Ngāti Kuri, Te Rarawa, Ngai Takoto, Ngā Puhi
With her roots proudly in Muriwhenua, Alana Harris is the Director of Data Transformation at Whānau o Waipareira.  She has a rich whakapapa, with four generations tying her to Whānau Ora. Alana has spent her career at Waipareira, dedicated to embedding best practice Whānau Ora across te Ika-a-Māui. Working in accountancy, Alana began her journey in the finance division, transitioning to become a Whānau Ora Relationship Manager.  Throughout Covid she helped lead the Whānau Ora battalion, vaccinating whānau across the upper north island. A self-proclaimed nerd, who enjoys finding and joining the dots, Alana has more recently worked in the data and digital space crafting systems and process improvements that enable the Whānau Ora network to better tell the story of Whānau transformation.  Alana has represented Waipareira and Whānau Ora at multiple conferences, most recently as part of the New Zealand delegation to attend the Commonwealth Leaders Business Forum in Samoa in 2024. Alana is inspired by the best of Whānau Ora, evidencing how whānau, with the support of our unique systemic, can experience exponential growth and development.  She now challenges the system itself and works to affect data system change at local, regional, and national levels.
 

Andrew Webber is a seasoned economist with extensive experience in social investment and public sector strategy. As the Chief Economist at the Social Investment Agency, he plays a pivotal role in shaping data-driven policies that enhance social outcomes for communities across New Zealand. Prior to joining the Social Investment Agency, Andrew held key roles in government and education sectors, including serving as Chief Economist at the Ministry of Education and Principal Economist at the NSW Department of Education. His expertise spans economic modelling, policy evaluation, and strategic investment frameworks, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to drive long-term social impact. Andrew is a strong advocate for evidence-based decision-making, leveraging data analytics and economic insights to inform policy development. His leadership in social investment focuses on optimising funding strategies to improve well-being and equity across diverse communities. With a background in public management and economic policy, Andrew continues to contribute to New Zealand’s social investment landscape, ensuring that government initiatives deliver measurable and sustainable benefits.

Awerangi Tamihere (MNZM) is recognised globally for her pioneering work here, in Aotearoa, establishing wellbeing economies and integrating Social Value as a central anchor in investment strategies.  She has been at the forefront of designing an indigenous system for social and environmental wellbeing called Whānau Ora. Her focus has been innovating service delivery with whānau co-producing outcomes and leading their own solutions towards wellbeing goals and aspirational futures. In the last decade she has overseen more than 100 indigenous service providers shift from working co-operatively to being part of a collective network effectively measuring the impact of their work. Awerangi has seen firsthand how investing in impact creates real social value for the communities they serve. The magic sauce comes from working within indigenous knowledge systems that understand wellbeing as an interdimensional experience unique to each whānau operating as an indivisible whole.   She continues to lead in shaping impact investment programmes both in governance roles and senior leadership roles in New Zealand and globally with innovative strategies for thriving wellbeing economies that prioritise social outcomes shaped by impact investing. There are few working in this space who can speak to the heart of the matter with real world stories of change that will leave you inspired and energised for your impact measurement journey ahead.  

Brad Norman is the Chief Data Officer at Whānau Ora, where he leads the development of kaupapa Māori data strategy, digital transformation, and evidence informed decision making to support the aspirations of whānau across New Zealand.

His mahi is grounded in the belief that data is a powerful tool to strengthen whānau wellbeing, enabling services and systems to reflect the lived realities, strengths, and potential of whānau Māori. With a strong background in finance, data systems, social investment, and cross-sector integration, Brad is committed to Māori data sovereignty and ensuring data is used in ways that are ethical, empowering, and aligned with tikanga and whakapapa.

Through his leadership, Whānau Ora continues to grow its capability in Indigenous data innovation — using insights to support whānau-led solutions and drive transformational change across communities.

Catherine is the Research Manager at Ihi Research which she co-directs with her husband John a trained psychologist, Catherine began her career working with children and whānau in schools on the East Coast of the North Island. She spent a decade as a senior lecturer at Victoria University and completed her Education Doctorate at Massey University in 2006 focusing on the 2004 School Network Reviews. From 2010 to 2014 she was Chief Executive of Te Tapuae o Rehua a Ngāi Tahu education and employment initiative. Since 2014 Catherine has led a wide range of research and evaluation projects at Ihi Research, specialising in qualitative methodologies and supporting grassroots organisations to demonstrate social impact and evidence of change.

Claudia has worked across the non-profit sector in roles spanning communications, strategy, evaluation, and fundraising she co-founded a social enterprise in the UK and has experience in grant making. Driven by a passion for the power of impact measurement, Claudia helps organisations use it to tell their story and guide future direction. As Impact Strategy Lead at Hands For Impact she ensures their work supports meaningful, sector-wide change.

Clementine Baker is a New Zealand-based social impact consultant with a focus on supporting organisations to measure and enhance their social impact. She leads initiatives that assist organisations in refining their long-term goals and aligning their practices to achieve meaningful outcomes. Her work involves guiding organisations through impact measurement processes and encouraging them to challenge suppliers and subcontractors to contribute to their impact journey including adopting sustainable environmental practices

Geoff Short is a seasoned New Zealand public servant with more than 25 years of experience in policy development and leadership, particularly across the social sector. Known for his thoughtful and inclusive approach, he has held senior roles in multiple government agencies, where he has contributed to shaping national strategies in education, Māori development, child wellbeing, and mental health. His career includes leadership positions such as Chief Education Advisor and Deputy Secretary at the Ministry of Education, Assistant Commissioner at the State Services Commission, and Executive Director for Child Wellbeing at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. At Te Puni Kōkiri, he led policy partnerships that supported Māori communities during the COVID-19 response. In 2024, Short was appointed Acting Deputy Director-General for Clinical, Community, and Mental Health at the Ministry of Health. In this role, he is guiding the transformation of mental health and addiction services, with a focus on system reform and improving access. Geoff Short holds degrees from the University of Waikato and Victoria University of Wellington. In recognition of his service, he was awarded the New Zealand Public Service Medal in 2022.

Hector has a conjoint BA/BMus and a Master of Art (Hons I) in Māori Studies from the University of Auckland. He has worked professionally for the last 18 years as a kaupapa Māori researcher/evaluator in the social and health sectors. He has extensive experience in all parts of the research and evaluation process including project management, research design, proposal writing, data analysis, methodology design, data collection, data analysis and dissemination and publication of results. Hector’s research and evaluation portfolio is varied and diverse having worked in areas such as positive youth development, physical activity, and nutrition, social marketing, sexual health, literacy, tobacco, the media, alcohol, gambling, mentoring, interpersonal violence, disabilities, and fire safety. He is currently the Director Wai Rangahau.

 Kotimana, Tiamana, Airani, Wīwi
Helen Leahy is Pou Ārahi at Ngā Waihua o Paerangi. She brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role at Ngā Waihua o Paerangi. The former Pouārahi of Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu, Helen holds numerous board positions including  Director; Social Investment Board; Trustee, Te Ao Marama Aotearoa Trust; Member, Māori Monitoring Group, Ministry of Health; and Edmund Hillary Foundation fellow. Helen was Chief of Staff for Te Pāti Māori when the party first entered Parliament following the 2005 general election until 2015, she was also Senior Ministerial Advisor to Hon Tariana Tūria. She is author of Crossing the Floor; the story of Tariana Turia (2015).Passionate about the Whānau Ora kaupapa, Helen has also made significant commentary about the recent tender outcomes, notably stating “Whānau Ora is a love story – essentially it is about falling back in love with ourselves. Believe it. Be it. Live it”

He uri tēnei o Taranaki Maunga, Hiria Te Paki (Ngāti Ruanui, Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi, Ngaruahine) is the Social Investment Lead at Social Value Aotearoa, where she advances kaupapa-driven innovation and relational investment strategies that uphold the vitality and resilience of both whānau and Papatūānuku. Her approach is guided by deep cultural integrity, ensuring that impact is not only measured but meaningfully felt across generations and landscapes. Passionate about impact reporting, Hiria is committed to building capability across the sector by supporting Advanced Practitioners to deliver the two-day Social Value & Social Return on Investment (SROI) training. She is also part of a team who deliver the Level 1 Associate Practitioner certification and exam, helping embed meaningful impact measurement practices throughout Aotearoa. Her mahi is grounded in whakapapa, driven by purpose, and guided by the belief that meaningful change is measurable when it’s built on relationships that matter.

Jamie is the founder and CEO of Soul Capital. A recovering academic with a background in social entrepreneurship, he’s pathologically optimistic about our ability to do investing better and create an economic system that serves people while protecting and regenerating nature.

James Stewart leverages over 20 years of experience in infrastructure finance, financial services, and impact investment to unlock housing investment across New Zealand. He has significant governance and management experience, having served on multiple boards and provided project finance and commercial strategy advice through Gemelli Consulting, where he was a director for 14 years. James is currently a board member at Money Sweetspot,  asocial enterprise helping New Zealanders get out of debt and Christian Savings, New Zealand’s only dedicated lender to churches and Christian Charities.

Ōraka Aparima | Ngāi Tahu | Kāti Māmoe
Dr. Jay Whitehead uses economic tools to reveal the hidden value within people and the environment. Natural ecosystems provide over $145 trillion in services annually through air and water purification, climate regulation, crop pollination, and raw materials. And yet, this value often goes unrecognised.  My research has shown that investing in education can return $125 in benefits to the New Zealand economy for every dollar invested. And yet, these enormous financial benefits are not discussed. My work is focused on revealing hidden value beyond the accountant’s balance sheet. Decision makers often focus on monetary values—the ‘bottom line’. To get attention for topics of critical importance, we need to speak in the language of decision-makers and demonstrate the enormous value provided by nature and communities. The use cases for this type of analysis are numerous and include: Attracting impact investment, Communicating to high-value markets, Obtaining funding for environmental and social initiatives, Supporting a business case for ‘doing good’,  Shifting mindsets and ingrained systems, Underpinning biodiversity and carbon credits, Building community support; and many more. Multiple organisations have used my research to attract millions in funding. I have worked in the public sector, the private sector, and universities. For the past few years, I have run Matatihi, an organisation focused on inter-generational well-being through helping organisations that share the same vision.
 

Jarrah is driven by making sustainable business mainstream. He pairs a background in strategy and operations consulting with a deep care for people and planet, helping businesses seize opportunities in ESG. As a people-person, Jarrah enjoys building genuine relationships with clients to support them long-term.

Welcoming Jeremy Nicholls back to the Social Value Aotearoa stage for Investing in Impact 2025 Conference in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand! As the founding CEO of Social Value International, Jeremy has been a driving force in the global movement to make social impact measurement meaningful and actionable. With a career spanning finance, sustainability, and social enterprise, Jeremy has worked at the cutting edge of integrating social and environmental value into decision-making. He led the assurance framework for the UNDP Sustainable Development Group, Impact Standards, championed change as an ambassador for the Capitals Coalition, and played a key role in shaping international standards for impact through ISO committees. Jeremy has dedicated his career to pushing boundaries, sparking conversations, and ensuring that social value is at the heart of decision-making. Expect thought-provoking insights, bold ideas, and plenty of inspiration as Jeremy helps us navigate the future of impact in Aotearoa New Zealand!

In partnership with JBWere advisers, John supports organisations in strengthening their governance, reviewing their mission, solving high value strategic issues and supporting fit-for-purpose impact evaluation. He also serves JBWere private clients, individuals and families, in advising on philanthropy, and supporting more widely good philanthropic practices in New Zealand. John facilitates collaborations amongst funders and charities in providing leadership in tackling tough problems and being a catalyst for measurable social impact and systemic change for communities. John joined JBWere from a boutique strategy advisory business that he co-founded in 2009.  He has been working for the last ten years with various boards, organisations and individuals that are on a journey towards sustainability and intent on creating positive social and environmental impact.  In this work he has advised on the design and establishment of two large fundraising foundations, Well Foundation and Auckland Health Foundation. John services on the board of FestivalOne, a charitable company that annually runs a four-day festival in partnership with Ngāti Hauā of Tainui.

Kaapua Smith (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Apa, Ngāi Tahu) is KPMG NZ’s Head of Impact. With a background in Kaupapa Māori and ESG stratetgy and reporting, Kaapua has been a revolutionary force within KPMG NZ leading the development and co-design of NZ based methodologies which bring a Māori approach to management consulting tools, including the development of outcomes measurement and realisation approaches.  Using these tools, she works with Government, Māori and private sector clients, helping them to address dynamic multi-stakeholder challenges, drive, deliver and measure social impact.

A proud graduate of Kōhanga Reo and Kura Kaupapa Māori, Kaapua is passionate about transforming outcomes for communities in Aotearoa, particularly for whānau Māori. Over a career spanning more than 20 years she has worked for Māori, private and government sector agencies including Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga, Whakāta Māori, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Te Puni Kōkiri, Contact Energy and more. Kaapua was also a trusted advisor to Hon Dr. Pita Sharples (Minister of Māori Affairs) and Hon Dame Tariana Turia (Minister of Whānau Ora) for 7 years during their time in government. 

In addition to her role as a Consulting Partner at KPMG,  Kaapua is a Trustee of Toitū Ngāti Porou, and Ngā Wairiki Ki Uta Hapū Trust and is currently studying towards her PhD at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi.
 

Kevin has more than 25 years’ experience in impact measurement, social valuation, evaluation, social innovation and collaborative leadership across the social enterprise, for-purpose, government and philanthropy sectors. Before joining Think Impact, Kevin was the CEO of United Way Australia where he led the organisation through developing an impact-led strategic plan, and Executive Director with Social Ventures Australia where he led their work on social innovation for seven years. Kevin was CEO of Forth Sector, one of Scotland’s leading social innovation organisations and he also worked across Europe on multinational projects tackling social exclusion. He has been a special advisor to the UK Government Cabinet Office (Office of Third Sector) and the UK Big Lottery Fund, was on the Board of the Scottish Social Enterprise Coalition and has worked in community development and tackling homelessness.

Marje is a Technical Director of Environment and Sustainable Business at Tonkin & Taylor Ltd, environmental and engineering consultants. She has an extensive background in non-financial assurance and environmental management, including as General Manager, Environmental Certification Services at Telarc New Zealand & International Accreditation New Zealand in the 1990s and various other environmental and sustainable business assurance. She is a Director of Crown Research Institute, Manaaki Whenua and sits on the Audit and Risk Committee. Marje is a member of the New Zealand Planning Institute, the Resource Management Law Association and is a Chartered member of the Institute of Directors.

(Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Whātua, Ngāpuhi) is the Chief Executive Officer (Upoko Whakarae) of Te Tihi o Ruahine Whānau Ora Alliance with a background in nursing and a lifelong commitment to Māori health and wellbeing she has led kaupapa Māori initiatives for over two decades. Materoa has held leadership roles across health and education including Chair of the Mental Health Foundation and Director at Te Rau Matatini. Known for her strategic, mana-enhancing leadership she champions system change and equity for whānau Māori.

Michele Wilson (Tainui, Ngāti Pāoa) is the Aotearoa Manager for B Lab Australia & Aotearoa New Zealand. Michele has long been an active member of Kiwi B Corp community and a passionate advocate for using business as a force for good. A trailblazing business leader known for her inspiring entrepreneurial spirit, Michele is the co-founder and former CEO of B Corp AWWA Period Care. Following a successful career in corporate law, Michele embarked on a transformative journey reconnecting with her Māori heritage and traditional healing practices. This led to the creation of Frankie Apothecary, a rongoā-based skincare company, and later, AWWA, which integrates sustainability and mātauranga Māori into its mission and products. Michele’s commitment to uplifting mātauranga Māori continues with her groundbreaking work on Ehoa, the world’s first indigenous period tracking app to incorporate Maramataka—the Māori lunar calendar—alongside menstrual cycle tracking. She is also leading a two-year research project exploring the societal and workplace impacts of disregarding menstrual cycles and advocating for the integration of cycle syncing into education systems and workplace structures. In her new role with B Lab AANZ, Michele is focused on nurturing and growing the Aotearoa B Corp community - supporting businesses on their certification journey, strengthening impact, and exploring new collaborations to accelerate systems change.
 

 Nicola is passionate about combining business models and positive impact to deliver social and environmental change. She holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of commerce and Administration from Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington.
Nicola has over 15 years experience in public and private sector consulting, including roles at MBIE, Kiwibank and Deloitte. She has held senior procurement roles in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally; most recently at the World Bank. Having been with Ākina since 2018, Nicola started as Tumu Whakarae in October 2021 and is proud to lead a talented
and passionate Ākina team on a journey to create positive change in people’s lives and for our planet. Qualifications - LLB / BCA - Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University, Wellington.

Ngāti Pūkeko, Ngāti Awa, Ngāi Tūhoe) is Executive Director of Research and Innovation at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi with a background in psychology and public health, he is a leading Māori academic whose work spans Māori mental health, psychometrics and Indigenous wellbeing.
He has played a key role in national research projects including Growing Up in New Zealand and led the development of the Whānau Ora Outcomes Framework, a strong advocate for kaupapa Māori research and Māori data sovereignty, Professor Kingi’s contributions continue to shape policy, research and Māori development in Aotearoa.

Rachael Randal has nearly two decades of cross-sector experience spanning local government, community-led NGOs, and strategic consultancy. As Manager of Social and Economic Equity at Auckland Transport, Rachael leads the strategic embedding of social and environmental sustainability goals across over $2billion in annual procurement spend. The aim is to multiply social and economic benefit for Aucklanders through how local government delivers projects and services. She sits on both the Sustainability and Procurement Leadership Teams at AT, driving enterprise initiatives and supporting capability building at all levels.

Rebecca is a social impact practitioner with 17 years of experience across the for-purpose, government and private sectors working on social and environmental challenges. She holds qualifications in public policy, marketing and a Master’s in International and Community Development. An Accredited SROI practitioner Rebecca is one of only three people in Australia qualified to deliver SROI training.
She is especially passionate about improving the lives of older people through better policy and services and serves on the Board of Lively, which connects young job seekers with older people in need of support. Outside of work, she enjoys nature, travel, and bushwalking, and is learning Spanish in her spare time.

Ngāti Kuia, Rangitāne o Wairau, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, Ngāti Whakaue.
Selah is the interim National Director Hauora Māori, Health New Zealand and is a widely respected leader in Māori Public Health with over 18 years’ experience driving transformative health outcomes. Selah’s leadership has consistently demonstrated the importance of fostering community and iwi partnerships to co-design innovative and culturally aligned models of care. Her tenure as Chief Executive Officer of Hāpai Te Hauora exemplifies her values-based approach to public health, embedding tikanga Māori practices to benefit Māori and non-Māori alike. She has played a key role in delivering equity-focused strategies, improving accessibility for underserved communities, and enabling systems-level change.
 

Simon focuses on strategy, governance, managing to outcomes and leads Social Ventures Australia work on Social Value and Social Return on Investment (SROI). He is a level 3 accredited Social Value and SROI practitioner and an accredited trainer, having trained more than 2,000 people across Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, and Singapore. Simon is the Founding Chair (now co-Chair) of the Social Impact Measurement Network of Australia (SIMNA) and a Senior Advisor to Social Value International (SVI; formerly a trustee and coChair). Simon has shared his expertise and perspective in many articles and presentations over the years. This includes the Social Ventures Australia Quarterly articles Indigenous evaluation: how you do it is as important as what you find out, A guide to social impact measurement, Seven pitfalls to avoid in outcomes measurement and SROI revolution or evolution.

Shaurya brings a strong business development edge to sustainability consulting, advising global companies on growth, market entry, and ESG strategy. At &BLOOM, he applies his expertise to align commercial ambition with impact, driven by a deep passion for purpose-led growth and real-world sustainability outcomes.

Dr. Sneha Lakhotia is a globally recognised expert and accredited trainer in Social Return on Investment (SROI). With international credentials in impact measurement, she brings extensive experience in helping organisations assess and communicate the social value they create. Her work spans sectors and regions, where she has supported nonprofits, social enterprises, and government agencies in embedding impact-driven strategies. As an accredited SROI practitioner and trainer, Dr. Lakhotia is committed to building capacity in social impact evaluation and fostering evidence-based decision-making. Dr. Lakhotia’s approach is grounded in academic rigor and practical experience, making her a trusted advisor and educator in the field of social impact.

Sydney is dedicated to moving the needle on ESG with a proven track record of assisting European firms in advancing their ESG agendas, she aims to bring this expertise and best practices to the Pacific. Unique to her approach is a strategic value creation lens helping investors and businesses seize opportunities where ESG meets value creation.

Te Pūoho Kātene is a Māori leader and social innovator whose work bridges Indigenous knowledge, environmental sustainability and equitable economic development. As Kaihautū of Tapuwae Roa he leads investments that generate long-term social, cultural, and economic value for Māori communities especially in education, leadership, STEMM, and mātauranga Māori. A Fulbright scholar and Stanford graduate, Te Pūoho applies global expertise to community-led development advancing models like “kumara economics” - an approach to investing that nourishes collective wellbeing rather than extracting value. His governance roles across iwi trusts, social enterprises and impact investment funds reflect his commitment to regenerative systems that uplift people and whenua alike. His leadership is reshaping how capital, policy and Indigenous values intersect to create lasting intergenerational impact.