Shamia (Te Āti Awa Nui Tonu, Taranaki, Ngāti Ruanui, Ngā Ruahinerangi) is a Māori strategist, researcher and governance professional with extensive experience including across public, community, health and education sectors. She brings expertise in social policy, kaupapa Māori/Te Tiriti o Waitangi, strategic advice and relationship management. Shamia is the Māori Constituency Councillor and Chair of Greater Wellington Regional Council’s Tiriti o Waitangi Committee, and has held senior governance roles including Deputy Chair of the Hutt Valley Health Māori Partnership Board and Co-Chair of Hato Paora College Board of Trustees.

Maleeha Ahmad is a community-focused leader with a background in physiotherapy and experience across trauma-informed mental health, refugee wellbeing, cross-cultural practice, and community engagement. Having lived across different cultures, she brings a strong understanding of diversity, inclusion, and community connection. Maleeha is passionate about building bridges between communities, creating opportunities for meaningful participation, and contributing her skills, experience, and perspective to strengthening community resilience and wellbeing.   

Asher works across central and local government in senior roles in the communications, engagement and strategy areas, and has a Master of Public Management (with Merit) from Victoria University. He is Co-Chair of the Wellington Conservation Board, Independent Chair at Toi Mahara Joint Monitoring Group, and a Steering Group Member for Predator Free Kāpiti Coast. He has held a variety of other governance and advisory board roles in the environmental, outdoor recreation and social sectors.

Andrew is General Manager, Support Services, at the Royal New Zealand Returned and Services’ Association. Prior to this, Andrew was in the New Zealand Defence Force, where he served seven times on operations from 2001 to 2020, including three tours of duty to Afghanistan. Andrew was appointed Senior National Officer on four occasions, working closely with cross-agency partners to achieve government objectives. He served as Head of the New Zealand Defence College from 2020 to 2022 and Chief of Staff (Deputy CPO) to the Chief People Officer in 2023. Andrew is Vice President of the Wellington Tramping & Mountaineering Club and a member of the New Zealand Alpine Club. His governance roles include Deputy Presiding Member of Wellington Girls' College, Trustee and Director of Hōhepa Homes Trust Board, and Chair of Hōhepa Wellington Regional Board.

Maria Mitimeti is a proud daughter of Te Moana-a-nui-a-Kiwa and of Niuean, Tongan, and Fijian heritage. She is Principal Advisor, Tagata o le Moana, at Matatū Aotearoa, Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand, where she leads work to elevate and strengthen Pacific perspectives and leadership within the teaching profession. Maria’s community governance experience includes - Deputy Chair of Niue Moui Olaola Inc., and a Board Member for Skylight Trust, Lower Hutt Women’s Trust and Wellington Homeless Women’s Trust, and former Chair of the Wellington City Council Pacific Advisory Group.