Jennah brings significant sector knowledge and experience to the role, and is a proven people and organisational leader. Her credentials, connections and expertise have seen her sit on both sides of the board table, and successfully navigate complexity and challenges.
Jennah has deep knowledge of both Tāmaki Makaurau and the sport and recreation sector. She has held a number of leading sports administration positions, including General Manager Partnerships & Communication with Sport New Zealand, Chief Executive of the World Masters Games 2017 and General Manager – Destination at ATEED. She is currently an Independent Director of Perpetual Guardian Holdings and the Deputy Chair of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited and was previously a Director of Cricket 2021 Limited (2021 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup) and Regional Facilities Auckland.
Debbie has more than 20 years’ experience working in the sport and recreation sector, having spent time working in England, the USA and New Zealand. Prior to arriving in New Zealand, Debbie was Head of Sport for a local authority and also spent time developing sports lottery projects on behalf of Sport England and local government. Whilst in New Zealand, Debbie has worked for a Regional Sports Trust, had experience working in local government and, immediately prior to joining Aktive, with Sport New Zealand.
Kathryn has been a valued member of the Aktive whānau since 2019, most recently leading Aktive’s Active Schools team, providing strategic and operational leadership across a broad portfolio of initiatives that are central to Aktive’s strategic priorities. Prior to joining Aktive, Kathryn built a strong career in education, including roles at the University of Auckland and St Mary’s College. Kathryn’s leadership and impact were recognised nationally in 2025 when she was awarded Sport New Zealand Ihi Aotearoa’s prestigious Susie Simcock Future Leaders’ Scholarship.
A proud Aucklander, Kathryn grew up in Counties Manukau and remains deeply connected to her Manurewa roots. She holds a Master of Education with first class honours from the University of Auckland and is a long‑standing and very staunch Blues supporter.
Jo has previously held senior leadership roles with a number of organisations including McDonald’s New Zealand where she was responsible for corporate affairs, stakeholder engagement and customer services and played a key role in the launch of McCafe in New Zealand. She has also worked in various sectors and with a range of other organisations including Westpac, AA Smartfuel, Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust and Transaction Services Group. In addition, she is involved with coaching and managing various secondary school sports teams.
Jo is on the Northern Region Football Board and has previously served on school boards. She has a Bachelor of Communication Studies majoring in Public Relations and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business.
Manu is of Tainui, Patuharakeke (and Dutch) descent, and joins Aktive from KPMG where he was in Management Consulting with a focus on the Māori sector. He also brings a broad background of relationships and experience across Central and Local Government. Manu has worked at Auckland Council and the Ministry of Social Development in management and strategic leadership roles including collaborative sessions between Central and Local Government, Iwi and Non-Government Organisations in Tāmaki Makaurau and Te Tai Tokerau.
Manu is passionate about partnering to achieving positive outcomes for our communities and whānau through sport and active recreation.
Iain has worked in the sports sector within Tāmaki Makaurau for over 20 years. His experience includes a range of roles at Auckland Cricket at all levels of the organisation including CEO.
Iain has a strong strategic and governance background, shaped by having led one of the region’s largest Regional Sport Organisations for close to seven years.
He has a deep connection to community sport, as well as a passion for supporting the growth and development of our people within the sports sector, and allowing leaders at all levels to thrive.
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