Our board and team

CFA Society New Zealand is led by a team of committed volunteer Directors who plan and implement the strategic vision for the society.  Most Directors oversee a portfolio or a strategic area.

The Board meet regularly to carry out governance, provide updates on their portfolios, and to plan and review initiatives.

David Kandziora, CFA, CIPM, CAIA – Chair, Board Portfolio: Advocacy

David is a seasoned investment professional with extensive governance experience across New Zealand’s investment and wealth sectors. He currently serves as a Portfolio Manager with Alvarium Wealth and has advised boards on investment and governance matters as an investment consultant. David has a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Auckland and is a Chartered Member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors. David also serves on the global GIPS Interpretations Committee.    

Christina Leung, CFA – Vice Chair, Board Portfolio: Employer Outreach, Member Engagement & Inclusion


Christina is Deputy Chief Executive (Auckland) and Principal Economist at the NZ Institute of Economic Research (NZIER), where she looks after economic forecasts and analysis of the Quarterly Survey of Business Opinion. Christina also works with many clients looking at topical issues, including the wider economic impact of particular industries and investments. She previously worked at the Reserve Bank of New Zealand and ASB. Christina holds a Bachelor of Commerce with first class honours in Economics.

Chelsea Leadbetter, CFA – Director, Board Portfolio: University Outreach


Chelsea is a Senior Equity Analyst at Forsyth Barr, with her current primary stock coverage including the Healthcare sector, Gaming sector and coverage within the Food, Beverage & Agriculture sector. She has a BCom and BSc from Victoria University, majoring in Finance and Psychology and has an Honours degree in Finance.

Shane Solly, CFA – Director, Board Portfolio: Education & Professional Development


Shane is a Director at Harbour Asset Management, portfolio manager for the Harbour Equity Focus Fund and the Harbour Real Estate Fund, and also supports the management of Harbour’s other equity mandates. Shane has more than 25 years experience managing portfolios for investors at ANZ, Citibank, Goldman Sachs, ING and Mint. He holds a Bachelor of Business in Finance from Massey University.

Hamish Ellis-Jack, CFA – Treasurer, Board Portfolio: Candidate Outreach


Hamish is the Chief Financial Officer of Sustainable Property Investment, a value-add commercial property fund with 10 Auckland based commercial property assets worth $155 million. Hamish has significant experience in corporate finance, strategy and investment advisory having worked for Deloitte and some of New Zealand’s largest corporates as well as a boutique Investment Bank.
During his time in London Hamish was a member of the CFA Society of the UK. Hamish holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Finance and a Certificate in Languages in German from the University of Auckland. Outside of work Hamish is a passionate field hockey umpire and is on the Board of North Harbour Hockey.

Jennifer Chee, CFA - Director, Board Portfolio: Events


Jennifer is a Private Equity Associate at Fisher Funds, one of NZ’s largest specialist investment managers across KiwiSaver and Managed Funds, and her team specialises in providing growth capital and expertise to private NZ businesses. She has 10+ years of experience across private equity investments, investment banking and macroeconomic research, including direct investment roles at NZ Super Fund and Jarden. Jennifer served as a committee member at INFINZ Young Women in Finance (YWF) and Emerging Leaders Group, and holds a Bachelor of Commerce with First Class Honours in Finance at the University of Auckland.

JD van Heerden, CFA - Director, Board Portfolio: Member Engagement

JD is the Head of Sales at Synlait Milk Ltd, where he leads commercial execution across the company’s diversified revenue portfolio. In addition to the CFA charter, JD is a member of CPA Australia and holds a Masters degree in Business Mathematics and Informatics and a PhD in Finance. With over two decades of experience spanning commercial leadership, finance, consulting, and academia, he enjoys combining strategic foresight with analytical and commercial acumen to drive sustainable business growth.

Michelle Reyers, CFA – Director, Board Portfolio: Advocacy


Michelle is the Policy Lead at Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission where she is responsible for providing research and advice to inform retirement income policy development. Previously, Michelle was a senior lecturer in finance and investment, with her research focused on financial decision-making and the behavioural factors that influence it. Her professional background also includes a decade of experience in the financial services industry. Michelle has a PhD in finance from the University of Pretoria, South Africa. 

CFA Staff: Helen Mexted – Operations Director 


Helen has extensive experience in investment and membership organisations. She manages the overall operations of the Society, including member communications, engagement, services, and the Society's education programmes. Helen also collaborates with committees, universities, employers, partners, and sponsors to promote the CFA brand and strengthen the pipeline of future investment management professionals.
Email: helen@cfasociety.org.nz