Materoa (Ngāti Whātua, Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Porou) is a CEO of Te Tihi o Ruahine Whānau Ora Alliance and Chair of EMERGE Aotearoa. With over 40 years in Māori health and community development, she has held leadership roles across health, science, education and wellbeing sectors. Materoa is passionate about connecting communities and improving outcomes through locally grounded solutions.

Stefan is a governance director who began board service at 20 and chaired his first board at 26. He has served with Manfeild Park Trust, Queen Elizabeth College, Employment Advice New Zealand, and is a committee member with the Institute of Directors and the Institute of Public Administration New Zealand. Stefan combines business insight with strong community connections.

Ross is completing his final term as a Horowhenua District Councillor, bringing 34 years’ experience in emergency services, including time as a police officer. Well-connected with iwi and community groups, Ross has a deep understanding of local needs and risks.

Bonnie (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Hauiti, Rangitāne) is a Te Ao Māori Advisor at the New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre. Her background spans social services, NGO management, business and real estate. She is a strong advocate for community-led solutions and underrepresented voices.

Paul has represented New Zealand’s Indian community for over four decades, including as President of the Central Districts Indian Association and the New Zealand Indian Central Association. He works closely with police and government to improve community understanding around safety and resilience.

Paul has lived in Rangitīkei for over 50 years and is a current District Councillor. With a background in agricultural training and health and safety, he is active in Bulls' civic groups and heritage projects. Paul is passionate about representing and protecting the needs of rural communities.

Amy is a Senior Advisor at Massey University with deep ties across tertiary education. Her background includes work with NZ Police, incident response, student wellbeing and managing university accommodation. Amy draws from Māori and Pacific values to bring a whole-of-community perspective to emergency preparedness.

Graeme is widely connected across Manawatū through his work with the Grassroots Trust Rescue Helicopter. A former volunteer firefighter and national committee member for the United Fire Brigades Association, Graeme is passionate about community safety and resilience.