Source: Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono
Thirty-six emerging leaders are joining the Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono Leadership Network and will be formally inducted in Auckland on 14 November, as the network marks its 20th year.
Selected from a strong field of applicants, the 2026 intake brings together a broad range of talent, experience, and curiosity about Asia from across New Zealand.
Since 2006, more than 500 New Zealanders have joined the network. Members build their skills through workshops, hui in New Zealand and Asia, and networking with peers and alumni.
Asia New Zealand Foundation Deputy Chief Executive Adele Mason says this year’s intake reflects the importance of equipping more New Zealanders to engage confidently with Asia.
“Twenty years is a significant milestone for the Leadership Network,” Adele says. “The world our newest members are stepping into is very different from the one we were preparing leaders for 20 years ago, but the value of bringing people together to learn from one another and build their own connections with Asia remains as strong as ever.”
Inductee Ripene Tito is a Senior Policy Analyst at the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, with previous experience supporting ministers across the Health and Pacific Peoples portfolios.
“Through my public service career, I’ve learned that strong relationships are the foundation of good decision-making. I’m looking forward to bringing that perspective to the Leadership Network, deepening my understanding of Asia and contributing to stronger people-to-people connections across New Zealand and the wider Asia-Pacific.”
Fellow inductee Cassidy Muir, whose career spans technology and business transformation, grew up in Malaysia and brings a personal perspective on navigating different cultures and systems.
“I’m looking forward to bringing my lived experience of navigating different cultures and systems to the Leadership Network, while learning from others and using those insights to help build a more connected and inclusive New Zealand,” Cassidy says.
At the induction in Auckland, new members will meet fellow cohort members, hear from Foundation staff and network alumni, and begin building the relationships that will support them through the programme and their careers.
This year’s Leadership Network members are:
- Madiha Ali
- Tabarek Al-Jebouri
- Leah Bell
- Maisy Bentley
- Kayden Briskie
- Sarah Colcord
- Pascarn Dickinson
- Michael Gardiner
- Alisha Gilmore
- Connor Grant
- Jimi Higgins
- Natasha Hill
- Nico Henneveld
- Aaron Hewson
- Maia Hosking
- Isla Hutching-Bryant
- Anne Joseph
- Kate Judson
- Madeline Kaa
- Geogia Lala
- Shereen Lee
- Emma Lloyd
- Drew McCartie
- Jack McKenzie
- Lauryn Maxwell
- Cassidy Muir
- Rore Morgan
- Isabelle Pou
- Liam Sceats
- Lucy Shand
- Dahee Sohn
- Shaheer Salman
- Emily Sionetuato
- Chrsitopher Tang
- Diana Tran
- Ripine Tito
About the Leadership Network
The Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono Leadership Network equips New Zealand’s next generation of leaders with the knowledge, connections and confidence to engage with Asia. Since its establishment in 2006, the network has supported members to build Asia-related capability, develop leadership skills and contribute to stronger people-to-people links between New Zealand and the Asia region.