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!

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.  

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.