Congratulations to our Breakthrough Leaders graduates of 2024!
This diverse group of wāhine from various sectors and backgrounds all demonstrated a common determination to learn and strengthen their leadership skills.
Learn more about each of our graduates below.
WGCDR JEN ROSS
Royal New Zealand Air Force
Director Communication and Information Systems
Jen is a Senior RNZAF Officer who has been serving for 28 years. Whilst her branch is Comms and Info Systems, she has taken on a variety of diverse roles during her career and was responsible for establishing the Directorate of People and Culture. Through the employment of people initiatives, her work focused on fostering authentic leadership, whilst encouraging more wāhine into Aircrew and Technical STEM related roles. She has completed deployments to East Timor (2002) and Timor Leste (2011) and participated in many military exercises around the world. She is a proud mum to Allegra and Heston, and happily married to Chris (who is the current Commanding Officer of 3 Squadron). Jen is also a member of the TechWomen Executive Council, which focuses on encouraging more wāhine to join IT roles.
AMY KNIGHTLEY
New Zealand Story Group
Director of Marketing & Communications
Amy is the Director of Marketing and Communications for New Zealand Story, whose purpose is to protect, enhance and promote Brand New Zealand to expand Aotearoa New Zealand’s reputation and value internationally. With a background in senior brand, marketing and communications roles across both private and public sectors, Amy brings a broad perspective having worked for global organisations in both the UK and New Zealand. She’s an advocate of using insights, storytelling and world-class creative to shift perceptions and enhance consideration. Amy is a member of the Board of Trustees for the Starship Foundation, which fundraises for New Zealand’s national children’s hospital. With proud links to Ngāi Takoto, Te Waiohua and Tainui-Waikato, Amy is passionate about achieving healthcare equity for all New Zealand children, particularly in Māori and Pacific communities.
BRYNLEA HUNTER-MORPETH
AIA
Chief People & Culture Officer
Brynlea is responsible for overseeing People, Learning and Organisational Development, Performance, Reward and Communications at AIA NZ.
She has over 20 years’ experience in human resources and has worked across a number of industries. Brynlea is committed to the People & Culture function, working collaboratively with the business to achieve the strategic objectives of AIA, and ensuring that all employees have the opportunity to achieve their full potential. In her spare time, Brynlea enjoys spending time with her husband and two girls – and reading a good book. She holds a BA and LLB from the University of Canterbury and an MBA from the University of Otago.
AMANDA KELLS
ANZ Bank
Head of Business, Governance and Controls
Amanda has more than 15 years of experience in Operational Risk and Compliance roles, working in both Canada and NZ. She has worked in roles that include Internal Audit, Money Laundering Compliance Officer and General Manager of Retail and Business Banking Operational Risk. Amanda currently leads ANZ’s first line risk team for the NZ Division, supporting business partners across Personal, Business Banking, Data, Technology and Funds Management. Her specialties include customer due diligence and KYC, fraud, data operational risk and governance, cyber and information security risk. Her strength lies in being able to provide a balanced and pragmatic view to managing risk that supports business strategies, ensuring positive banker and customer outcomes. She has a Bachelor of Laws and Arts, with a specialty in Asian Studies completed at Victoria University of Wellington, including time spent at the National University of Singapore. Amanda lives in Auckland and has two children aged 13 years and 15 years.
CARLA SEYMOUR
Tauhara North No. 2
OHS Lead
In my career across forestry, transport, and through significant government project involvement, I have championed safer, more inclusive work environments, guided by the principles of tikanga. My early venture into entrepreneurship and subsequent leadership roles underscore a dedication to innovation in Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and business transformation. Recognised for my transformative safety initiatives, I am committed to sustainable practices and equity, aiming to redefine professional excellence through cultural wisdom. Envisioning a future where safety practices and business transformation are guided by the principles of tikanga, I strive to build inclusive workplaces where diversity fuels our collective success. This vision motivates my continued effort to integrate cultural wisdom with safety and business transformation, setting a new benchmark for professional environments that value both individual well-being and transformative growth.
ILEY JOBIN
Northpower
General Counsel and Company Secretary
Iley has extensive experience in infrastructure industries including energy and telecommunications as well as financial and professional services both in New Zealand and Europe. Her expertise spans legal, risk, governance, ESG, sustainability and leadership development. She currently leads Northpower’s Legal and Governance team and is responsible for legal, risk, compliance, sustainability, and corporate governance across the Northpower Group. She is a lawyer and Chartered Company Secretary
BRIAR PATERSON
PwC
Partner
Briar is based in Auckland and is a partner in PwC New Zealand’s Financial Advisory Services business unit. With more than 17 years’ experience in international taxation, Briar specialises in assisting multi-national companies with their transfer pricing needs, including large global organisations and fast-growing New Zealand businesses looking to venture offshore. More recently, Briar has extended her focus to assisting companies to align their tax governance practices to Inland Revenue’s expectations. Briar is passionate about developing collaborative relationships with her clients, understanding their businesses, and helping them navigate an increasingly complex regulatory environment.
Briar is a member of CAANZ and holds a certificate of public practice. Outside of work Briar enjoys time with her husband and two children, being on the water, or reading a good book.
EDNA ‘UNGATEA TU’ITOPOU HAVEA
Victoria University of Wellington
Programme Director Pasifika Pathways; PhD candidate, Social Policy.
A born and bred Tongan who stepped into a leadership role at a very young age. As the eldest daughter in her family, she learnt to lead three older brothers and a younger sister. Following in the footsteps of her leadership role models – her mother Mele Mataiasi Lomu (eldest of eleven siblings) and father, Lelea Tu’itupou (eldest of three brothers and three older sisters). Her husband and their three kids are her leadership inspirations. Edna had the privilege to learn leadership from her parents and built that into her professional life. Edna, who is a Registered Comprehensive Nurse, has nearly two decades of experience as a lecturer teaching in both undergraduate nursing and social policy and this led to her current role. Edna is commitment to supporting diversity and equity within the workplace and in the various Boards and communities she is involved with. These include Porirua Localities, Wellington Tongan Leaders Council, Tongan Nurses Association Aotearoa, Health Quality and Safety Commission, Pacific Health Plus Service, and Victoria University of Wellington.
VASANA VANPRESEUTH
PwC
Partner
Vasana is a licensed auditor and Audit Partner at PwC based in Auckland. As an auditor, she is focused on building trusted relationships with her clients and the role of the auditor in quality and informative financial reporting. Her 20+ years as an auditor has taken her to various locations across the world including London, Grand Cayman, and New York. Vasana is a Member of the New Zealand Auditing and Assurance Standards Board, the Board with delegated authority from the XRB to develop or adopt and issue auditing and assurance standards, including professional and ethical standards for assurance practitioners in New Zealand. As PwC New Zealand’s first female Asian audit partner, Vasana is very focused on mentorship of her teams and helping to further strengthen diversity and inclusion within PwC.
JOANNA BOURKE
Pacific Foundation Corporation
CEO
Currently, as Chief Executive of Pacific Cooperation Foundation, she drives change in the Pacific with her expertise in strategic campaigns, brand growth, and leadership development, backed by over 30 years of commercial experience. As the eldest of five and a devoted mother, Joanna’s commitment to family and community is not just a part of her life; it is her life. This deep-rooted dedication fuels her drive for a positive impact, personally and professionally, making her authenticity and genuine commitment solid. She embarked on a transformative journey in the Pacific a decade ago, founding CocoNew-The Agency in Tonga. This is a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to marketing and communications. Joanna Bourke’s impact in the Pacific is not limited to her entrepreneurial ventures. Her visionary leadership has led to impactful projects like ‘Project Ikuna,’ a testament to her commitment to bridging skills gaps for the future workforce. As she continues championing progress in the Pacific, her legacy extends beyond marketing. It’s about inspiring a generation to embrace innovation, a testament to her lasting impact on the community and beyond.
CAROLINE OVENSTONE
Alpine Energy
CEO
In June 2019, Caroline joined the Alpine Energy Limited team as an experienced Chief Financial Officer. Within three years, she accepted the role of an Acting Chief Executive Officer which evolved into a full-time position November 2022. Since her appointment, the business has seen an immense development and growth with its customers and within. This included the formation of the full Alpine Executive Leadership Team, the amalgamation of NETcon and Alpine Energy Limited and the exponential growth of our customer base. After receiving her chartered accountant qualification in South Africa, she spent 10 years in practice between BDO and PwC before branching out into commerce. Prior to Alpine, Caroline was the managing director of Business operations for PFK Electronics, a globally recognised manufacturer and designer of advanced automotive technology, in South Africa for seven years. Caroline also spent time working with the New Zealand dairy industry for a local Timaru company, assisting with its continuous improvement and production excellence initiatives. Caroline’s passion lies with her family, whom she loves spending quality time with. Caroline has a strong commitment to a healthy lifestyle, where she enjoys exercising, meditating, and focusing on the family’s wellbeing.
HENI UNWIN
Cawthron Institute
Marine Scientist
Heni is a marine scientist working for Cawthron Institute in the Māori research team, Te Kāhui Āio, where her role is to interweave Mātauranga Māori and science together. She is passionate about restoring marine environments and developing sustainable solutions to ensure the protection of our taiao. Her areas of focus are aquaculture, ecotoxicology and microplastics. Her recent master’s research explored the effects of microplastic and natural (Harakeke and Tī Kouka) microfibers on the Green-lipped mussel. Heni is also the Pou Turuturu Director of the Federation of Māori Authority (FOMA) Innovation team where she advocates for FOMA members in the science sector and connects them to research, science and innovation.
NGAIRE ASHMORE
Auckland Girls Grammar
Principal
Ko Pare Hauraki, Ko Pare Waikato,
Ko Moehau te maunga, ko Tikapa te Moana,
Ko Ngati-tama-te ra me Ngati Maru nga iwi,
Ko Matai Whetu te marae
Ko au te Tumuaki o te kura Auckland Girls’ Grammar School
Ngaire started at Auckland Girls’ Grammar School as Principal in 2017 where she has been instrumental in leading teaching and learning and continues to develop the school’s culture of continual improvement and self-review. Prior to coming to Auckland Girls’, she was the Principal at Tangaroa College for nine years. In 2014, during her time at Tangaroa College she was seconded to the Centre for Educational Leadership at The University of Auckland. She worked with the First Time Principals Programme and with Emeritus Professor Viviane Robinson on the Open to Learning Programme for Principals and Senior Leadership Teams. Ngaire currently sits on a number of Boards; School Sport NZ, Auckland College Sport, The AGGS Foundation as well as the Board of Trustees of Auckland Girls’ Grammar School. She also sits on the board of The Spirit of New Zealand Trust. In 2023 she was elected to the SPANZ (Secondary Principals’ Association of New Zealand) executive committee.
ALICIA WHATA
Grey Lynn School
Principal
A School Principal is the Lead Learner at their Kura; and I am currently the proud Tūmuaki | Principal of Te Rae O Kawharu – Grey Lynn School in Inner City Auckland. A passionate teacher first; I have worked across wonderful and diverse schools across Northland, the East Coast, Rotorua, Waikato, and Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland within Aotearoa – New Zealand. I have taught across many age groups from New Entrants; 5-year-old learners to Year 11 students in Secondary School. I have had many wonderful opportunities to challenge and grow my leadership and have been impacted by colourful and diverse colleagues and mentors on my journey. Over my 29 years of service of growing young people; for the most part; teaching has also connected to dual roles of leadership across many forms; most recently in the last seven years as the Principal at Grey Lynn School. Of Ngāpuhi, Tainui, and Ngāti Toa heritage I am proud to lead as Wāhine Māori in Education. With the fierce love and support of my whānau, especially that of my husband Stan and tamāriki Tanira and Te Kahurangi who inspire and motivate me as each sunrise appears.
MICHELLE KEMP
Campbel Brown Limited
Principal Planner
Michelle Kemp (Waikato, Ngati Paoa, Rongowhaata) is the Te Ohu Amorangi Future Director of Tainui Group Holdings (the commercial arm of Waikato Tainui), a Principal Planning Consultant and member of the Leadership Team at Campbell Brown Planning. She holds a Masters of Environmental Planning from the University of Waikato and is a full member of the NZ Planning Institute. She has extensive national and international experience, having worked in both New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Te Ohu Amorangi has enabled Michelle to gain governance experience in a Māori-owned business and commercial environment, rounding out the technical expertise in planning she has developed over her career and brings to her role every day. Michelle is passionate about diversity and inclusion, inspiring others to be their best self, impowering whānau, improving Māori outcomes and levelling the playing field. An outdoors enthusiast, when she’s not in the office, Michelle loves spending time with her two children, particularly at the beach, surfing, swimming, and fishing.
MAFI FINAKI-TAHIFOTE
MAS Foundation
Head of Foundation
Mafi Funaki-Tahifote is Tongan from the village of Hihifo/Tongoleleka, HA’APAI (one of the outer islands of Tonga) and the villages of Kolofo’ou, Ma’ufanga, Tofoa – TONGATAPU (Tonga’s main island). She was born in New Zealand when her father was in the country for further studies and she had the privilege of returning with her parents to be raised in Tonga from a few months’ of age. She returned to Aotearoa New Zealand for further education and went on to complete an MBA from the University of Auckland in 2020. Mafi Funaki-Tahifote is one of the Heads of MAS Foundation since the end of March 2021. Fluent in Tongan, she is a New Zealand registered dietitian with an extensive experience in the health field, both as a dietitian (in public health and clinical dietetics) as well as in senior management roles in addition to external technical advisory roles, mainly to government ministries. Mafi also has considerable governance experience, ranging from community and education board of trustees to government appointed boards. She is currently a member of her children’s high school’s Board of Trustees.
Alongside her MAS Foundation work, Mafi continues to work part-time as a clinical dietitian and is still actively involved in the nutrition space as a consultant, technical advisor and as a volunteer. She is also an active member of her Tongan community at her local church and enjoys walking, table tennis and spending time with her family of seven and wider extended whānau. Mafi is passionate about improving health and wellbeing equity and finding community-led solutions to issues that are ‘very preventable’ and yet, often systemic.
DR JULIE WHAREWERA-MIKA
MAS Foundation
Head of Foundation
Ngāti Awa; Ngāi Tūhoe; Te Whānau-ā-Apanui
Dr Julie Wharewera-Mika brings a wealth of experience to her role at MAS Foundation and the wider wellbeing system in Aotearoa. She is passionate about advancing system transformation to uplift Māori and Pasifika wellbeing, championing mokopuna-focused whānau-centred approaches. Julie advocates for values-based leadership characterized by collaboration and partnerships.
Equipped with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Auckland, Julie has extensive expertise in the mental health and wellbeing sector as a senior clinical psychologist, a kaupapa Māori researcher and in leadership as a member of the initial Mental Health & Wellbeing Commission and as a current Commissioner of Mana Mokopuna – Children and Young Peoples Commission.
Her professional journey includes a distinguished tenure as Director of Manu Ārahi – The Flying Doctors, a postdoctoral research fellowship with Brain Research NZ and as co-Lead of Aotearoa Brain Project.
MELEANE BURGES
Dynamic Advisory
Managing Director
Meleane Burgess is an Accountant and Independent Director. She is a Chartered Member of the NZ Institute of Directors, a Chartered Governance Professional of Governance NZ, and a graduate of the University of Waikato Management School. Meleane is currently Managing Director of Dynamic Advisory Limited, an Independent Director on the Public Trust Board, Council Member at the University of Waikato, Member of the Pacific Reference Group for the Ministry of Social Development, Director of Mapu Maia Ltd, and a Trustee of Mahi Mihinare – Anglican Action. She was a future director on the NZ Post Board and the founder of the Waikato Pacific Business Network. Meleane won the Pacific Governance Leader and Rising Governance Star awards at the 2022 Women in Governance Awards and was recognised as a Pacific Woman in Business at the 2023 Waikato Pacific Business Excellence awards.
NEEHARIKA CHOWDHARY
One NZ
Head of AI and Data Products – Consumer and Business Experience
Neeharika leads AI & Data product teams that create better customer experiences and accelerate growth for One NZ. She has a decade of leadership experience across industries from roles at One New Zealand, McKinsey, Air New Zealand, and Spark. She’s passionate about creating growth at scale & speed through the cross-pollination of product, design, & technology and creating empowering environments for high performing teams. She’s a firm believer in servant leadership and loves turning North Stars into reality.