Who we are

Theresa Roigard (Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngaati Maahanga, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Hau)

Theresa stepped into the Chair role in March 2026 for Community Governance Aotearoa. The national charity leads sector wide efforts to strengthen governance capability across the community sector. Raised by her nana and koro in Ōwhata, Rotorua, she grew up grounded in the values of service, humility, and whanaungatanga, foundations that continue to shape her leadership today.

Theresa has been a key part of CGA since the establishment of its Te Ao Māori Advisory Board and played a pivotal role in guiding the organisation to become a charitable entity. With more than two decades of experience in central and local government, she has championed Māori aspirations, Te Tiriti partnerships, and system‑level transformation, influencing strategy, investment, and outcomes that enhance whānau and community wellbeing.

Rose Hiha - Ngāti Porou, Te Aitanga-a-Mahaki, Rongowhaakata, Ngāti Kahungunu.

Rose has extensive experience in management and governance across iwi, community, and governance organisations. During her career in local and central government Rose has led large-scale transformational programmes involving the environment, Te Ao Māori, and sustainability and infrastructure.

This has included the management of millions in partnership investments with iwi and communities across New Zealand.

Rose was Chair of Keep New Zealand Beautiful and Co-Chaired the Endangered Species Foundation. She currently supports national boards in digital equity and local art community boards.

A bit about Rose: She enjoys mountain biking and the forests and lakes; she has participated in several World Single Speed events and has a classic car 1962 Singer Vogue.

She is based in the Bay of Plenty - Lakes District.