'Legacy carries a deep sense of responsibility'

Based in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Ash Buchanan describes herself as curious, impatient and spiritual. She comes from a background blending Cook Islands, Tahitian and Kāi Tahu/Ngāi Tahu heritage. 

Ash is senior manager, member services and claims at nib New Zealand. We spoke to the 36-year-old about what motivated her to join the Tautua Pasifika Mentoring programme, along with 18 other mentees from around the country, and why governance matters to her. 

Ash Buchanan is committed to inclusive outcomes for communities

How has your ethnic, cultural or professional background informed your decision to pursue governance?

My background and life experience are central to my decision to pursue governance – they shape everything. I’m deeply guided by the strength of the ocean and the whakaaro of Tangaroa, with its ideas of navigation, resilience and balance. To me, governance is not just about oversight, but about stewardship, honouring what has come before and shaping what comes next.

My lived experience also continues to shape my perspective and challenge my thinking. It has given me an appreciation for different worldviews, the importance of representation, and the need to make decisions that genuinely reflect and serve our communities.

I come from a strong lineage of wāhine who are leaders and governors in their own right – of culture, of people and of survival. That legacy carries a deep sense of responsibility and purpose. It’s something I bring with me into every space I step into.

I’m passionate about governance because I can continue the work of those who came before me and contribute to better, more inclusive outcomes for our communities.

I’ve always held a strong interest in health and wellbeing, influenced by my parents’ long-standing careers serving the health sector and supporting our Pasifika community.  

After studying at the University of Auckland, majoring in politics and philosophy, I began working at the Southern Cross Health Society in the contact centre. During more than 12 years at Southern Cross, I worked across a range of operational roles, with a focus on service excellence and affordability. More recently, I moved to nib, where I lead our member services and claims function. It has been a significant move and I’m grateful to be supported by exceptional leadership there.  

I have also continued to study alongside my professional career. This includes te reo Māori through Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. I am completing my Executive MBA at Massey University, which I’m on track to finish at the end of this year.

Why are you interested in governance and what boards are you on?  

I am a trustee of Authenticity Aotearoa, which supports women of colour. In 2025, I also participated as an observer on the Co-operative Business New Zealand Board, which provided valuable exposure to governance in practice.

While I’m relatively early in my formal governance journey, I have had exposure through corporate and professional settings, particularly through leadership roles and involvement in strategic decision-making, risk and operational governance. I’ve also had the opportunity to contribute to subcommittees, with experience across risk and strategy. This has given me a solid foundation in governance thinking and oversight.  

I’m very much a ‘budding director’ building my capability, deepening my understanding and gaining practical experience. I’m completing a six-month governance course through my Executive MBA.  

I’m particularly passionate about leadership, people and governance, and shaping strong, sustainable organisations that deliver positive outcomes for people and communities. 

The Tautua Pasifika Mentoring programme participants and mentors, 2026. Image: Litia Brighouse-Fuavao.

I also see Pasifika ways of being, wayfinding and leadership as powerful lenses that can enrich governance practice, offering a more collective, values-driven approach to decision-making. Integrating these perspectives is critical to ensuring governance reflects the communities it serves and delivers more balanced and inclusive outcomes.  

As I work towards completing my Executive MBA, I’m looking forward to taking on additional governance opportunities and continuing to build my experience. I’m motivated to contribute a different perspective and model what inclusive, values-led leadership can look like at the board table. Equally, I believe there is a real opportunity to strengthen governance in Aotearoa by bringing more diverse perspectives into the room. I’ve been fortunate to have strong mentorship, particularly from Vanessa Stoddart CFInstD, which has been incredibly valuable in shaping my development.  

How did you hear about the Tautua programme and why did you apply?

I first came across the programme on LinkedIn and it felt like the right opportunity at the right time. I applied because I wanted to be part of something I feel genuinely passionate about, and to champion Pasifika people and support the next generation of governors, directors and leaders.  

When I found out my application was successful, I felt a real sense of joy and gratitude, along with a strong feeling that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be and on the right path. 

Tautua Pasifika group dinner 2026. Image: Litia Brighouse-Fuavao

The first workshop was held at the start of the year and gave mentees a chance to meet. How did you feel before attending?

I went into the first workshop feeling incredibly nervous, but equally excited.

Beneath the nerves, I felt a real sense of calm and reassurance. I knew I wasn’t walking in alone. I felt grounded by my tūpuna and carried by those who came before me. That gave me confidence that I was exactly where I was meant to be.

There was something powerful about being in a space with people who shared a deep passion for their communities, their whakapapa and their atua. That created a sense of connection before anything had even begun.

One thing that surprised me in the workshop was that there is no textbook or ‘right’ way to govern, but there is a wrong way.  

Being halfway through the year, I feel a strong sense of gratitude and joy from being part of this programme, and I’m consciously reminding myself to make the most of every opportunity. I’m excited about continuing to build connections with others on the same path, exploring opportunities and deepening my learning. I see this as a time to grow, to stretch myself and make the most of the experience.

I’m interested in sitting on a range of boards, particularly for-purpose organisations, as these align closely with my values.

Equally, I’m passionate about increasing representation in governance. I would like to see more directors from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, particularly in the financial services sector. I believe diverse perspectives lead to stronger decision-making and I’m motivated to be part of that shift.