Meet The Team

Nurain is a Chartered Accountant and seasoned non-executive director, contributing her expertise to charitable organizations across New Zealand and internationally.

Born in the Maldives, she is a dynamic speaker, storyteller, and a dedicated advocate for diversity and inclusion. Driven by a mission to create a more equitable world, Nurain leads through strategic decision-making and inspiring leadership.

Her lived experiences sparked the founding of Authenticity Aotearoa.

Nurain previously served as a Senior Consultant in Ernst & Young’s Turnaround & Restructuring Strategy team and currently holds the position of Vice Chair at Hotels & Resorts Investment Maldives (HARIM).

In recognition of her impact, Nurain was named a Business Leader in the University of Auckland's prestigious “40 Under 40” in 2020. She was a finalist in the 2021 New Zealand Women in Governance Awards and the 2017 Women of Influence Awards. Her advocacy for young women of colour led her to represent them at the 2017 United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.

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Kāi Tahu | Kāti Wairaki | Atiu | Tahiti

Ash is proudly of Māori, Cook Island and Tahitian descent, and is deeply passionate about community, leadership, empowerment, and uplifting diverse voices.

A champion for women of colour, equity, inclusion, and the wellbeing of our communities, Ash brings both lived experience and senior leadership expertise into the spaces she serves. She draws from the collective strength of Pacific peoples in her endeavors, believing strongly in the power of community.

Ash currently works as a Senior Manager at nib, where she leads with a strong focus on people, culture, customer experience, and supporting positive outcomes for members.

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Born and raised in Tāmaki Makaurau and of Māori and Tongan descent, Janie is passionate about kaupapa Māori, identity, healing, and helping others reconnect with themselves beyond the pressure to perform, shrink, or fit in.

With a background in education both in Aotearoa and internationally, she later stepped into entrepreneurial leadership within the digital business space, co-founding one of New Zealand’s largest affiliate business communities
before moving further into transformational spaces centred around women’s empowerment, self-development, and authentic connection.

Over the past several years, Janie has been on a deeply personal journey of reclaiming her reo Māori and strengthening her connection to Te Ao Māori. That journey eventually led her to Tauranga, where she immersed herself in Te Tohu Paetahi, the total immersion Māori language programme at the University of Waikato. Through wānanga, community, and te reo Māori, this chapter of her life became more than education — it became a return to self.

Through her work, kōrero, and online presence, Janie openly shares the realities of healing, identity, confidence, and learning to take up space authentically. Her passion lies in creating spaces where women feel seen, heard, encouraged, and empowered to reconnect with who they truly are.

Grounded in connection, community, and realness, Janie brings warmth, honesty, humour, and depth to every space she enters.

At the heart of everything she does is the belief that authenticity is not something we create — it’s something we return to.

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Born and raised in South Auckland and of Samoan descent, Leah brings a grounded and creative approach to leadership shaped by her experiences across corporate, entrepreneurial, and community spaces.

Over the last 5 years, Leah has stepped into consultancy and entrepreneurial digital business spaces, where she has become deeply involved in mentorship both within New Zealand and globally, alongside operations, systems, events, coordination, and behind-the-scenes leadership. Naturally drawn to organisational development and bringing structure to moving parts, Leah is passionate about helping bring ideas to life and supporting purpose-driven work.

Throughout her twenties, Leah developed a love for travelling, creating meaningful experiences, and exploring life beyond the day-to-day norm. These experiences continue to shape the way she connects with others and moves through the world, while encouraging women to think beyond the limitations often placed on everyday life.

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Arina migrated from Kedah, Malaysia, to Ōtepoti Dunedin, where she uplifts diverse communities through podcasts and radio. As the host of The Arinality on Otago Access Radio, she invites women to connect, reflect on cultural traditions and find meaning in their everyday journal entries.

Arina holds a degree in Psychology and Gender Studies from the University of Otago and is currently studying for a Certificate in Financial Services, reflecting her interest in financial wellbeing and community empowerment.

She was recognised as one of the Asia New Zealand Foundation 25 to Watch and a University of Otago 20Twenties Young Alumni Awardee. Arina is also a member of Youth in Philanthropy Aotearoa and contributed to the Otago Community Trust Rangatahi Led Fund. Her “why” is to amplify the quiet voices in the community.

On weekends, Arina supports her family’s Malaysian food business, Kampung Dunedin, sharing the comforting flavours of home. Outside of work, she finds joy in creative crafts, building meaningful communities, and creating an intentional and balanced life.

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Ayse (eye-sheh) is an enrolled Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court with a background spanning both Turkish and New Zealand legal systems, bringing a unique multicultural perspective to her work and advocacy.

Passionate about equity, inclusion, and empowering diverse communities, Ayse is deeply committed to fostering meaningful connection and creating spaces where people feel heard, valued, and supported. Her work and volunteer involvement across legal, leadership, and community spaces reflect a strong dedication to advocacy and positive social impact.

Alongside her legal work, Ayse has contributed extensively to community and leadership initiatives through organisations including Multiethnic Young Leaders NZ, AUTSA, and Auckland Community Law Centre. Her commitment to service and leadership has been recognised through multiple awards and scholarships, including the AUT Volunteer Achievement Award and the Women & Leadership New Zealand scholarship programme.

Grounded in curiosity, connection, and lifelong learning, Ayse values authentic conversations, cultural understanding, and using her skills to give back to the community.

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Naushyn is a solicitor and researcher, keenly interested in the nexus between climate change, litigation and policymaking.

Naushyn currently works as a Legal Adviser, International Law at the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade.

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