Two New NZAF Board Members Announced
Two people with a wealth of skills and expertise in high-level governance and leadership have been appointed to the New
Zealand AIDS Foundation (NZAF) Trust Board. Alastair Cameron, NZAF Trust Board Chair announced today that Kathryn Leafe and Cherry Sonderer will join the Trust
Board as Trustees from the Board’s first meeting in February 2010.
The NZAF Trust Board has seven Trustees, four of whom are elected by the membership of the NZAF, and three who are
appointed by the Board. Two current Trustees (Mark Henrickson and Richard James) are stepping down from the Board in
February 2010. In preparation for their departure the Board sought applications from candidates with experience of the
communities most affected by HIV in New Zealand, accounting skills or financial management experience, a sound
understanding of tikanga Māori, strategic planning expertise, and experience working in the public health sector.
Kathryn Leafe, a resident of Greymouth, has had extensive international practice working in NGO management and
governance and wide-ranging experience serving people living with HIV. She has worked for HIV and drug-rehabilitation
fields in the UK including work in prisons. She has also been involved in the design and management of LGBT services
drug and youth services.
Cherry Sonderer, from Auckland, has wide-ranging experience in the public health and NGO sectors, financial acumen and
strong rainbow community connections. She has been involved in fundraising for HIV-related causes and LGBT organisations
and has a strong track record of working with the communities most at risk from HIV.
Cameron said the response to the call for applications was “incredibly pleasing”, with the Trust Board receiving twelve
applications for the two positions. “The Board was in the lucky position of being able to choose from a number of
qualified candidates”, Cameron states. “We are looking forward to having Kathryn and Cherry on the Trust Board. These
appointments will bring necessary financial, governance and management skills to the Board as well as representation
from outside the main centres. Kathryn and Cherry were outstanding candidates and their skills, experience and most of
all, their commitment to the communities we serve, will enhance the work of the Board and the NZAF.”
ENDS