Consumer Board

Robert Aitken, Dunedin

First elected to the Board in 2019.

Chair. Robert is a professor of consumer behaviour at the University of Otago, where his research focuses on the ethics of marketing, especially to socially vulnerable groups. Robert is also deeply interested in protecting consumer rights and encouraging more responsible business practice. In 2020, Robert was elected chair of the Consumer NZ board. This privileged position allows Robert to contribute his research expertise, social business commitment and strategic experience to supporting the organisation in providing independent and objective information and campaigning on behalf of New Zealand consumers. Robert is also proud to be chairs of Age Concern, Otago, and the Finance and Communications Committee, Age Concern New Zealand.

Kate Tokeley, Napier

First elected to the Board in 2017.

Deputy Chair. Kate is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Law at Victoria University of Wellington. She teaches consumer law and policy. She is the author of academic articles and chapters in books on consumer law and policy issues. Her publications cover topics such as online auctions, consumer guarantees, tobacco regulation, unfair contract terms and responsible lending obligations.

Elizabeth Tennet, Nelson

First elected to the Board in 2019.

Liz is a former Labour member of parliament and has had strong governance and consumer advocacy experience as chief executive of the national organisation of Community Law Centres of Aotearoa (CLCA). She has been elected and appointed to various governance boards, often as the chair. Liz is a sitting Consumer NZ board member and chairs our audit and risk committee.

Tom Harris, Waitemata

First elected to the Board in 2022.

With over 30 years in the social sector, Tom Harris is dedicated to fairness, equity and consumer rights. He spent a decade leading a community law centre, ensuring access to justice, and served seven years on the National Board for Community Law Centres Aotearoa. His governance experience includes 10 years on the board of trustees for Hoani Waititi Marae, West Auckland, strengthening Māori-led initiatives. Tom has advised government ministries, including New Zealand Police and the Ministry of Justice, on improving Māori outcomes. Passionate about consumer rights, transparency and accountability, he brings extensive governance experience and a deep commitment to social justice. Tom is a sitting Consumer NZ board member.

Emily Mabin Sutton, Auckland

First elected to the Board in 2024.

Emily is the GM of the not-for-profit Climate Club Aotearoa. She has a decade of experience in technology, AI and strategy. She actively campaigns on the right to repair, decarbonisation and various consumer issues.

Emily is deeply passionate about shifting the defaults of the market to better meet customer needs (like, “How come my dishwasher broke after 2 years and it’s cheaper to buy a new one?”) and increase the standards of New Zealand products. She is heavily involved in campaigning for intersectional climate and consumer issues.

Ron Scott, Bay of Plenty

First elected to the Board in 2024.

Ron is an economist and business owner specialising in strategic planning. Ron is a JP and chartered member of the Institute of Directors. His current governance roles are with Blind Low Vision, Workbridge, NZ Automobile Association, and BoP Regional Council.

Ron is the outgoing chair of the SILC Charitable Trust. He has a long-standing interest in helping consumers access services when they are not able to articulate their needs, or may not know what is available or what constitutes a good service, whether due to their age, an immediate health crisis or intellectual disability.

Jenna Whitman, Wellington

First elected to the Board in 2024.

Jenna Whitman is the Deputy Chief Information Security Officer for Vocus. She is the founder and Chair of the Crown Research Institute Security Group (CRISG) and was formerly the Deputy Chair of the Government Information Security Forum (GISF). Prior to joining Vocus, Jenna was the Chief Information Security Officer at Callaghan Innovation, New Zealand’s innovation agency. Jenna is a self-described 'social justice warrior' and feels strongly about the importance of the consumer-centric and advocacy-based mission that exists with Consumer NZ. Particularly in an age where tactics such as greenwashing, mis/disinformation and poor competition impact everyday people. Being a consumer today means also living your life online, and it should be up to retailers and service providers to keep that experience as safe and private as possible for you the consumer. Jenna promotes bringing in young leaders, experts and women into positions of governance and change to create a future-focussed strategic environment and better engage with relevant young audiences.