Sarah-Jane Weir
Chair of NRDA Board
Sarah-Jane is Chair of NRDA Board and brings with her a breadth of skills and knowledge from previous roles. As a professional director, Sarah-Jane is currently a director of Network Tasman, the independent chair of the Nelson Bays Primary Health Organisation, a trustee of the Cawthron Trust Board, a national councillor, and a local branch chair of the Institute of Directors. She is also a member of the Financial Advisors Disciplinary Committee. She and her family live close to Nelson's city centre, where they enjoy access to the cafes, the city, and the tracks and trails around the Grampians, the Maitai, and the Centre of New Zealand.
David Johnston
Ngāti Porou
David is Ngāti Porou, and whānau is his foundation. David has extensive leadership experience, a proven track record in CEO Management of Iwi businesses, and deep experience in governance, banking, and operations management. In the past, he has been runner-up in the Duncan Cotterill Nelson Marlborough Aspiring Directors award and completed the Institute of Directors Mentoring for Diversity Programme. David’s most recent experience on several governance boards includes serving as the past Co-Chair of the Kotahitanga mo Te Taiao Alliance and the Te Tauihu Iwi Charitable Trust, which was set up by the eight Iwi of Te Tauihu in response to COVID-19. David is also the Managing Director of his Business Consulting Company, Kururangi Consulting Ltd. In his spare time, you can find him on the ocean on board a waka ama.
Sam Ng
Technology and Social Entrepreneur
Sam Ng is an experienced technology and social entrepreneur with a passion for harnessing technology for social and environmental good. He currently leads teams at the Chief Digital Office at the United Nations Development Programme. He previously started Optimal Experience and Optimal Workshop and various social ventures in educational technology, anti-human trafficking, humanitarian work and impact investing. His exposure to technology and innovation on a global scale led him to focus on both the risks and opportunities of emerging technologies. Sam is motivated to see the Nelson Tasman region thrive through the strategic and appropriate use of technology.
Dennis Christian
Finance, Tourism and Governance
Educated in Nelson, Dennis returned here in 1992. Married with three sons, he has a background in finance, tourism and governance. After many years with the Bank of New Zealand, he resigned in 2001 and owned and operated Flying Kiwi Adventures, a nationwide tour operation, until 2020. During lockdown, he took the opportunity to retrain and now utilises his skills and experience as a salesperson with Bayleys Real Estate. In addition to his role with the NRDA, he chairs the Tahuna Beach Camp Association board, is the independent chair for Wilsons Abel Tasman, and is a trustee for the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter Trust.
Hugh Morrison
Chief Executive of Port Nelson Limited
Hugh is Chief Executive of Port Nelson Limited, a port serving the import and export needs of Te Tauihu. With civil engineering and management qualifications, Hugh has worked in the infrastructure, construction and property sectors for over 30 years. This has allowed him to work in over ten countries and to lead projects valued in the billions and businesses with team sizes of up to 500. As a passionate outdoors person, Hugh balances the excitement of port life with trips into the mountains and bush that are available in Te Tauihu.
Matthew Peacey
Founder of Fintech businesses
Matthew is the founder of Fintech businesses utilising new tech and machine learning to solve SMEs' cash flow issues in Australia and New Zealand. Matthew began his career as a scientist with a Doctorate in Virology and Immunology, developing novel virus-like particle vaccines for cancer treatment, followed by roles as a Senior Scientist and Principal Investigator leading the development of novel virus detection. Through the journey across Science, Finance and Tech, Matt has continued to hone his interests in governance and entrepreneurialism, winning Nelsonian of the year for business. He is also an independent director for the Cawthron Institute and the Tasman Rugby Union.