a director of several successful businesses, including within the distribution, transport, manufacturing, property, and engineering industries. He is a Member of the Waitangi Tribunal; a Council Member of WINTEC Polytechnic; and a Trustee of Trust Waikato. In recognition of his contribution to the IoD Ken was awarded a Distinguished Fellowship of the IoD in 2022. Ken and Julie consider Hamilton and the Waikato as their Turangawaewae. 

John Wilkinson CMInstD
John is a Senior Commercial Manager with ASB Bank where he manages a diverse portfolio of customers in retail, manufacturing, professional services, import/export, rural support services as well as property investment and development. 

John has a Diploma in Business, is a Fellow of the FINSIA (Financial Services Institute of Australasia) and Chartered Member of the IoD. He is a director of SODA Inc Limited, a Waikato based business advisory service and a Trustee of the Graeme Dingle Foundation (Waikato). He is married to Ellie, has two adult children and six grandsons ranging in age from 18 to 2.

Originally from North Canterbury, John began his banking career in Palmerston North in 1980. Through his career he has gained experience in all aspects of banking including retail and rural business, having been in the Waikato since the early 1990’s.

John brings his extensive banking and life experience together with wide and diverse networks to the Waikato Branch IoD committee and is passionate about developing greater diversity in the governance space.

Ngila Bevan MInstD
Ngila Bevan (Ngāpuhi) is an independent advisor, director, and leadership coach. With a background in human rights advocacy, she holds a variety of governance roles in the health, mental health, housing, and community development sectors across Aotearoa New Zealand.

A lawyer by training, Ngila draws from experience in the public and private sectors as well as from not-for-profits, iwi, and kaupapa Māori organisations. She is a Member of the Institute of Directors and Chapter Zero, and her governance interests include board culture, integrated reporting, risk, and ESG.

Ngila has developed her expertise in people, policy, and performance through working all over the world - from London to Hungary, Malawi to Papua New Guinea, Geneva to Australia - and now calls the Kāpiti Coast home.

Mike Devonshire CFInstD
Mike Devonshire has had an extensive career in New Zealand, the United Kingdom and USA encompassing management, leadership and direction roles across a broad range of sectors including Agri- business, Property, Construction, Wholesale Banking, Sport, Energy and Infrastructure. Upon returning to New Zealand in 2002, Mike established an advisory business focused on Business Strategy, Governance, Restructuring, Acquisitions and Divestments, and Private Equity Investment. He also acts in the capacity of a Professional Independent Director.

Hawkes Bay based, Mike currently has a broad range of Direction roles, including Chair of Ngati Kahungunu Asset Holding Company Ltd, Director Tukituki Water Security Ltd, and Director of New Zealand Cricket.
Since 2006 Mike has been actively involved in Hawkes Bay promoting the IoD and coordinating the local membership. He led the project to establish a sub branch within the East Coast region and is the inaugural chair of the sub branch committee. 

Mike is a graduate of the University of Canterbury, has a Diploma in Export Management (Institute of Export, United Kingdom) and is a finance alumnus of Insead Business School (Fontainebleau, France).

Helen van Orton MInstD
Helen van Orton is an experienced board director and chair whose governance career spans financial services, insurance, agriculture, professional membership bodies, and NFPs. She currently serves on the boards of The Co-operative Bank Ltd, Centrix Group Ltd, and The Co-operative Life Ltd. Her previous governance roles include Chair of Answer Services Ltd and Chair of the Human Resources Institute of New Zealand (HRNZ), and a board member of The Warehouse Financial Services Ltd, Ruralco Ltd and Zeal, reflecting her commitment to effective leadership across diverse sectors.

She is the founder of Directorly Ltd, a consultancy that helps boards and executive teams navigate the evolving AI governance landscape.

Nives Botica-Redmayne MInstD, Professor, PhD, MSc, BSc, AFAANZ, CAANZ
Nives is a Professor at Massey University Business School, Palmerston North. She is also a Fellow of the Chartered Accountants of Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) and the Past CAANZ President. Nives is the current President (NZ) of the Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand (AFAANZ). She is a board member of the Comparative International Governmental Accounting Research (CIGAR) Association. She was a member of the New Zealand External Reporting Board - Accounting Standards Board for two terms and she is a current member of the New Zealand Financial Market Authority Audit Oversight Committee.  Along with previous service on the CAANZ Board, she has also served on a number of Manawatu community organisations and charities governing bodies.

Nives’ doctoral research was an investigation into the effects of political risk and corporate governance on audit effort in the production of audit services in the NZ public sector.  Her main area of research and expertise is assurance, in particular the economics and production of assurance services. 

Nives' other area of research and expertise is in financial reporting and assurance; in particular, financial reporting in for-profit and not-for-profit/public sectors, assurance services and market regulation.

Nives contributes to the development of professional standards, guidance and policies for practising auditors and accountants in New Zealand and internationally based on her research and expertise in financial reporting and auditing.