Candidates for North Island Board Member Role

We have received 4 nominations for the North Island Board Member role. Erica Cumming, Angela McLeod, Colleen Ervine and Nicole Oliver. Click the plus button to read more about each candidate.

  • Erica Cumming comes from four generations of farmers in Southland – her family has farmed in the Waikaka Valley, Gore for 150 years this year and she is the trustee of the family farm.

    Erica has a background of business ownership in Gore, and is well known there, until she moved to Wellington in to work at national leadership level. Her professional career is now in education where she has held a number of significant roles including:

    - 18 years with the Hairdressing Industry Organisation (HITO), with more than 13 as CEO

    - 2+ years with the Building  and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) as Advocate for Women

    - Secretariat Lead for the establishment of 6 new Workforce Development Councils in 2021

    - Acting CEO Toi Mai Workforce Development Council

    - Establishment manager for Muka Tangata, the People, Food and Fibre Workforce Development Council

    Currently Engagement and Partnerships Manager for Waihanga Ara Rau Workforce Development Council.

    Erica is currently on the Board of WorldSkills NZ  and has had previous governance experience as the Chair of Wellington Stopping Violence, Chair of International Professional Standards Network, and as a member of the Industry Training Federation for a number of years as well as other more minor appointments. She has also worked as a consultant and specialist adviser to a number of other organisations in the not-for profit and education sector.

    Erica has recently formally joined RWNZ, after many years of being a rural woman, and as a city resident (for now) has joined the Thorndon network although she would really prefer to be in Southland where her heart is. She understands the realities of working at national level and the need to sometimes be city-based while never losing her passion for the land and her home.

    Erica brings a depth of experience and knowledge that would be invaluable to RWNZ as it looks to the future and makes decisions about how the organisation will meet that future and serve the needs of is members and communities.  Erica is familiar with the challenges and opportunities of grass-roots membership organisations and meeting the needs of a distributed and diverse membership. With her wide experience in education and governance she is a strong voice in thinking about ways to empower members and is highly skilled in delivering strategies to support their personal and professional development. Erica has undying passion for the rural sector and the women in it, and is an ongoing advocate for the needs of the sector.

  • I am deeply committed to fostering sustainable and future-focused organisations and communities. My governance experience is enriched by a combination of strategic vision, social cohesion, and a commitment to empowering rural communities while my professional journey reflects a blend of leadership, governance, and community engagement.

    Background

    I was born and grew up in suburban Auckland followed by 10 years in Wellington. At that stage, I had no understanding of rural life. However, in my early 30s, I moved to Horowhenua to be a rural reporter, and this is where the combination of my job and home life with two small children grew my passion for rural people, businesses and communities.

    Six years later, I married a dairy farmer and we moved to rural Manawatu where my involvement in the rural community grew and flourished.

    Community volunteer work

    My voluntary work has been varied, from governance roles to helping organise cycling events. I was a founding member of the Bainesse & Districts Community Development Trust and led efforts to develop a 30km shared pathway connecting rural and urban areas.

    Roles in sports governance included president of the Kiwi Canoe Polo Club, developing child protection and risk management policies, raising $35k for the club to purchase right-sized equipment, and facilitating collaboration with local councils to enhance infrastructure.

    Board roles on Sport Manawatu and New Zealand Canoe Polo Association, both not-for-profit organisations, further enabled me to contribute to positive long-term outcomes for people of all ages. These types of projects involved working as a team and engaging with diverse stakeholders, navigating funding applications and driving initiatives to inform and invigorate the community.

    Currently, I am a volunteer on the Whanganui City Mission Board, a Christian organisation, which provides food parcels, budget services and practical support to members of the community.

    Work alignment

    For the past five years, I have worked as a Strategic Lead in Agribusiness for a council economic development agency, collaborating with grassroots businesses, innovators, scientists and decision-makers, to create a future-focused vision for primary industries and to communicate how changes impact rural communities. The position demands a strategic approach, developing and implementing 10-year plans along with practical steps to achieve its goals.

    Whether working with Whanganui Rural Community Board or other rural organisations, I actively contribute to the social and economic well-being of rural communities through using available data and metrics to ascertain gaps and shortfalls. This includes understanding social demographics, accessibility to services, and the regulatory environment. Most recently submitting on highly productive land rules and blanket forestry.

    While on our family dairy farm in Manawatu, we won two regional Dairy Business of the Year titles, demonstrating that business and strategic acumen, and integrated governance principles can produce practical, results-driven outcomes. My agricultural journalism background complements my governance experience, enabling me to effectively communicate complex issues and advocate for rural communities.

    RWNZ History

    I joined RWNZ after moving to Whanganui in 2019 and attended their leadership retreat in February 2021, followed by helping to organise the Region 4 conference that same year. I have continued my involvement in RWNZ as a member of the Business & Connectivity PAAG and on the Remits Committee.

    Governance experience

    As well as my previous volunteer governance roles, I was an elected councillor for Horizons Regional Council from 2010 to 2019, contributing to several portfolios. During my tenure, we dealt with the effects of the council’s regional policies and plans, and navigated its complexities. I was also instrumental in advocating for a Horowhenua to Waikanae bus link to connect commuters to the Wellington train network and reduce isolation for those having family connections to the capital.

    Professional Development

    Continuous learning is a hallmark of my governance journey and I have completed certifications in Social Impact Assessment, Rural Governance Essentials, and Institute of Directors - Company Direction Course. I am an alumni of the Fonterra Governance Development Programme and these qualifications have strengthened my ability to develop strategic direction, understand environmental outcomes, and champion sustainable practices, as well as network with a wide range of people from all walks of life. I hold a BA in Geography with a minor in economics.

    I believe my experience demonstrates a deep commitment to strategic leadership, rural advocacy, and positive community outcomes. I bring a balanced perspective to decision-making, a proven ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and a strong alignment with RWNZ’s mission. I am eager to contribute my expertise to furthering RWNZ’s vision of empowering rural women and strengthening rural communities across New Zealand.

  • Personal background: Angela grew up on a Town Milk Supply Dairy Farm near Upper Hutt which also carried approximately 300 Perendales.  After finishing college, Angela completed a Bachelor of Agriculture at Massey University in Palmerston North after which an accident rendered her physically unable to continue farming.  She re-trained with a post-graduate Diploma in Development Studies and moved into retail, then media, then Parliament, Executive Management (International) and then back to Parliament before joining Rural Women New Zealand. Her and husband Mac own and run Maidstone Yamaha, a successful motorcycle retail and repair shop in Upper Hutt and live off the land on a lifestyle block in rural Upper Hutt often joined by family, friends, and from time to time, various wwoofers and workawayers.

    Community involvement: Angela has been involved in Trade Aid, and is an active supporter of a local youth hangout, repair café, and kai network.  Angela volunteers her time with the Greater Wellington Regional Food Network on both the Community Advisory Board and the Advocacy Group.  Within this, she is actively involved with food systems mapping for Upper Hutt, the formation of the regional food strategy and advocacy for the inclusion of this on each of the region’s councils.  Angela is also involved in a partnership with the Cancer Society and Te Whatu Ora delivering workshops in colleges across the region, inspiring and educating our advocates of the future.    As a former City Councillor, Angela as many networks in the community and often attends school fundraisers, social enterprise cafes, and community gardens, helping out where needed.  Angela still supports any community group who seek her advice, time or knowledge and has formed a group of other community leaders to advocate and champion solutions for Upper Hutt’s people and businesses. She has been the media spokesperson for the Pay Equity Challenge Coalition, a key spokesperson for the Coalitions for Quality Flexible Work Legislation and Country of Origin Labelling (CoOL), and a strong lobbyist on such things as rural connectivity, reducing rates of violence against women, and empowering women through removing barriers they encounter in everyday life.

    Rural Women New Zealand experience:  Angela spent five years working in the office of RWNZ and was instrumental in raising the profile of RWNZ in the media, with the decision-makers at Parliament and within Government entities.  Angela ensured our messaging was based on research and engagement with Members as well as historic and current policy derived from debates at conferences, media releases and submissions.  Angela actively recruited interns to support the work of the office in policy and communications.  She spent approximately eight months as Acting Chief Executive while the Board recruited Liz Pennington after the resignation of Penelope England.


    Other experience in a rural community:  Angela actively supports RWNZ projects where she can locally and has included her experience from RWNZ in pushing for the local Council to acknowledge the poor digital connectivity in rural Upper Hutt. Angela was the policy chair for the UH Rural Residents Association 2011-2013.


    Governance experience or commitment to undertake training:  Angela has over 20 years’ experience in Governance – starting with being a member of the Trade Aid Importers Movement Council in the 1990s.  Once joining the Upper Hutt branch of the NZ Federation of Business & Professional Women, Angela became involved at national level as their Legislation Convenor ensuring submissions were made and articulated at Parliament.  She was elected to the Board as Vice President in 2006, President 2009-2011 and carried on the Board as Immediate Past President until 2014.   Alongside being on the Board of UN Women National Committee of Aotearoa New Zealand, Angela was President in 2014, and co-opted to the Board of the YWCA from 2015-2017.  Angela has also been on the leadership team of the Pay Equity Coalition, Coalition for Flexible Work, Country of Origin Labelling of Food Coalition and was a Ministerial Appointee to the National Advisory Council on the Employment of Women (NACEW).  Angela represented RWNZ at RERG, FCAF, Rural Crimes Partnership Group and others. 

    As well as being a city councillor for nine years, Angela has also advised international, national and local Boards and Committees on all aspects of governance, including chairing meetings, managing debates and conflicts of interests, as well as how to make a constitution and/or rules and regulations, work for everyone.

    Currently – Advisor to Motorcycling New Zealand’s Women’s Commission; Chair of the Upper Hutt Repair Café Trust; Board Member, Breast Cancer Support Aotearoa and; Ministerial Appointee to the Motorcycle Safety Advisory Council (Deputy Chair).

  • I’ve grown up with a deep connection to rural life, spending time on my grandparents' drystock farm at Honikiwi, Otorohanga, and now living on a farm near Walton.

    I am a third-generation member of Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) and have a strong background in business, governance, and community leadership. I’m actively involved in RWNZ Region 6 – Great Waikato as an Area Committee Member and am committed to making a tangible impact to rural women.

    Business, Education, and Research History

    Day to day, I operate and own Diamond Lab with my partner Hamish. Where we design, redesign and create fine diamond jewellery and provide a range of other jewellery services.

    I have extensive governance experience having served as a director on a number of commercial companies. Additionally, during my professional career, I’ve held senior leadership roles in marketing and communications within the corporate and government sectors.

    I hold a Master’s Degree in Agribusiness from The University of Waikato and a Bachelor’s in Business, majoring in Management. I have completed several leadership development programmes, including: Generate, Aspiring Leaders Forum and the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme.

    My academic research includes my Master’s thesis on adding value to the strong wool industry. Whereas, my Kellogg Rural Leadership report was on developing a Futures based incubator to ensure of the future of strong wool. Additionally, during my masters I contributed to research data for the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

    Leadership and Community Engagement

    My leadership journey began in Young Farmers and has continued across several key community organizations spanning business, rural, health and education.

    I currently serve as:

    • The Deputy Chair of Life Education Trust – Waikato East,

    • As Deputy Chair on the Executive for the MP of Taranaki – King Country.

    • On the committee of the Matamata Women in Business.

    • Sergeant-At-Arms of the Matamata Rotary Club.

    Additionally, I am also a member of the Matamata Chamber of Commerce, Waikato Women’s Fund and the Fieldays Society.

    During my time as an independent member of RWNZ Region 6 – GW, I’ve been privileged to work closely with the Waikato Wonder Women, on regional matters across the greater Waikato, supporting women and our communities.

    Advocacy Experience

    My experience in advocacy has developed through over 10 years of exposure to government processes and the political landscape, particularly during my time working in the National Leader’s Office at Parliament. This role allowed me to build powerful relationships across the political spectrum, giving me a broad understanding on how policy decisions are made.

    After completing my Master’s, I had the opportunity to contribute to the Wool Working Group, a joint government-industry partnership focused on advancing the strong wool fibre industry. This experience developed my ability to work within complex, multi-stakeholder environments, advocating for industry-specific needs.

    Additionally, I’ve had the privilege of joining the RWNZ Community and Social Inclusion Policy Action Advisory Group (PAAG). This involvement has given me the opportunity to work alongside members to ensure the voice of rural women is heard in policy discussions, while deepening my understanding of the key issues and values that RWNZ advocates for.

    Future of RWNZ

    I believe that the future of RWNZ depends on enhancing the community, while simultaneously ensuring the organisation’s long-term financial sustainability and culture.

    This means focusing on the needs of our members, operating within our means, and building a solid foundation for the next 100 years.

    I believe in thoughtful, well-managed change, that is clearly communicated and sustainable.

    It must be future-focused, while remaining true to our core values and rich history. The Evolve plan needs to be refocused and realigned with the core needs of RWNZ members.

    Why Vote For Me

    As we look to the future of RWNZ, I’m committed to helping shape the next phase of the organisation, ensuring it remains relevant, sustainable, and truly member-focused. I believe in the power of rural women to drive change, and I want to support leadership through practical solutions, clear advocacy, and ongoing connection across our communities.

    I bring a diverse skill set, with experience in business, governance, and community leadership, and I’m dedicated to making sure RWNZ continues to be a strong, effective voice for rural women.

    I would appreciate your support and vote. Together, we can ensure that the future of RWNZ reflects the needs of our community and provides the leadership, advocacy, and support that rural women and our communities deserve.