41 new members inducted into the Foundation's Leadership Network
From artists and engineers to lawyers and dairy farmers, the Foundation welcomed a new cohort of emerging leaders from across New Zealand into its Leadership Network at a recent induction event in Auckland.
The new Leadership Network members
The network brings together early-to-mid career New Zealanders who are not only passionate about developing their leadership skills but are also keen to deepen their connections and experiences across Asia.
The Leadership Network helps members build their Asia-related skills, knowledge, and awareness, while developing their leadership capabilities through workshops, targeted hui in New Zealand and Asia, and opportunities to grow their networks.
More than a formal induction, the event was a celebration of whanaungatanga—connection, shared purpose and belonging. The day centred on getting to know one another, sharing experiences and forming genuine relationships.
With more than 200 applicants this year, the foundation’s chief executive Suzannah Jessep said the strong interest in the network reflects the growing interest among young New Zealanders in connecting and learning about Asia.
“The calibre of this year’s intake reflects the diversity, talent and drive we need to grow and deepen New Zealand’s connections with the fast-growing Asia region," Suzannah says.
As New Zealand’s economic, social and cultural ties to Asia continue to deepen, new inductee Alison Amboy highlighted the importance of understanding Asia and its cultures.
“It’s so important for New Zealand to strengthen its connections with Asia is because by 2040, people of Asian descent are projected to make up almost 20 percent of New Zealand’s population,” she says.
The new cohort also recognised the opportunities for New Zealand to learn from Asia.
Inductee Tara Shepherd, whose background is in climate-resilient infrastructure and emergency management, says she looks forward to meeting new people from diverse backgrounds and sharing technical knowledge and experience from Asia to support communities—especially rural ones—here in New Zealand.
"I really wanted to meet people I might not have met during my own mahi or journey I was going to take in life," she says.
With their induction complete, the new members join a community of more than 500 leaders across New Zealand and Asia. Each inductee will go on to play a role in shaping New Zealand’s place in the region — building bridges, sharing ideas and creating opportunities for future generations.
The Asia New Zealand Foundation Leadership Network equips the next generation of Kiwi leaders to thrive in Asia. We provide members with the connections, knowledge and confidence to lead New Zealand’s future relationship with the region.
