Jimi Higgins – South Island Representative (Elected Board Member) – Chair
Elected: 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.
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.
Appointed Board Member – Vacant
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.
Kate Moss – North Island Representative (Elected Board Member)
Elected: 2025
Bio to come
Heath Kerr – 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.
Liv Haysom – Elected Board Member
Elected: 2025
Bio to come
Alan Te Moananui – Māori Representative
Elected: 2020
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.