Lori Luke moved to New Zealand from the US in 2009 and is a dual citizen. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Stanford University, majoring in Economics and German Studies and spent 20 years in executive roles in marketing and business management for large USA corporations.

Lori has served as CEO at Acorn Foundation, Western Bay of Plenty for seven years and is the Chair for CFANZ, the network that supports the 18 Community Foundations found around New Zealand. The network now has over $300M in donor funds and stewards over $1.5B in future funds for community benefit.

Cam joined Acorn in September 2023 as our Legacy Giving Manager. 

Cam was born in Whakatāne and lived in three other cities before settling into life in Tauranga. After finishing his schooling at Tauranga Boys’ College, he moved to Dunedin to complete a Physical Education Degree. 

During his time down south, Cam discovered a passion for community and supporting people to live meaningful lives. This led him into leadership roles in tertiary education, professional development, and the non-profit sector before landing here at Acorn. 

Cam is a keen sportsman, proudly playing and coaching for Tauranga City AFC. He loves spending time with friends and family in his down time while enjoying everything that the sunny Bay of Plenty has to offer.

He is very grateful to be with Acorn and he loves the work that we do!

Jo joined Acorn in November 2017.  Born on a farm in Morrinsville, she grew up in the Bay of Plenty and returned home with her young daughter in 2012 after 10 years working in the intellectual property field in Auckland. 

Jo completed a Legal Executive Diploma in 2014 and spent three years overseeing events and membership at Enterprise Angels before joining the Acorn team.

Sarah joined Acorn in 2019 having previously worked at Connect2 Chartered Accountants and Tauranga Hockey Association. Sarah moved to Tauranga in 2004 on an overseas adventure. 

Sarah is kept busy with her two daughters and gardening with her husband. You may spot her cycling around one of the many beautiful spots that Tauranga has to offer. 

Frances joined Acorn in February 2022 as our Foundation Assistant and has now moved into a new role as Marketing and Events Coordinator.

Frances grew up in Tauranga and returned to the Bay of Plenty after completing her degree in Business Management, majoring in Tourism Management and Public Relations, at the University of Waikato. 

After graduating, she spent her time working with children and volunteering at Waipuna Hospice in the Marketing and Fundraising team. 

Frances is grateful to be working at Acorn and is looking forward to engaging with community groups and learning more about the inner workings of a non-profit organisation. 

Shannon is the newest member of our team and is Acorn’s Management Accountant.

Shannon is new to Tauranga, after moving to New Zealand from Dubai in February for her husband’s master’s programme at UoW, Hamilton. After receiving her Chartered Accountants membership in India, Shannon started her career in accounting and audit. She then spent seven years in roles in education and property management in Dubai, finishing as the Finance and Admin Manager at an educational consultancy business. 

Scotty is Acorn’s Marketing and Communications Specialist. He loves telling meaningful stories that celebrate the generosity of our region and help people feel more connected to their community.

With a background in marketing and videography, he is passionate about creating content that highlights the positive impact people are making in the Western Bay of Plenty — a place Scotty is proud to now call home.

Originally from the Waikato, he is a digital marketing expert, using data to make great decisions about what strategies work best.

Matty is Acorn’s resident expert on all things pass-through giving—where funds are received and distributed within the same year—making him our go-to for Giving Circles, Corporate Giving, and Workplace Giving. He also works closely with Acorn’s 50+ Community Group funds and our new Local Impact Funds, which support initiatives in specific geographic areas.

With a background that spans the public, private, and non-profit sectors, Matty brings a well-rounded skill set in marketing, partnerships, and community development. His work is driven by a passion for connecting people with the causes they care about most. Growing up in Tauranga and a former Bethlehem College student, Matty has deep roots in the Bay of Plenty and a strong commitment to its future.

Michelle Malcolm is a Chartered Accountant and Business Advisor, and the founding Senior Partner of Findex Tauranga, which was established in 2000. 

She has held various Board Positions, including Tourism Bay of Plenty, Wakeboarding New Zealand, Good Neighbour and Enterprise Angels, she also chaired the Acorn Audit and Risk Committee for several years, before taking on the Acorn Chair Role.  

Michelle has a real passion for helping her clients navigate all aspects of business challenges in the financial/business advisory space and loves using her skills to give back to the community to help others, to make our community a better place to live for generations to come. 

Michelle is married, with two  daughters in there early 20’s and a very cute cavoodle “coco” Her interests include gardening, skiing, walking and spending time with friends and family. Michelle was appointed to the Board in January 2020.

Larry graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering from a Canadian University and started work for the world’s largest oil, gas and chemical company, where he worked almost exclusively in the chemical’s division. He worked in project engineering, maintenance engineering and environmental engineering in the first five years of his employment before moving into management positions. During this time, Larry also completed an executive MBA at the Darden School of Business in the USA.

Larry was offered a role as a group general manager for a chemicals/fertiliser business (Ballance) in New Zealand and moved his family to New Plymouth from Canada. Within two years he was offered the role of CEO of Ballance and led the business for 14 years until his retirement.

As the CEO of Ballance, Larry reported to the board of directors and also chaired many boards that were subsidiaries of the company.  He understands the importance of a good board, directing and supporting the organisation.

Larry is currently the chair of the Tauranga Community Foodbank and a director and treasurer of the Kaimai Pistol Club. He joined the board of Acorn in late 2020 and we are delighted to have him on board. 

Trish, in partnership with her husband Paul, has a considerable kiwifruit and dairy business, of which Trish is the Financial administrator.  

 Prior to raising her three (now adult) children, Trish was a Dietitian, mainly hospital-based.  

She has long been actively involved in her local Pongakawa and Te Puke community.  She is a trustee of a family charitable Trust and DMS Progrowers Charitable Trust.

Trish enjoys cycling, walking her dog, yoga and playing with her two little grandsons

Rohario Murray is of Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Tūhourangi, Waikato and Ngāpuhi descent and is a Barrister and co-founder of Kōkiri Chambers, specialising in public and environmental law, Māori land law, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
She grew up in Tauranga Moana and continues to work across projects that strengthen people, place and purpose. Rohario is Chair of Acorn’s Audit, Risk and Policy Committee and the Tangata Whenua representative on Tauranga City Council’s Audit and Risk Committee.

A natural connector, Rohario is passionate about recognising and uplifting the wellbeing that already exists in Tauranga Moana — in our people, our environment, and our shared potential. She believes in putting her energy into kaupapa that matter and giving with intention. Her previous governance experience includes Director and Chair of Murray Orchards (Matakana Island), Co-President of Te Hunga Rōia Māori o Aotearoa, and member of Tauranga City Council’s Strategy, Finance and Risk Committee. 

She was appointed to the Acorn Foundation Board in July 2021. Outside of work, she enjoys wānanga reo Māori, the creative arts, exploring walking trails with whānau and friends, and being joyfully outwitted by her sassy Tibetan Spaniel, Kuīni.

Beppie is a long-time supporter of Acorn and has been a member of our Investment Advisory Committee for the past 6 years.

Beppie’s international commercial experience and local involvement with WNT, Enterprise Angles and Purpose Capital enables her to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our Board.

Beppie joined the board of Acorn in November 2022 and says she is honoured to contribute in a governance role. 

Keri brings a wealth of knowledge to the Board, drawing on years of national and international journalism experience and a background in crisis communications. After retiring as a journalist, Keri established All the Words, a boutique content creation and communications agency.

She has been a dedicated volunteer all her adult life and has served on multiple boards including Volunteer Wellington, Momenta Charitable Trust, and Tauranga's Font Public Art Trust. “

Volunteering on boards gives me an opportunity to use my skills in a realm which is so positive. And I can’t think of anything more positive than the work Acorn does for the people and communities of Tauranga Moana,” says Keri.

Ryan is Acorn's newest Trustee.

After working in the United Kingdom for eight years at the Swiss Stock Exchange UK office, Ryan returned to New Zealand and was admitted to the bar at the Auckland High Court in 2007. He started at Fenton McFadden in the Te Puke office that year and was made partner in 2010. Fenton McFadden Lawyers is a general practice firm with offices in Te Puke and Papamoa with approximately 23 employees. They have a focus on property, land development, rural work and trust/asset planning.

Saima Anis is a Chartered Accountant and executive coach for women, with a diverse background in finance, science, and leadership development. She holds a degree in Chemistry and Management from Imperial College, London, a Diploma in Organizational Development, and has worked with global firms like PwC, Exxon, Trustpower and Sony.

Transitioning from corporate finance into leadership development and DEI advocacy, Saima is passionate about empowering women in leadership and fostering diverse perspectives. She has led impactful initiatives, including swimming programs for ethnic minority women and advocacy against sexual violence.

She is a strong believer in inclusive leadership and has served on multiple boards, bringing strategic insights to drive social change. She is also a musician specialising in Pakistani semi-classical singing and a contributing author to a forthcoming book.

Saima lives in Tauranga with her husband and two daughters, balancing her passion for leadership, creativity, and family life.

A Victoria University of Wellington commerce graduate (Accountancy), Steve Napier has more than 17 years’ experience managing New Zealand, Australian and global equity portfolios. After founding his own share-broking firm, he moved into governance, becoming Chair of the Government Superannuation Fund’s Investment Committee.

Steve now sits on several Bay of Plenty charity boards and is a Director of a Tauranga private-equity firm, guiding local businesses toward growth. Appointed to Acorn’s Board in June 2025, he brings deep investment insight and a community focus to our mission. Off the clock, you’ll find him on the tennis court or cycling the region’s scenic trails.

Trish, in partnership with her husband Paul, has a considerable kiwifruit and dairy business – of which Trish is the Financial administrator.  During the kiwifruit harvest months she is a Zespri Ambassador, touring with offshore customers and media groups.
 
Prior to raising her three (now adult) children, Trish was a Dietitian, mainly hospital-based.  She has long been actively involved in her local Pongakawa and Te Puke community. 
 
She is a trustee of a family charitable Trust and DMS Progrowers Charitable Trust, and is  presently Chair of Rabobank Client Council, Central North Island.
 
Trish enjoys cycling, walking her dog, yoga and skiing.

Paul has had a colourful and varied career, starting life as a teacher in the UK before moving into a variety of leadership roles both in the commercial and not-for-profit sectors. His specialism was Change Management and developing high performing teams.

Paul spent many years as a self-employed Management Training Consultant, working with some of the top companies in Australasia. Paul’s mission is to assist people to achieve their goals in their professional career and personal life, through sharing his experiences, expertise and knowledge - and having a laugh along the way.

Paul has worked for a number of not-for-profit organisations including the Sir Peter Blake Marine Education & Recreation Centre, The Beyond the Couch Trust, Tauranga YMCA, and the Wright Family Foundation.

In his spare time he sits on the boards of:

• Creative Bay of Plenty
• TEDx Tauranga
• Establishment Board of Trustees for the new primary school in The Lakes – Taumata School.

He is also Former Chairman of the Kaimai Outdoor Centre Inc, where he served for 15 years.

Paul has lived in NZ for over 30 years but still misses his Mum and goes home to visit her every year.

Annabel and her husband Duncan have been part of the Bay of Plenty community for over 20 years after moving from Wellington, and previously living overseas. Daughter Lucy joined the family in 2009.

Annabel has been involved in many community fundraising events in support of charity organisations doing great work in Tauranga and the Western Bay. 

She works for Tauranga City Council as the Strategic Advisor to the Mayor, a role which involves providing trusted advice to the Mayor and Chief Executive to support effective governance and the delivery of organisational and community-focused outcomes for the city and wider region. 

Annabel previously worked for New Zealand Police in a national strategic role as principal advisor for Police assets and infrastructure; developing strategy, managing key partnerships and planning portfolio investment to enable effective service delivery, safer communities and better outcomes across for all New Zealanders.

"I am thrilled to be able to contribute to the Acorn Foundation’s fantastic work, which makes such a positive impact on so many lives. It is such a privilege to be part of Acorn's continued growth and help the foundation make a meaningful difference for people and communities across the Western Bay of Plenty."

Larry graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering from a Canadian University and started work for the world’s largest oil, gas and chemical company, where he worked almost exclusively in the chemical’s division. He worked in project engineering, maintenance engineering and environmental engineering in the first five years of his employment before moving into management positions. During this time, Larry also completed an executive MBA at the Darden School of Business in the USA.

Larry was offered a role as a group general manager for a chemicals/fertiliser business (Ballance) in New Zealand and moved his family to New Plymouth from Canada. Within two years he was offered the role of CEO of Ballance and led the business for 14 years until his retirement.

As the CEO of Ballance, Larry reported to the board of directors and also chaired many boards that were subsidiaries of the company.  He understands the importance of a good board, directing and supporting the organisation.

Larry is currently the chair of the Tauranga Community Foodbank and a director and treasurer of the Kaimai Pistol Club. He joined the board of Acorn in late 2020 and we are delighted to have him on board. 

Julie has lived in Tauranga for over 25 years but was raised in Katikati where she still has significant ties with business interests and extended family. Julie is married to John and has two adult children. Julie holds a Bachelor of Management degree and worked in marketing and strategy before returning to Tauranga. She worked for a local business for several years before joining the family business, Puma Darts, 17 years ago. 

Julie has been involved in the Garden Arts Festival, school PTA’s, and the business and export community. Julie has completed four IOD governance courses and completed a Level 2 certificate in te reo in 2018. In her spare time, she enjoys time with her friends and family, her garden, yoga and walking/biking adventures. 

Julie has a strong community focus and a passion for helping others, with a special interest in the environment and the arts. She is excited to join Acorn and wants to play a role in improving the well-being of our region.

From the mountainous backdrop of Phetchabun, Thailand, Tan moved to the bright lights of London at the age of 13, embracing the vibrant, bustling, and multicultural city.

After completing his Sports Science degree, Tan began his career teaching physical education before making his way to New Zealand to start a new adventure. Once settled in Tauranga, Tan worked as the Operations Manager at the local charity Momenta.

He joined Tauranga City Council in 2022 as the Connected Communities Advisor before progressing into the Inclusive Cities Advisor role. This role focuses on connecting Council with its priority communities to together plan a sustainable future for the city and the organisation. Tan works closely with older people and the disability community to ensure all people are fully included and valued in city life.

Tan is eager to use his diverse skills and experience to build meaningful relationships and create positive change for the city he now calls home. 

Annabelle grew up by the sunny seaside in Papamoa attending Mount Maunganui College where she first grew a taste for working in the community. 

As a year 9 student, she was voted onto the school's Board Of Trustees as the youngest Student Representative in the School's strong 64 years of history. 

In recent years Annabelle has been heavily involved in the community through disability support roles, nannying and working in schools teaching music. 

At present Annabelle is studying full-time at the University of Waikato towards a Bachelors of Social Science Majoring in Psychology with a minor in Philosophy. 

In her spare time, Annabelle plays the Flugelhorn in the local Tauranga City Brass Band and is an active member of the Bands committee, managing fundraising and grants applications.

By joining Acorn, she hopes to become more involved with local community organisations and make a positive difference.

Ruth Lee is a seasoned lawyer with a wealth of community involvement and experience in governance, recently within the dynamic Kiwifruit industry in the Te Puke area. With a background rooted in the primary sector, Ruth's passion for her community runs deep. In recent years, she has served as an adjudicator in the Tenancy Tribunal.

Ruth is spirited and energetic with family at the heart of her world. She cherishes time with her three adult daughters and relishes her role as a proud grandmother. Ruth's interests span from outdoor adventures to gentler pursuits such as yoga and to cultural activities - all of which she approaches with enthusiasm and curiosity.

Now, Ruth is thrilled at the opportunity to channel her knowledge and passion into meaningful contributions to her community through Acorn’s Distributions Committee. She’ll be focussing on helping us connect more with the Te Puke area out to Maketu.

Sally Goodyear will work to help our Foundation connect with the incredible groups working to improve the community in the Katikati-Waihi Beach region.

Sally was born in the UK and spent several years travelling the world before settling in New Zealand in 1991. She moved to Katikati 17 years ago with her family, and has never looked back. She and her partner have two adult daughters, and a son who attends Katikati College. In her spare time, she follows her son’s progress on the football field, while also loving working outdoors on her family’s lifestyle block, where they’re hard at work planting the riverbanks with native trees.

She works at Katikati Community Centre as their business administrator, and volunteers across the Katikati community with several local organisations and clubs. Her greatest passion is horse riding, and she loves to coach the youngest riders at Katikati Pony Club.

Sally brings invaluable experience and connections to the Katikati community.

Anne has been an aficionado in the hospitality trade; from owning to partnership in the Mediterraneo Café, Astrolabe and Forrest Café on the Strand.  Anne currently organises events for the Tauranga Chamber of Commerce including the Tauranga Business Awards. 

Anne fills her cup from with businesses to realise their potential and mentors a number of businesses.  Anne has a strong interest in economic development for the region, and is a member of SmartGrowth Strategic Partners, Population Aging Technical Advisory Group and City Centre Action Group. Anne sits on several other boards including Tarnished Frocks and Divas.    

She has had a number of previous governance experience as Vice President of the Tauranga Chamber of Commerce, the Enterprise New Zealand Trust Supporters Council, a Tauranga City Councillor, Vice Chair of Tauranga Mainstreet and was Chair of Live For More.  Anne has a very strong focus on arts and culture, social community outcomes in the city.

James is Arts & Culture Manager for Tauranga City Council. Originally from Maidenhead in South East England, James trained as a theatre director at Rose Bruford Drama School in Greenwich, South East London, and worked for a variety of arts venues in London, including the Lyric Hammersmith, Tate Modern, Tate Britain, and The Orange Tree Theatre.

Arriving in Aotearoa in 2005, James worked as General Manager for Massive Theatre Company, prior to joining Q Theatre, first as Executive Producer and then as Chief Executive. Prior to his current role, James was Manager at Baycourt Community and Arts Centre. James served on the executive board of the Performing Arts Network New Zealand (PANNZ), and co-chaired the organisation for four years. As part of his work with PANNZ, James was involved in the development and launch of NZ's National arts touring agency, 'TourMakers', and worked closely with the executive and management team of PANNZ to grow the annual arts market into a key event for festivals, producers and venues, both in NZ and Internationally.

James is a 2013 Alumni of the Leadership New Zealand programme, and currently serves as as a panel assessor for Creative New Zealand and the Creative Communities scheme.

James is passionate about creating opportunities for young and emerging artists to develop their craft and bring their stories to wider audiences. He is an advocate for the arts in all forms and it's ability to bring communities together.

David grew up in Masterton, studied at Massey University and lived in Wellington for twenty years. He moved to Tauranga with his family in 2015.

David has had a career in sport management, and local  and central government.  He has worked for New Zealand Rugby, Sport New Zealand, ACC, University Sport New Zealand, NZ Transport Agency, Rotorua Lakes Council, Bay of Plenty Rugby Union and is now the Community Manager for Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

David has two daughters, one at Otago University and one at Tauranga Girls’ College, both are active in various sports.

As a volunteer, David sits on the Boards’ of Tauranga Hockey Association and Swimming Bay of Plenty, is a judge for the annual Sport Bay of Plenty awards and is a lifeguard at Mount Maunganui Surf Club.

David has worked in financial markets and investments for over 20 years. He has recently founded Novus Consulting (http://www.novusconsulting.co.nz/), a social enterprise aiming to help large NZ investors, especially those in the charitable sector, implement responsible investment approaches. He is also working towards a Master’s degree in sustainability.

Previously he was a Portfolio Manager and Deputy CIO at Milford Asset Management, and earlier in his career spent over a decade overseas with BT Funds and Merrill Lynch.  

Having recently moved to Tauranga, David is pleased to be able to contribute to the great work the Acorn Foundation is doing, and help continue its very strong investment track record. 

Alongside the founding shareholder & Chair roles Beppie holds with RAM3D (Rapid Advanced Manufacturing Ltd), she is also both a founding limited partner in the technology-focused business incubator WNT Ventures and a board member of WNT Ventures Management Limited.

Beppie’s career has included working with BP in New Zealand in senior communications and external relations management roles for 14 years, followed by 10 years working in HR with BP in Japan, South East Asia and Angola to support the development of local personnel for new businesses. 

After returning to New Zealand in 2009, she worked at the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic in business development and project management roles for four years.  Beppie is a member of the Institute of Directors and a Director of Enterprise Angels and Purpose Capital Limited. 

Paul is a commercial lawyer and a partner at Cooney Lees Morgan.

 Paul grew up in Rotorua and then studied law and commerce (economics and accounting) at Victoria University. In 1996, after living in Wellington for 10 years for study and work, Paul shifted to Mount Maunganui and joined Cooney Lees Morgan. In this role, Paul works with businesses across many sectors of the economy. He has a particular interest in advising businesses in the horticultural sector.

 Paul has always been active in the community and this includes involvement with the Tauranga Chamber of Commerce and being on the board and deputy chairperson of TECT. Cooney Lees Morgan has had a long association with Acorn. Paul is delighted to carry on this involvement by being a member of the investment advisory committee.

Morgan has worked in the financial services industry for nearly 10 years.

He currently works as an Investment Research Manager at Findex, who managed ~$17bn in assets across Australasia.

The core of his role includes asset allocation (strategic & tactical), investment committee operations, manager selection & monitoring, performance reporting, investment implementation and communication.

Previous roles include various support & operational roles, as well as being a financial adviser for a period.

He has a Bachelor of Business from Massey University, majoring in Finance.

Having moved down to Tauranga in 2020 he is keen to utilise his skills to help Acorn Foundation in achieving ongoing success and delivering positive impacts to the local region.

Murray is a senior executive with extensive governance experience across the investment, finance and property sectors.

Having started his career with what’s now KPMG, he transitioned through Chief Financial Officer roles to being Chief Investment Officer of a philanthropic funder overseeing a globally diversified investment portfolio of circa $650 million. During his ten-year tenure, investment returns funded $225 million of grants to circa 9,000 community groups, with over $60 million added value contributed from outperformance of the composite benchmark.

Previously, Advisory Committee Member of Direct Capital Private Equity Fund VI of $350 million and Morrison & Co Public Infrastructure Partners Limited Partnerships investments in public-private partnership social infrastructure assets, totalling over $3 billion.

Murray's roots with the Bay started with childhood holidays in Mt Maunganui. Recreational activity includes relaxing with family at their holiday home in Mt Maunganui, golf, cycling and running.

Alisha has a depth of experience in finance garnered in roles in portfolio management, investment advice, investment banking, equity research and sales, currency management and running her own businesses. 

Alisha has a Bachelor of Management Studies ( 1^st Hons) from Waikato University and has worked in financial markets in NZ, the UK and the USA. 

She is currently a financial advisor, she engages with clients on an individual basis to assess risks, opportunities and mitigate these risks to confidently take steps to build wealth over the long term. 

Alisha spent her childhood in Tauranga and after study and work overseas, returned 19 years ago to bring up her own children.  

Alisha considers it a privilege to contribute to the Acorn foundation, leveraging her professional expertise to serve the community.

Rohario grew up in Tauranga Moana and is a proud descendant of Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Tūhourangi and Ngā Puhi with Scottish, English and French ancestry. She is a Senior Solicitor at the Ministry for the Environment and enjoys working remotely from Tauranga. 

Rohario holds various Board positions including Chair of Murray Orchards based on Matakana Island, founding partner of Puru Investments and Tangata Whenua representative on Tauranga City Council’s Strategy, Finance and Risk Committee. She was also the Tumuaki Wahine of Te Hunga Rōia Māori o Aotearoa, the Māori Law Society (2018 – 2020).

Rohario was appointed to the Board in July 2021 and says she is excited to join a foundation focussed on giving back to the wider community, and looks forward to bringing her knowledge and skills to the board table. In her spare time, Rohario enjoys kapa haka, wānanga reo Māori and spending time with family and friends.  

Doune is a risk management professional and actuary with over 35 years experience working in the life insurance industry. Her experience ranges across executive roles, risk management, compliance, investments and corporate governance.

Doune received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Australia and NZ Institute of Insurance and Finance in 2021 and a Distinguished Service Award from the NZ Society of Actuaries in 2022.
 

She has recently retired from corporate roles and is looking to help organisations set themselves up for long term sustainable success by utilising her skills and experience.

Keri will bring a wealth of knowledge to the Board with her years of national and international journalism experience and her crisis communications background. After retiring as a journalist, Keri has built a thriving boutique content creation and communications agency based in Tauranga called All the Words Ltd.

She has participated in a range of volunteering activities over the years and has served on multiple boards including Volunteer Wellington, Momenta Charitable Trust and is the Resourcing Committee Chair and Trustee for the new Font Public Art Trust in Tauranga.

“I have realised that volunteering on boards gives me an opportunity to use my skills in a realm which is infinitely more positive. And I can’t think of anything more positive than the work Acorn does for the people and communities of Tauranga Moana,” says Keri.

Saima Anis is a Chartered Accountant and executive coach for women, with a diverse background in finance, science, and leadership development. She holds a degree in Chemistry and Management from Imperial College, London, a Diploma in Organizational Development, and has worked with global firms like PwC, Exxon, and Sony.

Transitioning from corporate finance into leadership development and DEI advocacy, Saima is passionate about empowering women in leadership and fostering diverse perspectives. She has led impactful initiatives, including swimming programs for ethnic minority women and advocacy against sexual violence.

A strong believer in inclusive leadership, she has served on multiple boards, bringing strategic insights to drive social change. She is also a musician specializing in Pakistani semi-classical singing and a contributing author to a forthcoming book.

Saima lives in Tauranga with her husband and two daughters, balancing her passion for leadership, creativity, and family life.