Bridging the gap: Integrating New Zealand’s Asian community into governance

Panel Discussion

Speaker(s): Vanisa Dhiru, Mervin Singham, Karun Shenoy, Kennie Tsui
Date: 5:00pm — 7:00pm, 25 February 2025
Venue: Dentons Wellington
Location: Level 4, 40 Bowen Street, Wellington 6011
Price members: $50.00 incl GST
Price non-members: $100.00 incl GST

Overview

This panel discussion is created by and for the local Asian diaspora community who are already directors on, and/or aspiring directors of boards in New Zealand.

Panellists will share:

why they started their governance journey
their governance pathway to date
experiences about how they secured their governance roles
what they have learned along the way
and most importantly, their challenges, hopes and aspirations for the many future governance leaders from the local Asian community.

The aim of the panel discussion is to introduce governance approaches and opportunities in New Zealand to Asian directors, to help them become better at setting the future direction of their businesses and organisations, to achieve sustainable social and financial outcomes.

All ethnicities are welcome.

Vanisa Dhiru

MInstD

Vanisa Dhiru is an equality champion with a strong sense of social responsibility who has worked in a variety of advocacy roles throughout her career. She has assembled an astonishing collection of skills across leadership, management, marketing, communication and strategy.

Born and raised in Manawatū, she is now based in Wellington, she has served the community through a variety of both paid and volunteer commitments including previously holding the roles of National President of National Council of Women of New Zealand (NCWNZ), CEO of Volunteering New Zealand, Executive Director of 20/20 Trust and General Manager with InternetNZ.

Today, she is a member of the Institute of Directors and the Global BMW Foundation Responsible Leaders Network. She volunteers with the Wellington Interfaith Council and is a Justice of the Peace. Vanisa currently holds commissioner roles with the NZ National Commission of UNESCO and the Library & Information Advisory Commission, as well as trustee roles with the Spark Foundation, Multicultural Aotearoa NZ Trust, and He Whenua Taurikura, the National Research Centre for Countering Violent Extremism. She has recently joined the board of Global Women NZ.

Vanisa was awarded a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to community and gender rights, as part of the New Year’s Honours in 2020.

Mervin Singham

MInstD

Mervin is a highly experienced public servant who previously led the Office of Ethnic Affairs. Before becoming the new ministry’s first Chief Executive, he was the Executive Director at the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care of Faith-based Institutions. From 2012 to 2018 he held several executive leadership roles at the Department of Internal Affairs, including Deputy Chief Executive - Stewardship and Organisational Sustainability and Deputy Chief Executive - Strategy and Governance. Between 2000 and 2004 he was Chief Mediator at the Human Rights Commission and between 1997 and 2000 was the Complaints Manager at the Office of Race Relations Conciliator.

Mervin holds a Master of Laws (1st class honours) from Auckland University and a Bachelor of Laws (honours) from the University of Canterbury.

Karun Shenoy

CMInstD

Karun has operated his Wellington-based consulting practice for over 25 years, providing project management services and digital transformation consultancy. His career has largely been in the technology industry and has included managing major technology programmes, right through to founding a tech start-up.
He is currently the President of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, Chair and independent director on the Board of Copyright Licensing NZ, Chair and Trustee of English Language Partners NZ and a board member of AngelHQ.

His educational qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in Technology and a Master’s degree in Business Administration, and he is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors.

Karun was born in India and spent a couple of years in Singapore soon after completing his education before migrating to New Zealand.

Kennie Tsui

CMInstD

Kennie Tsui is a governance professional whose passion for engineering and commitment to making a positive impact on governance has transformed her into a purposeful leader. As the Chief Executive of the New Zealand Geothermal Association, she is a true asset to the organisation, bringing over 25 years of experience in pioneering climate initiatives in Aotearoa.

One of Kennie's greatest strengths is her ability to lead diverse, skilled, and innovative teams that provide collaborative and innovative solutions to complex challenges. Her experience in private, public, and not-for-profit sectors has equipped her with the knowledge and skills to navigate complex governance issues, ensuring that the organisations she leads are effective, efficient, and sustainable.

As a Chartered member of the IoD, Chartered Professional Engineer, Vice President of Engineering New Zealand, a Global member of the USA Geothermal Association, Fellow of the Gates Foundation, Trustee of Taupō Economic Development Agency and President of Scots College Parents Association, Kennie has demonstrated her dedication to excellence in governance. She draws strength from the Māori proverb, “Ehara tāku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini” which translates to "My strength is not as an individual, but as a collective." This principle guides her leadership style, and she firmly believes in the power of collaboration and inclusivity.

In all her endeavours, Kennie is committed to advancing the greater good, and her passion for making a positive impact is an inspiration to those around her. She is a true leader in the field of governance, and her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and a commitment to excellence.

Additional information

Covid-19 precautions

By registering for this event you are confirming that you agree to adhere to our Covid-19 health and safety measures. If you are unwell or have any Covid-19 symptoms please do not attend this event.