NZSO Foundation

Susannah ispassionate about growing private philanthropy in New Zealand, taking roles at the Te PapaFoundation, is Deputy Chair of the Auckland Art Gallery Foundation and Deputy Chair of theNew Zealand Symphony Orchestra. 

After completing degrees in Law and Political Science at VictoriaUniversity of Wellington in 1997, Susannah started her career in London workingin financial institutions. From 2008 to 2018 Susannah lived in New York Cityand was involved in not-for-profits on a voluntary basis.  Along with membership ofthree other arts or women’s health boards, she was the Executive Director ofthe Kathmandu Valley Preservation Trust, 2011-2016. Susannah has lived andworked in Asia, England and the United States for most of her life, returningto New Zealand in 2018 with her husband Paul and two daughters.

Liz brings extensive experience across the not for profit, commercial and political sectors. As an independent contractor and company director, she specialises in communication strategy, campaigns and media, helping organisations refine their messaging and expand their reach.

Her governance background includes chairing both the Rātā Foundation and the Lottery Community Grants Board, alongside serving on a range of boards and advisory committees primarily in the arts, education and community sectors. She believes the arts carry a quiet yet powerful ability to transform - entertaining, educating, and empowering communities.

Dame Patsy served as Governor-General of New Zealand (2016–2021). She is Chair of the Climate Change Commission and the NZSO Foundation, and a trustee of the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research and the Aspen Institute of NZ. Her previous roles include Chair of New Zealand Rugby and the NZ Film Commission, Deputy Chair of the New Zealand Transport Agency, and non-executive directorships including Air New Zealand, NZ Post, SkyCity Entertainment and Telecom New Zealand. She has also held governance roles across arts and charitable organisations and is Patron of the NZ Centre for Brain Research, Sarjeant Gallery Te Whare o Rehua Whanganui, Wellington Sculpture Trust, NZ Opera, Hospice Wairarapa and Dorothy Spotswood Charity Hospital.

Christine has been associated with the NZSO as the South Island Representative for almost forty years. She was honoured to be appointed as a Foundation Trustee in 2006 and given the opportunity to assist our world class orchestra in developing their careers and in encouraging young musicians build a music pathway. Her life has revolved around the arts and youth in particular. Christine’s current roles are Chair of the Canterbury Royal Commonwealth Society Charitable Trust, Executive Member ANZARME Music Education Research,  Southern Institute of Technology Music and Audio Advisory Board Member, Christchurch NZSO Regional Representative.

Daniel has been a trustee of the NZSO Foundation since 2016 and is also a former board member of the NZSO. He is recognised as a leading corporate lawyer by several global legal directories and was approved by the Financial Markets Authority to be a member of the NZ Markets Disciplinary Tribunal. Daniel is also a board member of Auckland Grammar School. His other previous not-for-profit governance roles have focused on education and investor advocacy for retail shareholders.

Dame Bronwen Holdsworth is Chairman and Finance/Legal Director of her family group of companies, which span industrial technology, farming, property, and investment interests. The group’s flagship business, Pultron Composites, is internationally recognised for innovation and advanced manufacturing capabilities, with operations in Gisborne New Zealand, the Middle East, and the United States. An experienced company director, Dame Bronwen has served on a range of government boards and advisory committees focused on business development, technological innovation, and international competitiveness. She has been and is extensively involved in charitable governance nationally and locally, contributing to the arts, education, medical innovation, business, and the community.

Ross Steele spent his professional life in the finance/funds management industry.

Keenly interested in the arts and music he has served on the committees of the Wellington Chamber Music Society and Friends of The National Gallery, and as a trustee of The Dowse Foundation. He is currently a trustee of The Wellington Sculpture Trust and chairs The Radio Active Charitable Trust.