Staff

Suzannah Jessep was appointed chief executive at the Asia New Zealand Foundation in January 2024.

Adele manages the corporate and governance responsibilities of the Foundation and takes a coordinating role across programmes.

Paula provides assistance to the executive director and the Chair. She has been with the Foundation since 2003.

Sunita joined the Foundation in 2007 in the role of accountant. She has a BCA in commerce from Victoria University of Wellington, and has previously worked in Australia and England across both the private and public sectors.

Liz covers the reception at the Foundation as well as accounts payable and receivable and general administration.

Veronica (Ronnie) (Morehu, Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairoa, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, Gua Leng) brings a broad range of skills and experience to her role from central and local government and the community sectors.

Nick has over 20 years’ experience in businesses and commercial entities and has founded a number of successful businesses.

Ethan (Ngāi Takoto, Te Aupōuri) has recently joined the Foundation in the business programme and is based in Auckland.

Linh works out of the Foundation's Auckland office as Adviser (Leadership). She joined the Foundation in 2021 as a project coordinator for the business programme before moving to her current role in 2022.

Ruby Dalmer joined the Foundation in July 2023 after graduating from the University of Auckland. She completed a Bachelor of Global Studies, majoring in Global Politics and Human Rights, Asian Studies, and Chinese.

Lingy brings a wealth of knowledge from the startup and innovation scene having spent several years working with startup companies in New Zealand and internationally.

Joyce joined the Foundation's business programme in 2023 after a stint working at a recruitment firm where she helped guide people in their career and professional development.

Dr Julia Macdonald is Director of Research and Engagement at the Asia New Zealand Foundation.

Dr James To has an academic background in Asian languages (Mandarin, Cantonese, and Japanese), political science, and commerce.

Caleb has a B.A. degree from Te Herenga Waka Victoria University (Chinese studies) and master’s degrees from Peking University (management) and Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington (political science).

Alex has a Master of Arts in East Asian Regional Studies from Columbia University and a BA (hons) from Victoria University. She has studied Mandarin Chinese in Shanghai and Taiwan.

Craig Cooper has worked in the Australian and New Zealand arts sectors for over twenty-five years in a variety of roles

Kirsty studied at Lincoln College (way back in the 80’s), then backpacked around the world for four years before returning to settle in Gisborne.

Taniya Scott joined in April 2024 and is responsible for the Foundation’s communication and media.

Ned Wotherspoon joined the Foundation in 2015 after working for a number of years creating website content for the government agency Careers New Zealand.

Phoebe joined the Foundation in 2020 after graduating from Massey University. She completed a Bachelor of Communications, majoring in Public Relations and minoring in Expressive Arts/Media Studies.

Hailing from India, Subasita's upbringing instilled in her a deep love for language, literature, and the power of storytelling.

Graeme Acton joined the team at the Foundation in February 2020, moving from the position of Foreign News Editor with RNZ in Wellington.

Eleanor joined the Asia Media Centre as a media adviser in 2020, fresh from the newsroom.

Carla Teng joined the Foundation in 2023. She has over 15 years of experience in broadcast journalism and public relations.