New Chair and Deputy Chair appointments announced

Philip Crump has been elected Chair of Foundation North. Philip has been a Trustee on the Foundation’s board since January 2026 and takes over as Chair from Michelle Tsui, who has held the position since June 2024 and whose second four-year term on the Board ends this month.

Philip Crump is an accomplished lawyer with over 25 years of legal experience in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. He practiced at Russell McVeagh in Auckland before becoming a Partner at Kirkland & Ellis in London, where he was recognised as a leading lawyer by Chambers & Partners and Legal 500.

Philip holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Māori Studies and a law degree from the University of Auckland. A member of the Waitangi Tribunal, he also serves on the Board of New Zealand On Air and the NZME Editorial Advisory Board.

Philip says “I am honoured to work alongside my fellow trustees, focused on ensuring that Foundation North continues to fulfil our purpose to enhance lives and continuing the responsible allocation of resources in alignment with our strategy; enabling intergenerational impact for the communities of today and tomorrow.”

Moving into the position of Deputy Chair is Martin Cleave (Ngātiwai, Te Rarawa, Tainui) who replaces Ngaire Rae, whose second term on the board also ends this month.

Martin Cleave is a CEO, company director, and board member whose career spans Māori trusts, media entities, and commercial ventures.

Both appointments are effective from 1 June 2026.