After six years of leading TupuToa, Chief Executive Anne Fitisemanu will be stepping down from her role in August 2024.
Since joining the organisation in 2017, Anne has steered TupuToa through an exceptional phase of growth.
The organisation’s vision to empower Aotearoa New Zealand’s future Māori and Pacific leaders has seen more than 1000 Māori and Pacific graduates accepted into roles throughout corporate businesses and government agencies across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Leopino Foliaki & Tina Wilson, Co-Chair’s of TupuToa, thank Anne for her leadership of the organisation and her unwavering commitment to improve the outcomes for Māori and Pacific communities.
“Under Anne’s leadership, we’ve developed from a small organisation to one that now delivers multiple internships nationally and globally, including Tū Kahikatea – Māori Cadetships, Kia Tupu, Kia Toa – leadership development programme, and initiatives at secondary school level,” says Foliaki.
Outgoing CEO Anne Fitisemanu says: “In line with our best practice in leadership, it is time to make way for someone else in this role with the skills and vision to take TupuToa on the next stage of its journey. This is woven into our TupuToa fabric – Ka tupu te moko taro me aravei i te vai ora – Young taro shoots will grow, when nurtured with life giving water.
“It has been a privilege to serve as TupuToa’s CEO. I thank everyone for the opportunity to serve and to work with such excellent colleagues and partners,” adds Fitisemanu.
TupuToa Co-Chair, Tina Wilson, says “Creating change requires energy and commitment to the kaupapa. We have had one of the best drive us to this point.” The TupuToa whānau are excited as they now embark on the next phase of embedding its’ promise – to ensure a culturally diverse corporate Aotearoa.
“As we continue to deliver our strategic blueprint for growth, innovation and transformation, we remain steadfast in our mission to provide innovative internship programmes that create quality pathways for Māori and Pacific students into professional careers across Aotearoa New Zealand and the world.
