Lakshmi Dhana is a seasoned leader in vocational education with over 20 years of experience. As the General Manager of Education at Lifeskills Training & Education, she brings expertise in business strategy, people leadership, operations, change management, and organisational learning and development. Holding a Master’s in Commerce and currently pursuing a Master’s in Educational Leadership, Lakshmi is deeply committed to shaping the future of education. She applies her advanced knowledge of leadership theory and educational best practices to enhance teaching quality, curriculum design, and student outcomes. Her role extends to overseeing compliance and registry teams at Lifeskills, where she drives the implementation of policies that enrich the learner experience and strengthen regulatory compliance. As a passionate advocate for quality education, Lakshmi has played a pivotal role in qualification reviews, skills standards development, and micro-credential initiatives. Her leadership continues to foster innovation and continuous improvement, ensuring vocational education remains dynamic, accessible, and impactful. Beyond her professional life, Lakshmi enjoys cooking and preserving family traditions, often exploring new recipes that bring people together. She is a firm believer in lifelong learning, continuously seeking new knowledge and experiences that enrich both her personal and professional growth. Areas of specialisation: Compliance, Policy Enactment, Change Management, Reflective Practice, Learning and Development, Instructional Design, Vocational Education and Training, Constructive Alignment Approach.

Kirimangu is dedicated to strengthening whānau, empowering vulnerable communities, and driving systems change with real, lasting impact. With 15 years in leadership, governance, and programme design, she delivers practical solutions that help whānau heal, grow, and take control of their futures. She believes when communities have the right tools and opportunities, they build strength not just for today, but for generations to come. A former board member of Dress for Success and a trustee for Te Huia and Rangiwherowhero Trust in the Waikato, Kirimangu contributes to the development of papakāinga on whānau land. She understands the dual responsibility of driving impact in urban settings while ensuring the ahi kā (fires) remains strong on her papakāinga (home land). A proud māmā of three multicultural tamariki of Māori, Niuean, Cook Island, and Pākehā heritage, Kirimangu is driven to create a future where they—and all mokopuna—experience the privilege of equity. Areas of specialisation: Cultural Competency & Capability, Trauma-Informed Services, Governance, People & Culture, Youth Development, Co-Design, Commercial Acumen, Strategic Development, Business Performance, and Change Management.

Nick Edwards is the Head of LIFE Community, a position he has held for 5 years. He has also been the Chairman of the LIFE Centre Trust Board for 3 years. In his role, Nick oversees the 3 pillars of LIFE Community which include, Food Insecurity Response Projects (such as Christmas Box, LIFE Community Kitchens, Ka Ora Ka Ako Healthy School Lunch Initiative); Support and Employment Services (LIFE Homes); and Education (Lifeskills). With 15 years of senior management experience in Australian and New Zealand retail companies, Nick brings a wealth of expertise to his position. He is also the Director of People Lab Ltd, a strategic services and advisory business, and a Director and at the New Zealand-based retail company I Love Ugly. Nick is an active member of the executive team for LIFE NZ and an Australian-based church. He has been married for 12 years and has a 3-year-old daughter. In his personal time, Nick enjoys playing golf, good quality coffee and running (both for fitness and after his toddler).

Manu Palelei is a highly experienced leader in vocational education, bringing over 20 years of expertise across strategy, operations, sales & marketing, finance, systems design, business improvement, acquisitions, mergers, and transformational change. As General Manager of Growth, Funding & Partnerships at Lifeskills, Manu drives the organisation’s investment and growth strategy. She is responsible for identifying expansion opportunities and securing sustainable funding streams to support future development, ensuring long-term success and impact. Beyond her professional role, Manu is a dedicated advocate for Pacific communities. She holds senior positions on local community executive teams and education steering committees, working to create meaningful pathways for Pacific learners and families. Passionate about education, employment, and economic empowerment, she is committed to fostering opportunities that drive lasting change and uplift communities. Areas of specialisation: Cultural Competency and Capability, Pacific Leadership, Strategic Development, Business Performance, Investment Planning, Governance, Vocational Education and Training, Change Management, Sales and Marketing.

Rachel Teesdale has been a valued member of Lifeskills Training & Education for over a decade, progressing through various roles to her current position as General Manager of PTE Operations. Beginning her career as an Occupational Therapist, Rachel worked closely with communities, helping individuals gain and maintain independence in both life and work. This foundation in empowerment and support has shaped her leadership approach across multiple sectors, where she has held key leadership roles. Specialising in employment relations and people leadership, Rachel is passionate about building high-performing teams and fostering workplace environments where staff feel supported to succeed. A people-first leader, Rachel is committed to implementing policies, procedures, systems, and strategies that drive efficient day-to-day operations. She is a strong advocate for critical self-assessment and continuous improvement, ensuring that Lifeskills Training & Education consistently delivers exceptional service to students, clients, and stakeholders. Believing that education is the key to unlocking opportunities, Rachel is dedicated to helping individuals and communities realise their full potential through accessible and high-quality learning experiences.

Renier du Toit is a seasoned finance professional with over 20 years of experience providing commercial and financial support across multiple industries, including IT, electricity, local government, for-purpose organisations, and education. Holding a B.Com degree in Accounting and Commercial Law, Renier is also a full member of CPA Australia. His expertise in financial management and strategic commercial oversight has played a key role in driving successful business acquisitions, property deals, efficiency-focused projects, and enhanced financial reporting at Lifeskills. Renier’s ability to foster strong relationships across all levels of the organisation reflects his leadership and collaborative approach. He is deeply committed to ensuring financial sustainability and operational efficiency to support the long-term success of Lifeskills. Outside of work, Renier enjoys spending time with family and friends, contributing to his local church, and continuously expanding his knowledge through lifelong learning.