Hobson Leavy is thrilled to announce the appointment of seven trustees to join the board for UNICEF Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Rebecca Kiddle, Ian Olan, Markerita Poutasi, Heather Hayden, Tim Sutton, Jo Fair and Paul Mersi.
๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ฎ ๐๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฑ๐น๐ฒ is an experienced leader with board roles across urbanism, housing, infrastructure, and environmental management. She brings deep expertise in te Tiriti analysis, Mฤori engagement, and kaupapa Mฤori approaches. Committed to social, cultural, and environmental justice, Rebecca focuses on improving outcomes for communities and tamariki impacted by poverty in Aotearoa.
๐๐ฎ๐ป ๐ข๐น๐ฎ๐ป is a well-seasoned executive leader balancing his board portfolio. Ian brings proven experience chairing Audit & Risk Committees within both government-funded and NFP environments. Ianโs governance roles are dedicated to removing barriers to entry and promoting health, wellbeing and enjoyment for tamariki and rangatahi through the provision of sport, movement and free healthcare.
๐ ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ธ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฎ ๐ฃ๐ผ๐๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ brings an esteemed career in NZโs public service and is currently National Director, Pacific Health at Te Whatu Ora Health NZ. In recent years, Markeritaโs career has been focused on delivering health equity outcomes for Mฤori and Pasifika people across NZโs healthcare system.
๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ป brings strong governance experience across not-for-profit, commercial, and Crown entities. Most recently Chair of Amnesty International Aotearoa NZ, she has a deep commitment to advancing children’s rights, reflected in leadership roles at Save the Children NZ and Refugee Services Aotearoa. She is a proven advocate for positive change and organisational adaptability.
๐ง๐ถ๐บ ๐ฆ๐๐๐๐ผ๐ป is currently the Executive Director for UnionAID and has previously held senior roles at UNICEF, including Representative in Sri Lanka and Deputy Representative in China and Fiji. He has led programs on child welfare, supported fundraising, and advocated for childrenโs rights with governments and international partners. His longstanding involvement reflects a deep commitment to UNICEFโs mission and strategic priorities.
๐๐ผ ๐๐ฎ๐ถ๐ฟ brings over 25 years of leadership, strategy, and governance experience across NZ and internationally. Her international work has shaped a strong interest in global issues, particularly those impacting women and children. She is now transitioning into the for-purpose sector, building an executive and governance career focused on improving social outcomes in Aotearoa and globally.
๐ฃ๐ฎ๐๐น ๐ ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ถ is a well-seasoned director and spent the majority of his earlier career with PwC in the financial services and tax divisions, working his way up to Senior Partner. Since exiting professional services, Paul has been making a concerted effort to โdo things that have an impactโ and has a high level of respect for the work UNICEF does globally.
Please join us in congratulating them on their appointment.
