Rachel Petero

Rachel Petero

Deputy Chair/Heamana Tuarua

With strong Māori genealogy to her tribal lands and people of Waikato-Tainui, Rachel advocates and drives gender equity, diversity and inclusivity through her leadership roles in governance, business and community development.

Rachel’s management consulting business grew exponentially from 2010 starting in London, UK to Doha, Qatar and returning home to Aotearoa, New Zealand in 2015. She has received awards and recognition as the Founder of Women leading change Qatar and Rise2025 an internationally recognised leadership and coaching programme to name a few.

Internationally trained in Human Resources and Executive Coaching, she is known for growing and coaching over 10,000 corporate leaders across 3 continents through multiple talent development programmes from scholarships to executive management.

Through her corporate business development and governance experience as Co-Chair of Te Ohu Whai Ao Trust and Trustee of Ngāti Tamaoho, Rachel continues to remain locally grounded and globally focused with partnerships in the UK, Middle East, Pacific Islands, Australia, Hawaii, Taiwan, Chile, Canada and North America. She also holds Cultural Advisory roles for Sysdoc NZ (since 2018) and Otara Bluelight Committee (since 2016).

Rachel brings Indigenous values-based methodologies and practices to explore global economic, environmental, social and humanitarian issues to the Unicef New Zealand board.

Alongside her husband John, (Niuean, Cook Island, Tongan) they are investing and growing their personal assets and businesses to pass on to their six nieces and nephews.