We’re delighted to officially welcome two outstanding wāhine toa to our board: Judy O’Brien and Caroline Ovenstone. Both bring a wealth of leadership, insight, and purpose-driven experience that will strengthen our organisation and shape our path forward.
Judy O’Brien
Judy is a values-driven changemaker. With a diverse career spanning education, entertainment and advocacy, she brings a unique lens to the spaces where people and systems intersect.
As Head of Culture, Inclusion & Safeguarding at New Zealand Rugby, Judy leads work to drive intersectional inclusion, prevent harm, and increase representation of women in leadership and governance.
A passionate champion for Rainbow inclusion, her track record includes facilitating peer-support programmes for transgender and non-binary communities, steering the merger of two leading LGBTQ+ youth organisations, and NZ Rugby’s triple win at the 2022 NZ Rainbow Excellence Awards.
As a communicator she is known for her ability to distil complexity into compelling messages and calls to action. Her advocacy and systems thinking make her an invaluable voice at the board table.
Caroline Ovenstone
Caroline is a Chartered Accountant and accomplished executive with over two decades of global leadership across finance, operations, and strategy. Now CEO of Alpine Energy, she is known for building values-driven organisations and bringing a thoughtful, people-centred approach to transformation.
Originally from South Africa, Caroline’s career has taken her across four continents, from BDO and PwC into executive roles in manufacturing and technology. At PFK Electronics, she led Business Operations across finance, HR, and systems development, championing innovation and resilience at every step.
Caroline’s passion for continuous improvement and inclusive leadership aligns closely with our kaupapa. Her strategic mindset and depth of experience will help guide our vision for long-term impact.
We are thrilled to welcome Judy and Caroline to the board and look forward to the leadership, wisdom, and fresh perspectives they bring. Their appointments reflect our continued commitment to diversity, purpose-led governance, and transformational impact.
Nau mai, haere mai – welcome, Judy and Caroline!