Heath Kerr – Chair (Appointed Board Member)
Appointed: November 2021
Heath Kerr brings more than 20 years of experience in private equity and investment banking across Australia and New Zealand. As a Director at Direct Capital, one of New Zealand’s leading private equity firms, Heath works closely with institutional investors and local companies to guide strategic growth, capital management, and governance.
Originally from Hawke’s Bay, Heath studied Strategy and Finance at the University of Waikato. After 13 years in Sydney, he returned to New Zealand and now resides in Auckland with his family. A dedicated social surfer, he shares his love for the ocean with his three children.
Heath combines commercial expertise with a genuine passion for surfing, helping Surfing New Zealand achieve its strategic objectives and long-term vision.
Deb Bowry – Deputy Chair (Elected Board Member)
Deb Bowry has a strong background in aquatic sports governance, previously serving on the New Zealand Water Polo Board for seven years. She currently works as the Sport Operations Coordinator for School Sport Canterbury, with a focus on finance and revenue growth in the sports sector.
Of Samoan descent, Deb is committed to fostering diversity in surfing. She is an active member of the Southern Wahine Boardriders Club and is passionate about promoting inclusivity and participation across Aotearoa’s surfing communities.
Deb brings valuable governance experience and a clear understanding of the role of strategic leadership in national sporting organisations.
Monique Esplin – Appointed Board Member
Appointed: 2024
Monique Esplin returned to New Zealand after 20 years in Sydney, bringing a wealth of professional leadership experience from roles at Amazon Web Services, Telstra, and Vocus. She currently chairs Indigitech, a not-for-profit dedicated to providing digital education equity for Māori and Pacific Island youth.
A member of Bay Boardriders in Mount Maunganui, Monique is deeply involved in the local surf scene. Her eldest son competes internationally in longboarding, and her youngest surfs competitively at a national level. Her husband, Jason, is a qualified surf judge and volunteer.
Monique’s expertise in partner strategy, digital innovation, and mentoring adds immense value to Surfing New Zealand’s mission to grow the sport inclusively.
Delphine Ducaruge – Appointed Board Member
Delphine Ducaruge is a dynamic business and tech professional with deep roots in the world of board sports. A self-proclaimed enthusiastic (if not expert) surfer, she brings a vibrant mix of strategic thinking, entrepreneurship, and industry knowledge.
With experience spanning software, e-commerce, product development, and startup advisory, Delphine has led multiple ventures, including a kiteboarding magazine and a photography studio. She currently serves as Chairperson of NZTech and advises startups via the University of Canterbury Centre for Entrepreneurship.
Delphine brings energy, creativity, and commercial insight to the board—blending her passion for surfing with deep business acumen.
Matt Wood – Appointed Board Member
Appointed: 2023
Matt Wood brings a lifetime of experience on the water and a professional background in both public service and the non-profit sector. A former Police Officer and current employee of Maritime New Zealand, Matt offers strong knowledge of safety and regulatory frameworks.
He’s worked with numerous sports organisations as a Coastguard tutor, yachting and SUP instructor, and has been involved in various community-led water safety initiatives. Matt and his family are regular visitors to Mt Maunganui, where they’ve surfed for over 20 years.
Matt is passionate about increasing safe participation in surfing and helping Surfing NZ thrive as a national sporting organisation.
Keri McKenzie – North Island Representative (Elected Board Member)
Originally from Mount Maunganui, Keri McKenzie returned to New Zealand after living in Australia for 16 years, where she raised her three surfing children and ran a successful natural skincare business.
Now based in Hawke’s Bay, Keri serves as Community and Development Manager for Your Solutions Hawkes Bay Boardriders and is an event coordinator for the region’s largest game fishing tournament. She’s also entering a new role in the building industry.
Keri is driven by her love for surfing, family, and adventure, and is committed to supporting surfing’s growth in her region and beyond.
Jimi Higgins – South Island Representative (Elected Board Member)
Appointed: 2023
Jimi Higgins has dedicated his life to surfing—from grommet competitions to leading major surf events like the South Island Champs. With experience in judging, contest direction, and club governance, he currently serves as Vice President of the South Island Surfing Association and National Director for Police Sport Surfing.
He also brings strong community service credentials, having worked with organisations such as Life Education Trust, Coastguard, St John, and Task Force Kiwi. Jimi currently works for the New Zealand Police and is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Defence and International Security Studies.
Jimi’s leadership, event experience, and service ethos make him a valuable advocate for South Island surfers.
Alan Te Moananui – Māori Representative
Alan Te Moananui is a secondary school teacher at Kaikoura High School, where he teaches Health, PE, and junior Te Reo Māori. A passionate educator and coach, Alan also leads the school’s rugby and judo programs.
With a Masters in Education (Bilingual and Immersion Teaching) from Canterbury University and a student of Māori martial art Mau Rākau, Alan offers a deep cultural perspective to the board.
A former New Zealand judo representative and a member of the Aotearoa Māori Surfing Team, Alan brings experience from both the classroom and competitive sport. His presence ensures a strong Māori voice within Surfing New Zealand’s governance.
