Changes to the National Executive and National Council

9 June 2025

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Following our Annual General Meeting on Saturday 7 June 2025, the United Nations Association of New Zealand (UNA NZ) is pleased to announce changes to the National Executive and National Council.

James Bushell was elected National President, taking over from Karim Dickie who has stepped down after two years in the role. Ramola Duncan continues as a Vice President with the addition of Pat Metham appointed as a Vice President (as the constitution allows up to three Vice Presidents). Metham recently completed a successful term as President of UNA NZ's Wellington Branch.

"It has been an honour to lead the United Nations of Association of New Zealand for the past two years," outgoing President Karim Dickie said. "Although I will be stepping down, I will still be involved supporting the organisation from behind the scenes." Dickie will take on a new role on the National Council as UN System Liaison. "This role is about strengthening our connections with UN agencies, including the UN Information Centre in Canberra."

Dulce Piacentini, who served as Special Officer for Human Rights for four years, also stood down. She is succeeded by Lydia Oosterhoff. Lara Pritchard also joins as an Ordinary Member of the National Council.

The full list of National Executive and National Council office holders are noted below.

 

UNA NZ National Executive

  • James Bushell, National President
  • Ramola Duncan, Vice President 
  • Pat Metham, Vice President  
  • Steven Arnold, National Treasurer
  • Charlie Mudgway, National President, UN Youth New Zealand
  • Joy Dunsheath MNZM JP, WFUNA Executive Vice Chair and National Executive Committee Member
  • Lara Pritchard, National Council Representative on the Executive
  • Pauline McKay, National Council Representative on the Executive
  • Karim Dickie, Immediate Past President 

 

UNA NZ National Council

  • Dr Abeer Youssef, Special Officer for Humanitarian Affairs
  • Alyn Ware, Special Officer for Peace and Security
  • Lydia Oosterhoff, Special Officer for Human Rights
  • John O'Brien, Special Officer for UN Renewal
  • Steven Arnold, President, Northern Region Branch
  • Doug Barnes, President, Tauranga Group
  • Mano Manoharan, President, Waikato Group
  • Pat Metham, President, Wellington Branch
  • Dr Priya Mohan, President, Canterbury Branch
  • Ruth Groffman, President, Southland Branch
  • Lara Pritchard, President, Manawatu Branch
  • Patrick Metham, Ordinary Member of the National Council
  • Pauline McKay, Ordinary Member of the National Council
  • Karim Dickie, UN System Liaison