The Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono announces the addition of 42 new members into its Leadership Network
from across Aotearoa.
This year's cohort of talented young leaders has been carefully selected to join the Leadership Network, providing them
with opportunities to grow their leadership skills and broaden their knowledge of Asia.
As the acting executive director of the Asia New Zealand Foundation, Adele Mason emphasised the importance of strong
leaders who can shape New Zealand's ties with Asia.
"Empowering strong leaders is crucial for our future, especially in building New Zealand's relationships with Asia. The
increasing interest in the network and varied experiences of these young professionals, highlight a growing awareness of
the significance of Asia to New Zealand's future. As these up-and-coming leaders build relationships and set examples,
they lead the way for a more culturally aware New Zealand that's well-connected in Asia."
Since its inception in 2006, the Leadership Network has played a crucial role in connecting young professionals in New
Zealand and empowering them with the knowledge to succeed in Asia. With more than 450 dedicated members, this network
equips the next generation of Kiwi leaders to excel in the dynamic and diverse Asian context.
Among the cohort of new inductees, Alexia Hilbertidou says she sees this network as a chance to create positive New
Zealand-Asia relationships.
"I am absolutely thrilled to be part of the Asia New Zealand Foundation Leadership Network! This incredible opportunity
will undoubtedly play a vital role in supporting the work we do at GirlBoss NZ. The knowledge and relationships gained
from this network will further empower me to champion and equip young women to thrive not only in New Zealand but also
on the global stage."
She adds, "One of our key aspirations at GirlBoss NZ is to extend our reach and empower more young women in the
Asia-Pacific region. Being a part of this network provides the perfect platform to collaborate with other young leaders
to create positive change on an international scale."
The Foundation will officially welcome the new members to the Leadership Network with an induction event scheduled to
take place in Auckland in November 2023. This gathering will provide an opportunity for new members to meet each other,
gain insights into the mahi of the Foundation and share their leadership aspirations and challenges.The new Leadership Network members are:Alexia HilbertidouAlton GondiponAmy StrangAnisha ChawlaBonnie SelakChelsea WongClark TipeneDaryn GovenderEthan LabyFelix HumphriesFenn AndersonGemma BellHillary TuasonJake LawJamie LakisaJessica ChongJoshua PeauafiKatja Phutaraksa NeefLeonard HongLogan ByrneLōtima VaioletiMaia Te HiraMikhael SayatMing Xuan Richard LiMonique van VeenOscar DamerhamPang SuwanaposeePeter YooRebecca TangRon ParkSamuel Yap-ChoongSean PrenterSeraphine WilliamsShahin NajakShaymaa ArifShisla Carvalho MacleodSidney WongTe Wai CoulstonThomas DurkinUfitia SagapoluteleWesley HarfieldYasir Demirbas
About The Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono
Established in 1994, the Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono is New Zealand’s leading authority on Asia. Its
mission is to equip New Zealanders to thrive in Asia, by providing experiences and resources to build their knowledge,
skills and confidence. The Foundation’s activities cover more than 20 countries in Asia and are delivered through nine
core programmes: arts, business, education, entrepreneurship, leadership, media, research, Track II diplomacy and
sports. For more information, visit www.asianz.org.nz