We have completed a series of free sessions for people from Ethnic Communities interested in serving on public sector board. The sessions were open to all people from Ethnic Communities. They were held in Auckland and Christchurch in person, with the Wellington session delivered online due to a severe weather warning.
They focused on real experiences, honest advice, and what readiness looks like for public sector governance.
Real governance journeys by experienced board appointees
Each session provided a clear overview of the public sector governance landscape, alongside insights from three experienced ethnic board members participating in each location. They shared their pathways to board appointments and reflections on their governance experiences.
Many started with community-based roles, professional boards, or sector-specific organisations before progressing to public sector and Crown boards.
There was a strong and consistent message - there is no single or linear pathway into governance. Each journey is different, shaped by people’s skills, values, lived experience, and the choices they make along the way. What mattered most was being clear about why they wanted to serve and what unique value they could bring to the board table.
Public accountability and political neutrality is required
Public sector boards are accountable to Ministers and the public and must fulfil their statutory responsibilities while operating under public and media scrutiny. Appointed members must maintain political neutrality and understand how government systems and processes work, while ensuring the performance of the organisation or entity.
Speakers emphasised that governance is a serious commitment that requires preparation, professionalism, patience and persistence.
Getting ready for public sector board roles
The sessions provided practical advice on building governance capability and preparing for board opportunities.
Volunteer and pro bono governance roles can offer valuable experience and help individuals develop confidence before taking on more complex responsibilities. Speakers encouraged participants to invest in governance training, keep their skills current, and build a strong professional reputation over time
Governance opportunities, particularly public sector roles, are competitive. Persistence and patience are important. Speakers encouraged participants to invest in governance training, keep their skills up to date, and build a strong professional reputation over time.
Participants were also encouraged to focus on boards that align with their values and interests, and to clearly articulate the unique value they bring. Soft skills such as listening, collaboration, confidence, and the ability to work towards collective decisions were highlighted as being just as important as professional or technical expertise.
Mentoring was discussed as an important source of support. Where possible, mentors can help build confidence and capability. Seeking feedback from board chairs can also help identify areas for development.
Strengthening the pipeline into governance
The sessions also highlighted the strong interest and capability within Ethnic Communities. Attendees brought a diverse range of skills and experiences, alongside a clear motivation to contribute meaningfully to governance discussions and decision-making.
By sharing knowledge, lived experience, and practical guidance, the Ministry aims to support a strong and informed pipeline of people from Ethnic Communities into public sector governance. This work supports greater participation in decision-making and helps ensure that public sector leadership reflects the diversity of Aotearoa New Zealand.
The Ministry thanks all speakers who generously shared their time and experience across the Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch sessions, as well as everyone who attended and contributed. We look forward to continuing to support Ethnic Communities as they build and grow their governance capability and participate in public sector leadership.
These governance sessions are delivered as part of the Ministry's Nominations Service.
Special thanks to our speakers:
- Stella Kotrosos - Manager Governance & Appointments, The Treasury
- Raveen Juradam - CMInstD
- Kim Gordon - MInstD, MAICD
- Michelle Tsui - FIA, MInstD
- Dr Daniel Tulloch - CMInstD
- Mei Fern Johnson – GAICD, MInstD
- Prabha Ravi - QSM, JP
- Dr Valerie Tan - JP
- Thomas Lin
- Dr Sunita Gautam - JP
Image (top left): Group photo of speakers from the Auckland session
Image (top right): Attendees at the Auckland session
Image (bottom left): Panellists sharing insights at the Christchurch session
Image (bottom right): Group photo from the Christchurch session