Debbie is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors. She has served on a number of not-for-profit boards including as President on Zonta Wellington. She is currently Chair of Volunteer Wellington, Deputy Chair of the Orpheus Choir of Wellington and on the Board of Volunteering New Zealand.
Debbiie's MBA Research Project was a study of the New Zealand Ministry of Transport/Joanne Harrison fraud case, exploring the poor response to whistleblowing in relation to the organisation’s culture and compliance framework. She has presented and chaired various TINZ forums and webinars and co-authored TINZ’s submission on the Protected Disclosures (Protection of Whistleblowers) Bill.
She is of Kāi Tahu/Kāti Mamoe, with a deep understanding of and interest in Treaty partnerships and Māori representation. During her reporting career, she covered Māori issues and later worked for a Minister of Māori Affairs, before a 30 year career in communications and stakeholder engagement.
Debbie currently works as a trainer, contractor and consultant while running a small business.
