We are launching a new series of free, in-person governance sessions for people from Ethnic Communities who want to deepen their understanding of public sector governance in Aotearoa New Zealand. While the series is primarily designed for those with governance experience aiming to progress into senior public sector board roles, some will also welcome emerging leaders who are building their pathway into governance.
The Wellington event, Crown Entities: Governance Expectations and Director Insights, will be held on Tuesday, 21 April.
Why attend
Learn how Crown entities work
Get a clear understanding of different types of Crown entities, how they are governed, and what distinguishes them from private sector companies. You’ll also learn what is expected of Crown appointees and the attributes that set strong directors apart.
Gain real-world insights from experienced board members
The speakers and panellists, who are experienced public sector directors, will talk about their experiences serving on Crown entity boards. Expect reflections, valuable lessons and practical advice you can use on your governance journey.
Ask your questions and connect with others
Bring your questions to the Q&A session and stay for networking.
Wellington event details
Date: Tuesday, 21 April
Time: 4.30pm arrival, 5.00pm start, 7.00pm finish
Location: Bowen House (Te Iho), 1 Bowen Street, Wellington (Lambton Quay entrance)
Seats are limited – register now to secure your place in Wellington
Registrations close 5.00pm Friday 17 April.
We are also hosting an in-person event in Christchurch, with details to be added to this page closer to the event.
This initiative is part of our work to promote inclusion and representation by building governance capability and empowering ethnic community members to participate in public sector governance and decision‑making.
Speakers’ bios for the Wellington event
Stella Kotrotsos
Manager Governance and Appointments, The Treasury
Stella joined the Treasury in 2020 and has been leading the Governance and Appointments team since 2022. Prior to this, she held leadership positions at the Institute of Directors, the Department of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment, Haines, and Manpower Recruitment.
Mei Fern Johnson - GAICD, MInstD
Mei Fern is an internationally recognised lawyer with more than 25 years’ experience advising private and public sector clients on complex corporate and commercial matters. Her expertise includes mergers and acquisitions, overseas investments in New Zealand, and issues at the intersection of the public and private sectors. Her practice spans the infrastructure, technology, energy, and transport sectors. She is a partner at national law firm Russell McVeagh and also works as a consultant to the World Bank Group on disaster risk financing projects across Central Asia.
Mei Fern currently serves on the Council of Victoria University of Wellington and the Board of Directors of SEADRIF Insurance Company (Southeast Asia Disaster Risk Insurance Facility). Her previous governance and leadership roles include Director of National Infrastructure Funding and Financing Limited, Independent Member of the Capital and Infrastructure Board Committee for Health NZ Te Whatu Ora, Acting General Counsel for the Accident Compensation Corporation, and Board Member of Russell McVeagh.
She holds the GAICD qualification from the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is a member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors.
Prabha Ravi - QSM, JP
Prabha is an experienced governance leader, international education specialist, and Hutt City Councillor, with more than 25 years in senior leadership roles. She has represented New Zealand in over 47 countries, generating millions in export education earnings and building enduring global partnerships.
Prabha brings nearly 20 years of governance experience, including more than six years as Chair and Co-Chair across the arts, sports, education, health, community, women, youth, and public sectors. She currently serves on the Education New Zealand Board and the Wellington/Wairarapa Lotteries Committee. Her previous roles include establishing and chairing the Consumer Council at Hutt Valley District Health Board and serving as the founding Co-Chair of Community Governance Aotearoa.