2025 Board elections

Why are you interested in the role you have been nominated for, and what skills and experience would you bring to the role?

I am a Professional Director known for taking a pragmatic approach to complex challenges on a foundation of strong commitment to ethical governance. I like "gnarly problems" that demand creativity and a people-centric solution, particularly those involving founders and early-stage businesses. I have extensive experience mediating among conflicted stakeholders. 

My background is in physics, engineering, and IT, but for many years I have focused on advocating for financial integrity – tackling fraud, corruption, and money. My professional philosophy is also defined by what I don't like: bullies, financial parasites, and laggards, reflecting my conviction to stand up for what's right and push for progress.

I have significant governance experience, serving on the board of the Domain Name Commission from 2014 to 2020, and currently as Independent Chair at Amaea, (molecular filtration solutions), FCPL (financial services), Matū Iramōe (deep tech investment fund). I am a director of Transparency International (NZ), and Member of the Panel of Experts of the International Monetary Fund.

My key skills include Governance (I am a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors), Leadership, Business Strategy, and Analytical Skills, all underpinned by a deep-seated belief in human rights, science and technology, and social services.

Actions give a flavour of my beliefs: I supported and voted for the new constitution of InternetNZ. For my whole adult life I have supported green energy transition, Amnesty International and Transparency International.

As a councillor my focus would be on developing solid governance practices. I see solid fiduciary management of the .NZ asset as essential to provide resources can be used to counter those wish to exploit the power of the internet in ways that cause social harm.

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Why are you interested in the role you have been nominated for?

I believe in digital equity and inclusion: an internet for everyone. When you belong to a group that has freedom to access and use the internet it’s easy to take it for granted and a shock when you experience what it’s like without that freedom. I spent ten years building community websites in China, and have given workshops in North Korea. I’ve seen how challenging it is to communicate online when that right isn’t embedded in your society. Shortly afterwards I moved to Aotearoa.

I encountered a more empowered civil society that included InternetNZ, an organisation the like of which I hadn’t seen before. Its mission stuck with me, and I became a member in 2021.

I’ve been inspired recently by the admirable efforts of the council and membership to review and update the constitution to align with our shared values. I want to help transition InternetNZ to become a fully Te Tiriti centred organisation that delivers equitable access and opportunities, enabling everyone in Aotearoa to contribute to a sustainable, fair and prosperous internet.

At a time of growing influence of global corporate interests on civil society and the public sector, an independent DNS manager that’s dedicated to equity is a critical part in Aotearoa’s digital infrastructure. I believe InternetNZ can and should be a driving force for a free and open internet for everyone - he whāriki ipurangi mō āpōpō.

Consistent and sustainable business performance is the foundation of InternetNZ to provide funding and support to the people we serve: the partner organisations, community groups, and people who work to keep the internet open, free, and accessible to all New Zealanders. I would welcome an opportunity to help guide the strategy and governance of InternetNZ towards digital sovereignty for Aotearoa.

What skills and experience would you bring to the role?

I started my technology career 25 years ago with domain trading, and I’ve worked in product management in tech companies and research commercialisation roles at universities in Germany, China, UK, Spain and NZ.
I hold a Masters degree in Artificial Intelligence, with a PhD yet to finish, and am currently working as a consultant advising on product and business strategy in both the public and private sectors. This includes working with organisations on how to use AI technologies ethically within existing value and legal frameworks.

For the last four years I have been a co-convenor of the Green Party Technology and IT committee that manages and provides governance over the party’s IT systems. This has involved collaborating with a large and diverse volunteer community, and also participation in constitutional review and policy development.
Gaining lived experience in a Te Tiriti centric organisation has been an incredible opportunity to enhance my global perspectives with indigenous knowledge, and given me the ability to apply community-focussed approaches such as co-governance and consensus based decision making.

I’m a systems thinker with a focus on relationship building - moving between cultures has made me appreciate the importance of being part of values-based and purpose-driven communities. I thrive on meeting people - please reach out if you want to chat!

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What skills and experience would you bring to the role?

I'm 57 years old and semi-retired which affords Me the luxury to work on projects such as civics roles, like volunteering and board memberships; and personal projects like electronics, programming, writing music and house renovation. 

Why vote for Me?

1. I'm honest and honourable. I'll always make a decision that I think is the most fair.
2. I have a plethora of experience, both technical and governance, that can help Me make informed decisions.
3. I'm a hard worker, well organised and enjoy reaching goals.

I've been working on the Internet for over 30 years building my own businesses (mainly Spinning Planet Limited) and helping other businesses. I have a strong background in design, systems administration and business strategy. Here's some high points:

• With a friend, we created New Zealand's first e-commerce website for EziBuy Clothing Limited.
• I created New Zealand's first on-line University course for Silicon Soils at Massey University.
• I was contracted to design and teach courses in Web Design, 3D Animation, Business Practice, etc. for the Universal College of Learning (UCOL).
• I’ve automated my business so it mostly runs by itself, providing Me with residual income.

On the civics side of things these are the highlights:

• As Chairman of the Manawatu Chamber of Commerce I got the City Council to fund the data for a one year trial of free wireless internet in Palmerston North. The service was so successful that it’s now in multiple cities, funds itself, and is New Zealand's largest free wireless network.
• Whilst volunteering as a Business Mentor for Vision Manawatu, the Government flew Me around New Zealand to talk with other technology companies about how Lean Business processes optimised our business and created better services for our customers.
• I was a founding member for Sustainable Manawatu, which helps local businesses be more sustainable and save money.
• I was a founding Member of Digits. Digits provides struggling families with an affordable, refurbished Chromebook, an internet connection and free digital literacy tuition. 
• My most recent civics projects include free wireless in Sanson and Turangi, various roles on local boards, free business mentoring for local businesses. 

Why are you interested in the role you have been nominated for?

The .nz domain space is extremely important to New Zealand for a number of reasons such as:

1. DNS reliablility
2. Kiwi brand recognition
3. Domain disputes
4. Threat intelligence

As a board member, I'd work with our organisation to ensure we're representing our members to the best of our ability and I'll take part in projects to strengthen our organisation.

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Why are you interested in standing?

The Internet has had the most profound impact on public engagement since the printing press, yet even after decades of widespread use, we are still navigating the balance between online liberty and the need to prevent true harm. I believe I can offer valuable insights to this ongoing challenge. As a criminal lawyer with over twenty years’ experience and a Master’s degree in law, specialising in civil liberties and freedom of speech, I have spent my career defending individuals against both state overreach and their own foolishness, championing their right to be free from unwarranted state intrusion. 

Since my university days, I have maintained a strong interest in the intersection of computers, the internet, and the law. This continues to inform my legal practice, as well as my work as a director of the New Zealand Free Speech Union. As we grapple with the challenge of addressing online harms while resisting unnecessary restrictions on freedom, it is vital that the InternetNZ board includes members with expertise in these areas. As a consumer of InternetNZ’s services, and the owner of multiple domains, I am personally invested in ensuring robust, fair governance for all users.

I am also deeply interested in cybersecurity, particularly the growing threat of transnational crime and its impact on New Zealand. National domain registries must balance regulatory compliance with user privacy, navigate complex legal frameworks, and monitor online activity without infringing on individual rights—all while maintaining public trust. I am eager to contribute my expertise to InternetNZ’s mission of fostering a secure, open internet for all New Zealanders.

What skills do you bring to the role?

With over 22 years as a lawyer, I bring skills that directly address key needs on the InternetNZ Board. My experience handling serious criminal cases has given me strong analytical and problem-solving abilities—essential for understanding the complex legal and policy issues InternetNZ faces. My background covers both criminal and mental health law, as well as prosecution work in the UK, giving me a deep understanding of how laws change and affect organisations. This is crucial as InternetNZ deals with growing regulation and digital rights concerns.

In addition, I have hands-on experience shaping policies from ideas to real-world action through my roles as Policy Chair for the Christchurch East National Party and as a member of the New Zealand Free Speech Union’s Advisory Council. This experience supports InternetNZ’s advocacy and policy work. I have also worked closely with diverse communities, especially those facing barriers to accessing services, through my time as a board member and team leader at Community Law Canterbury. This aligns with InternetNZ’s goal of promoting digital inclusion.

I have led constitutional reforms and managed organisations with significant budgets and staff. As a member of the Institute of Directors, I stay up-to-date with best governance practices and strategic planning. Running a traditional law practice while tackling technical challenges daily, I understand how laws must adapt to new technologies—an insight central to InternetNZ’s mission. My skills fill current board gaps and will help strengthen InternetNZ’s leadership team.

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Why are you interested in the role you have been nominated for?

After decades as a user of the Internet in New Zealand, I’ve decided that now is a good time to take a stronger interest in what makes the internet in Aotearoa unique.

It’s undeniable that the internet is a central part of the lives of New Zealanders, and I strongly believe it’s important that the significance of that is reflected in both the specific policies and management of the .nz namespace as well as, more broadly, the guidance, advice and support that InternetNZ provides. 

What skills and experience would you bring to the role?

As a person in my mid-40s I am what many might call an “internet native” — I literally dropped out of high-school to work “in the internet” at a time when that idea was completely foreign to almost everyone. 

Starting in 1995 — at a time when a 33.6kbps dial-up connection was “fast” — I joined the helpdesk team at ihug. I worked with the company, across a variety of roles including as a DNS administrator for more than five years. Later I joined Asterisk, a Linux-focused systems integrator, as a systems administrator and web application developer. 

A redundancy in late 2002 gave me the opportunity to redirect myself towards an earlier career interest, and I re-trained for film and television, where I’ve worked predominantly since. 

However, in the past two decades, I’ve never been far from the beating heart of the internet. In more recent years I’ve done a lot of independent journalism, often touching on the online world. I co-directed (and researched) the documentary feature film TICKLED which uncovered an online bully with a two decade history of internet harassment. I also wrote extensively about online mis- and disinformation for The Spinoff, and later published the book FAKE BELIEVE about the impact of conspiracy theories in Aotearoa. 

I have strong technical skills dating back to the early years of public internet access, and have also spent years as a communicator and story-teller, in both written and visual mediums. 

The issues of disinformation and online abuse are important to me, and with which I am very familiar. 

Personally, I am also part of what I would term a “queer family” and am passionate about online safety and representation for all New Zealanders.

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Why are you interested in the role you have been nominated for, and what skills and experience would you bring to the role?

The future of the internet in Aotearoa hinges on strong, principled leadership that defends openness, fosters innovation, and safeguards freedom. I’m standing for the InternetNZ Council because I believe in that mission—and I bring experience that’s both practical and principled to help advance it.

The governance of the .nz domain space, and the broader stewardship of New Zealand’s digital infrastructure, demands diverse voices committed to both technological literacy and civic freedom. I offer a track record of organisational leadership, community engagement, and strategic vision grounded in democratic values. My work spans ethical, political, and cultural domains—with a deep commitment to inclusive policy-making.

InternetNZ is a crucial kaitiaki of our digital commons. I want to see it continue to lead in promoting open access, privacy, and digital equality—while standing firm against encroachments on freedom of expression. That’s the future I want to help shape on the Council.

I bring a unique blend of leadership, policy expertise, and values-driven advocacy that aligns closely with InternetNZ’s kaupapa.

As Chief Executive of the Free Speech Union, I lead a nationwide organisation committed to defending open discourse, including online freedoms. This role requires deep understanding of digital rights, legislative frameworks, and the real-world consequences of internet policy. I’ve successfully campaigned against overreaching content regulation and have made detailed submissions on bills affecting the digital landscape, such as the Harmful Digital Communications Act and proposals for online safety reform.

I’ve worked at the intersection of policy, civil society, and digital rights. I’ve led national campaigns, advocated for evidence-based regulation, and collaborated with cross-sector partners to promote transparency, accountability, and robust public debate. In an increasingly complex regulatory landscape, I’ve consistently made the case for empowering individuals and communities online—not entrenching control.

My governance experience includes managing complex stakeholder relationships, overseeing strategic direction, and ensuring financial and operational integrity within a not-for-profit. I’ve worked constructively with civil society, iwi organisations, academics, and government agencies, adopting a collaborative approach that I believe is similarly crucial to InternetNZ’s mission. These skills would enable me to contribute meaningfully to areas of need on the existing board.

In addition to my public policy credentials, I have strong communication and engagement skills—essential for bridging technical domains with public understanding and for representing diverse community interests. I am confident navigating media, engaging with ministers and regulators, and communicating across cultural and political lines.

I also bring a principled perspective. I believe the internet should remain free, decentralised, and equitable. But I’m also pragmatic, understanding the policy trade-offs and governance challenges that come with protecting those ideals. 

Above all, I bring a passion for ensuring the internet remains a space where all New Zealanders can thrive—secure, connected, and empowered. I would be honoured to support InternetNZ in stewarding that vision.

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Why are you interested in the role you have been nominated for, and what skills and experience would you bring to the role?

Managing Director Kaye-Maree Dunn, alongside her brother Mita, founded Making Everything Achievable (MEA) in 2010. Recognised by the media as a “wahine Māori tech entrepreneur,” she has left an indelible mark in the Digitech industry. Kaye-Maree has over twenty years Governance experience serving as a previous Board member of NZ Tech and Tū Ātea – the Māori Spectrum Trust. She has contributed to InternetNZ research on the Future of Internet and Māori communities, she served as MC for the recent Kauwaka National Internet Hui and overseen the release of the Mapping of the Māori Tech Sector Report in 2023.

Kaye Maree has a keen interest in tech also includes Digital Identity and Innovation and as the Managing Director of Ahau NZ Limited and Indigital Blockchain Limited. 

She extends her leadership to various community kaupapa including serving on the boards of North Hokianga Development Trust and Āhau Tātai Hono Trust, she is also a Sir Edmond Hillary Fellow and is a Senior Atlantic Fellow through the University of Melbourne and a fellow of Asia21 and the Young Business Leaders network of Asia NZ.

With a focus on relationship building, strategy, facilitation, and human-centred design, Kaye-Maree ensures individuals have the tools and support needed to govern with confidence. For the past ten years, she has collaborated with Te Whare Hukahuka, working with rangatahi and iwi groups in the Ka Eke Poutama program, actively training emerging leaders and contributing to New Zealand’s economic potential by uplifting the transformative capability of whānau, hapū, and iwi.

Residing now on her papakāinga in Hawkes Bay with roots in Taitokerau, Kaye-Maree finds joy in singing, sharing kai, and connecting with friends. 

In 2023, she was honoured as Māori Entrepreneur of the Year at the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Awards by the Global Entrepreneurship Network New Zealand (GEN NZ) and recognised as Kaiāwhina of the Year at the Te Hapori Matihiko Awards. Early this year, she earned a Certificate for AMINZ Mediation Skills Intensive and received a Certificate of Recognition from Kanapu for her outstanding contributions to strengthening connections between Māori researchers, scientists, innovators, knowledge holders, and hapori.

Her interest in serving the community and Board of InternetNZ is due to the significant development potential the Internet plays in our daily lives and what possibilities we can enable and activate through supporting communities equitable access to education, research and capability opportunities.

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Why are you interested in the role you have been nominated for, and what skills and experience would you bring to the role?

I am currently a development consultant, working in the Cook Islands as a Safeguards Specialist for ADB airport and hospital projects that are to help to protect and support the recovery of its important tourism industry from any threat of another pandemic. 

I have maintained my membership of InternetNZ over several years and believe I can offer some of my own experience to their Board.

In 2004 I was appointed as a NZ Advisor for Distance Learning to the Cook Islands Ministry of Education. I had been working at the Correspondence School in Wellington for 15 years as a Regional Advisor in South Auckland and North Auckland, introducing online learning to distance students who were carrying out their schooling at home. In the Cook Islands, my new role was basically the same, but this time introducing secondary students in schools on our 11 smaller inhabited outer islands, to online learning. I followed Telecom NZ as they installed the internet on each island and taught these tiny, isolated island communities how they could use the internet to communicate with the outside world. 

This activity of connecting islands to the internet led me in 2006 to join the Pacific Islands Chapter of the Internet Society (PICISOC) and eventually being elected to their Board and continuing similar internet development work across the wider Pacific region, especially during my term as their Board Chair (2011-2016).

The role of Board leadership was not new to me, as I had been the Board Chair of James Cook High School in Manurewa, Auckland, for 9 years and during the last 4 years was appointed by the Ministry of Education to also Chair the Establishment Board of a “school for the new millennium” (as the then Prime Minister, Helen Clark called it during its opening in 2004). The goal for Alfriston College was to introduce innovative internet technology (at that time) that would enhance student learning as a major feature of this new school. 

Board management of schools made me change my course of studies towards a business degree and eventually a Masters in Management which was helpful in my future leadership roles within the Pacific and eventually, internationally. 

I joined ICANN’s At-Large community, that serves the interests of internet users globally as a Fellow at an ICANN meeting in Cartegena in 2010. In 2013, I was appointed to the At-Large Advisory Committee (ALAC) and at the same time, I became the Liaison to the section of ICANN that deals with Country-Codes (such as .nz) - learning about ccTLD management. I only left that role when I became the Chair of the ALAC for the next 4 years and concluded my 10th and final year as Vice Chair in 2023.

 I have been on the Board of the regional gTLD, DotAsia, since 2016, and in 2023 was elected for a three-year term to the Board of the Internet Society (promoting internet development globally). Both are not-for-profits who generously support the communities they serve.

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Why are you interested in the role you have been nominated for, and what skills and experience would you bring to the role?

Tēnā koutou katoa,

Ko Peter-Lucas Jones tōku ingoa, ko Te Aupōuri te iwi, kei Te Hiku o Te Ika tōku kāinga. Kia ora mai anō tātou.

The internet is not a luxury, it's a fundamental part of modern life, and its governance must reflect both the complexity and potential of that reality. I’m standing for the InternetNZ Board because I want to help shape a better future for the internet in Aotearoa. I bring a rare mix of professional governance experience, technological leadership, and a results driven track record in public, non-profit, and commercial sectors. My background includes leading award-winning AI and language infrastructure projects, chairing a Te Tiriti o Waitangi Settlement entity, and holding multiple governance roles across broadcasting, local government, and iwi. I also bring a practical understanding of indigenous data sovereignty, and data governance for the advancement of AI.

I’m particularly interested in helping InternetNZ strengthen its long-term strategic relationships and asset base. As a steward of the .nz domain, InternetNZ holds a unique position, and is both a guardian of public interest and responsible for managing high-value digital infrastructure that generates revenue. This dual responsibility requires a Board that is not only values driven but commercially astute. I believe my experience in balancing values driven imperatives with financial outcomes is relevant to this challenge.

Digital inclusion remains a critical issue for Aotearoa. Many New Zealanders still lack meaningful access to the internet, regardless of whether this is due to geography, affordability, literacy, or infrastructure. This digital divide cuts across urban and rural lines, across age groups and income brackets, and now extends to include access to computational power, data, and algorithms. These are foundational enablers of modern innovation, productivity, and participation in the age of AI. As someone who has delivered digital solutions, I understand the barriers and the opportunities these issues present. 

Furthermore, internet safety and trust must be central to InternetNZ’s future. We must ensure that people feel safe and in control online. I believe this work should be grounded in evidence, community engagement, and smart regulation.

• I serve as Chair of Te Rūnanga Nui o Te Aupōuri, and Te Whakaruruhau o Ngā Reo Irirangi Māori (The Iwi Radio Network), Deputy Chair of Whakaata Māori (Māori TV), and have also been a Chair and member of Audit & Risk Committees in public sector roles.
  
  

• As CEO of Te Hiku Media, I have led a dedicated team of professionals and community volunteers to develop globally recognised language and AI powered platforms, earning recognition on the TIME100AI list in 2024. This includes the development of cutting-edge te reo Māori natural language processing tools, including speech-to-text and text-to-speech systems.
  
  

• As a strategic thinker, I bring significant experience forging partnerships and collaborations across sectors. I’m a person that is always focused on results, inclusion, and long-term sustainability.

In short, I bring leadership, commercial insight, and proven governance capability that will support InternetNZ’s growth and resilience. 

Kia tau mai anō te manaakitanga o te Wāhi Ngaro ki a koutou katoa.

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Why are you interested in the role you have been nominated for

The DNS system should exist to make it easy and safe for you, your children, organisations, societies, clubs, businesses, and the like to get online. But has it worked?

The Government's stance on mobile phone use by teenagers suggests that it has not. Physically, emotionally, financially and sexually harmful content just clicks away every time we visit the internet—and I’m sure the originators of the world wide web did not intend it that way.

Most of us had the technology and drive to help create this online world; now we need that same ambition to ensure the world we helped create is safe and fair for all. We need both technical and human solutions to these wicked problems.

Do you remember when Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr (etc.) were places to share photos of pets and babies with family and friends, or to start a small business? I do, but that ended about five years ago when I realised that I was the product being sold, and no amount of denying friend requests, avoiding dating sites, or reporting misinformation and scams would make their algorithms stop. So, if you go looking for me on the social media, I’m hoping my footprint is hard to find.

I’m interested in joining the board of InternetNZ to ensure the fight to keep .nz domains safe and reflective of our bicultural society continues. I want people to know that the information they get from a .nz domain is fair, honest, backed up by facts, representative of a variety of voices, upholds the values of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and that the .nz web is a safe space for all.

What skills and experience would you bring to the role? 

I’m your not-so-average, semi-retired white male. I’m a product of the Commonwealth; my father had us moving continents as soon as my mother wanted to hang curtains in our family home. Over the years, this morphed into being a member of a Tri-Nations family with an LGBTQ+ twist. All the women in my immediate and extended family have been the primary breadwinners for their respective families—so equity and equality for women is the only norm I know and will stand for.

For about 30 years, I’ve been playing with technology—writing code (and winning awards) since back when that was done in a text editor. I’ve got a science degree from the University of Queensland and a Master’s from the University of Cape Town. Professionally, I’ve done everything from picking up stones in an empty field in a sleet storm, to driving trucks, and piloting aeroplanes, but my niche became Educational Technologies at Tertiary Institutions, where I worked for many years. I was the operations manager for Learning Technologies at the University of Cape Town before winding back to semi-retirement, doing the secretariat role for a society for academic and professional staff in the technology-enhanced learning space at Universities across Australasia. In this role, I manage and maintain websites as well as the society’s membership, meetings, finances, and events.

Having lived permanently in New Zealand for over seven years now, I am keen to contribute in a different way. I feel this role would combine my technical skills and knowledge, my experiences with educational organisations and professional associations, alongside my principles and values as a husband, parent, and community member.

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Why are you interested in the role you have been nominated for, and what skills and experience would you bring to the role?

I've worked in the IT industry since 2008, starting at Apple and moving on to IBM, Weta Digital, and Red Hat/IBM. As a sys admin, I've set up DNS servers, I've tinkered with hobbyist DNS systems, and I've managed websites and domains for organisations and for personal use. I'm an immigrant and I've enthusiastically adopted Kiwi culture as my own, so I'm keen to foster our culture online, and to support New Zealand's presence on the worldwide web and beyond.

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What skills and experience would you bring to the role?

Like many who were adults when computers arrived in our homes and smart phones into our pockets,  I grew up analogue, and a calculator was the most technical kit I had. That, together with a love of learning, gifted me change resilience and an ability to pivot in a way I consider a really valuable skill. I’ve continued exploring information technologies with enthusiasm my whole life.

My science teaching career began as technology landed in the classroom, smart boards were the new norm and students shifted from paper to keyboard. I knew I couldn’t be an effective teacher if I didn’t keep pace with the IT language, modalities and landscapes my students moved in. I signed up at Massey and graduated with a Master of Education in e-Learning in 2018 while working full time as a web channels admin at MBIE.

Researching how students navigate self-directed learning in technology-rich environments and manage focus in online learning spaces continued a thread of working with and for rangatahi that remains important to me. 

My own kids are adults and I no longer teach, but my operational experience as a digital Product Owner, web admin, stack manager, accessibility specialist and more recent policy-setting work is still informed by a deep commitment to safe online spaces for all. I’ve been lucky to work with a range of people – from our amazing youth, small businesses, NGOs, and families, to crafting advice for government leaders and Ministers. 

I believe it’s important for us to balance pragmatism with principles to confidently govern and support our increasing dependence on our web domains.   

Experience & expertise:

• Committed to active equity and enabling perspectives other than my own

• Good foundational tech knowledge

• Advanced IT communications skills – particularly communicating specialist 

knowledge for decision-making to non-specialists (inc. the public)

• 15 years in NZ central government IT, currently in senior leadership

• Led product development for single and multi-agency programmes 

• Stack management, migration, UX lead

• IT governance and risk management specialism

Why are you interested in the role you have been nominated for?

I’m keen to support the work of InternetNZ as our dependence on domain services grows. Working for business.govt for several years gave me real appreciation for how important small business is to the economy, with 97% of all NZ business being SMEs. Supporting them to thrive in Aotearoa and overseas helps our economy as well as our communities. 

I want to support the non- profit sector having previously served on education, family violence prevention and creative sector Boards in New Zealand and the emergency services in the UK.

I’m involved in the GCDO AI Community of Practice, and mindful with the increase in Gen and agentic AI that we have a significant job to do in governing and protecting our citizens online. I’m keen to support managing risk effectively at InternetNZ to foster and enable safe innovation.

Although we’re slow adopters of emerging tech (compared to many other countries) in Aotearoa, I believe the tech sector in NZ has enormous potential and InternetNZ has a real part to play in that success.

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Why are you interested in the role you have been nominated for, and what skills and experience would you bring to the role?

I’m standing because I believe I can bring a valuable, under-represented perspective.

At 33, I offer a generational perspective absent from most governance, combined with a decade of board and directorship experience across national and international settings.

My current roles:

• Consult across the tech sector, currently AI SaaS and specialist hardware distribution, helping develop better systems and user-focused products. 
• Member of World Anti-Doping Agency’s Athlete Council, nominated by World Rowing and elected by other International Sporting Federations;
• Chair of Sport Integrity Commission’s Athlete Commission, Aotearoa's national integrity body for all of sport and recreation;
• Director of Pūmanawa Āwhina, a social enterprise co-founded by NZ Police, ACC, and Touch NZ.
• Alternate for ICANN84 Fellowship, committed to digital governance and learning.
• The 5+ years to 2024, I led operations, project delivery, and key partnerships at Gravity Internet, a NZ ISP specialising in satellite connectivity. That gave me direct exposure to the varying digital needs and inequities that exist across our diverse communities.

I’ve also spent over a decade in one of the world’s most successful high-performance environments as an international rower for NZ. I’ve experienced and know how governance and leadership can facilitate high-performance.

I strongly support the principles of an open and trusted internet. I believe InternetNZ’s work in infrastructure, digital policy, and governance must be shaped by its members, and that the organisation must remain accessible, transparent, and responsive to the communities it serves. Every Kiwi deserves equitable opportunities to participate in and benefit from our digital future.

The Board’s own evaluation of its collective attributes indicated gaps in several areas:

• Young People: I bring insight and perspective on emerging challenges and expectations of younger New Zealanders.
• Urban/Rural/Regional: Based in Cambridge, and having served a diverse consumer base nationwide at Gravity, I understand digital equity challenges across different settings.
• Stakeholder Relations: I've led partnerships with domestic and international government agencies and commercial partners across both the tech and sport sectors.
• Public Policy & Community Engagement: My roles with WADA and the Commission involve regular consultation, advocacy, and policy reform.
• Philanthropy & Social Enterprise:  I’ve worked with purpose-driven organisations, including Waddell Associates, and served on boards dependent on community funding.
• Product Development & Innovation: My consulting work includes hands-on involvement in digital product development and optimisation.

If you want to talk further, I'd welcome it. You can contact me via Slack (NetHub). 

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When is the official campaigning period?

Campaigning is welcome throughout the official election period, which runs until voting closes at 5:00pm on Tuesday, 29 July 2025.

How can candidates and members engage during the campaign?

We encourage all candidates to join NetHub, InternetNZ’s member online forum, hosted in Slack — a simple, easy-to-use chat platform. It’s where members can kōrero (chat), share ideas, and stay engaged with key moments in our governance, including the annual Board Elections.

Why should I join NetHub for the 2025 Board Elections?

During the election, NetHub is the main place to:

• Ask questions directly to candidates — the dedicated #2025-board-candidate-q-and-a channel is already live and open for your questions.
• Learn more about candidates’ views and priorities
• See what matters to other members and join the kōrero (discussion) on key community issues.

Why can’t candidates email members directly during the election?

To protect member privacy and ensure a fair, respectful election process, candidates are not provided with access to member email addresses. Here’s why:

• Privacy and data protection: InternetNZ takes the privacy of its members seriously. Sharing contact details with candidates would breach our privacy commitments and data protection standards.

• Avoiding inbox overload and unwanted contact: We want to keep communication relevant and manageable for our members. Centralising candidate engagement through a pre-existing channel like NetHub ensures members can participate on their terms, without receiving unsolicited emails.

• Equal opportunity for all candidates: Providing direct access to members could give some candidates an unfair advantage — particularly those with more time, resources, or campaign experience.
  

I’m a member but haven’t joined NetHub yet. What do I do?

No problem — we’d love you to join the conversation. You would have received an invite to NetHub when you first became a member, but no worries if you missed it.

If you haven’t received the invite or can’t find it, just email membership@internetnz.net.nz and we’ll send you a new one. Make sure to use the same email address associated with your InternetNZ membership when signing up. 

I’m having trouble joining NetHub. Any tips?

Try the following troubleshooting steps:

• Use a different browser or device
• Clear your cache or restart your browser
• Download and use the Slack app instead of your browser. 

Still no luck? Email us at membership@internetnz.net.nz — we’re happy to help.

Is NetHub (Slack) safe to use?

Like any online platform, Slack carries some risks — but there are simple steps you can take to help protect your privacy while using NetHub:

• You don’t need to share personal information — even though it’s a space for members, consider it a public forum.
• You can unsubscribe or leave NetHub at any time
• NetHub is moderated and the InternetNZ Code of Conduct applies at all times

If you have any concerns or questions about using NetHub, feel free to get in touch at membership@internetnz.net.nz. 

What positions are available in the 2025 Board elections?

Two elected Board member positions are open in the 2025 elections. Each successful candidate will serve a term until the 2028 Annual General Meeting (AGM).

What are the key dates for the elections?

• Nominations period: 9:00am, Friday, 30 May 2025 to 5:00pm, Thursday, 3 July 2025
• Voting period: 1:00pm on Monday, 14 July 2025 to 5:00pm on Tuesday, 29 July 2025.
• Election results announced: At the AGM on Thursday, 31 July 2025, 5:30pm to 8:30pm.

Who is eligible to stand for election?

To be eligible, a candidate must be an Eligible Member of InternetNZ on or before the nomination period closes. In addition, nominees must:

• Confirm in writing their willingness to serve as an officer as defined in section 47 of the Incorporated Societies Act.
• Confirm they are not disqualified under section 47(3) of the Incorporated Societies Act or section 36B of the Charities Act.
• Meet the qualification requirements in clause 3.5 of the InternetNZ Constitution
• Confirm they have not exceeded the maximum term limit as set out in clause 3.9.2 of the InternetNZ Constitution.

What is the definition of an ‘Eligible Member’?

An Eligible Member is someone who has been a financial member of InternetNZ for at least three continuous months prior to the close of nominations. 

How do I nominate someone or myself for the Board?

The nominations period is now closed. 

What is a ‘neutral nominator’?

A neutral nominator is an individual who submits a candidate’s nomination without actively endorsing or campaigning for them. If an individual doesn't have someone to act as their nominator, the Returning Officer can provide a neutral nomination.

What are the responsibilities of a Board member?

Board members govern InternetNZ and provide strategic oversight. Their responsibilities include:

• Ensuring InternetNZ meets its national and international obligations for managing the .nz domain and Domain Name System.
• Setting and monitoring the organisation’s strategic direction.
• Approving and reviewing the budget and organisational goals.
• Appointing, supporting and holding the Chief Executive accountable.
• Overseeing InternetNZ’s ownership role in the Domain Name Commission (DNC).

Where can I find more information about the Board elections?

For details and further information, please visit the Board elections main page. Or contact us at election@internetnz.net.nz.

Where can I find out more about InternetNZ Governance?

Click on the Governance section of the InternetNZ website, where you’ll find more information, including our Constitution and FAQs, Board Charter and Board Bylaws.