Chair 

Maureen is a senior management professional with experience in international non-government and public sector organisations, both in New Zealand and overseas. Her background includes governance, strategy, policy, business planning and performance, risk management, marketing and communications. As chair, she served ECPAT International for 8 years and been instrumental in the movement’s global growth and expansion of advocacy against the sexual exploitation of children. She is motivated to help bring justice, hope and freedom to children and communities affected by exploitation, trafficking, oppression, and poverty. Maureen is an Institute of Directors member and joined the Tearfund Board in 2023.

MNZM, BSW, MPhil (Social Policy), Post Grad Dip Social Sciences

Emeline joined the Tearfund Board in 2022 and can be best described as a social entrepreneur.  She founded Affirming Works in 2001, which uses a Pacific model of collective mentoring to provide life skills to young people in Auckland. This work led her to Fofola Consultancy Ltd, which has contributed to public policy development in New Zealand and the Pacific.  With her husband, Emeline owns Tupu'anga Coffee, which harvests, roasts and packages in the Kingdom of Tonga, supplies local establishments, and exports to New Zealand.Alongside this, they started four social enterprises – community cafes in the Auckland area.  In 2006, Emeline was named a Sir Peter Blake Emerging Leader and won the Westpac Woman of Influence award in 2014. She was awarded The New Zealand Order of Merit Award in 2015 and in 2018 became a member of the NZ Westpac Sustainability Panel, tackling poverty and the disadvantaged. In 2020 she was invited to become part of the leadership group for Mana Kai and the Aotearoa Circle. 

PhD International Development

Sharon is an experienced leader with over 30 years in international development across strategic governance, programme management, and advisory roles. She holds a PhD in International Development from Massey University where her research examined health system development in conflict-affected Myanmar. Sharon is currently an international development programme manager at Plant and Food Research where she oversees initiatives including a climate change programme in the Pacific region. She has also taught Development Studies at Massey University and managed a research programme for a research and communications consultancy. Sharon brings expertise in development approaches for fragile and conflict-affected contexts and a focus on effective partnerships. She holds a strong commitment to justice, equity, and inclusivity. Sharon joined the Tearfund Board in 2025.

Lisa Divett (Ngāi Tūhoe) is the Chief Strategy Officer of Dentsu Aotearoa and joined the Tearfund Board in August 2025. She holds an MA from The University of Auckland and has over 20 years of experience in the marketing and communications industry.

Lisa is dedicated to leveraging the power of communications to effect positive societal change.  She has contributed significantly to both the public and private sectors, addressing issues such as family violence, mental health, road safety, financial literacy, and health services. She has convened industry awards, leads strategic training for the industry body and is in a rōpū helping to advocate for and support Māori working in advertising and marketing.

ACMA, CGMA,MBA, Chief Executive YMCA Central

With 25 years of experience in the for-purpose sector, Anthony is passionate about enhancing community wellbeing and fostering resilience in children, young people, and families. A Chartered Global Management Accountant and Associate Chartered Management Accountant (CIMA, UK), Anthony also holds an MBA (Victoria University, New Zealand) and is dedicated to driving positive social impact through education, inclusion, and sustainable growth.

Anna is Chief Operating Officer at Laidlaw College, Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest interdenominational theological tertiary institute, and joined the Tearfund Board in March 2025. She holds an MBA from Macquarie Graduate School of Management and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Passionate about faith-driven social impact, Anna has been involved in global mission initiatives including Samaritan’s Purse – Operation Christmas Child and the Hamlin Fistula Hospital.

Anna brings leadership experience across public and private sectors, with expertise in finance, environmental stewardship, sustainability, and advisory services. Her recent focus has been helping Aotearoa New Zealand transition to a low-emissions, climate-resilient future. She works at the intersection of sustainability strategy, digitisation, and emerging technologies, supporting organisations to navigate climate and nature-related challenges. Anna’s career spans leadership in climate change for the New Zealand government, as well as roles in finance, technology, digitisation, entrepreneurship, and innovation in financial services, within the UK, Australia and New Zealand.

PhD Theology

Dr Andrew Shepherd is a Senior Lecturer in Theology and Public Issues at the University of Otago. His work sits at the intersection of faith, ethics, and public life, shaped by a long involvement in theological education, Christian leadership formation, and governance within non‑profit organisations, including youth training, international development, and conservation.

Andrew writes, teaches, and speaks widely on theological ethics, with a particular focus on ecology and climate change, social justice, peace‑making, economics, and the challenges of polarisation in contemporary society. Alongside his academic work, he regularly contributes thoughtful commentary to New Zealand newspapers and co‑hosts the podcast Ngā Here – The Many Connections, offering biblical perspectives on environmental and bicultural realities in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Andrew joined the Tearfund Board in November 2025.