Ngā Kaiako | RNZAF Mentors

An Aerospace Engineer by trade, André has held diverse roles across engineering, leadership, and procurement in the RNZAF, alongside professional experience in the wine and hospitality industries. Yet it is his enduring commitment to mentoring that defines his legacy. Since joining the programme in 2009, he has served as a mentee, mentor, facilitator, industry engagement liaison, conference speaker, and Mentor Advisory Team (MAT) leader in both Auckland and Wellington. He now sits on the programme’s Steering Group, where his historical perspective and forward-looking vision continue to shape its direction.

André is a lead facilitator for the Foundation Workshop and regularly contributes to the Advanced Practitioner Workshop. He has also been instrumental in recruiting, developing, and nurturing new facilitators, consistently seeing potential in people before they see it in themselves. His ability to spot, encourage, and grow talent has been vital in sustaining and expanding the programme’s impact. Beyond the RNZAF, he played a key role in developing and delivering the mentoring programme for the New Zealand Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, extending his influence into government leadership.

A sought-after mentor in and out of uniform, André combines deep technical expertise with a human-centred approach that inspires trust and growth. Colleagues describe him as someone who always seems one step ahead being on the cutting edge of mentoring practice, equipped with the wisdom of experience and an instinct for what the programme and its people need next.

Outside of his RNZAF role, André is a keen photographer, technologist, and lifelong learner. He recently completed an MSc in Advanced Computer Science and continues to seek out innovative projects that merge his technical skills with his passion for people development.

Through every role he has played, André has embodied constancy, insight, and quiet strength. His influence as a facilitator, recruiter, historian, and mentor continues to underpin the RNZAF Mentoring Programme, ensuring it remains grounded in its past while positioned for an even stronger future.

In recent years, Andy has focused his expertise on the people dimension of leadership—supporting, developing, and growing leaders at all levels. His experience delivering educational programmes through the RNZAF’s institute for professional development has reinforced his commitment to embedding world-class coaching and mentoring standards across the NZDF.

Andy holds an EMCC Senior Practitioner accreditation and is also credentialed with the International Coach Federation (ICF). His leadership coaching and mentoring expertise has been instrumental in the success of the RNZAF Mentoring Programme since its inception, contributing to its recognition with multiple internationally respected awards.

Currently based in Auckland, Andy enjoys travelling the world with his wife and two children, exploring new places and embracing diverse cultures.

Following her military career, Anj transitioned into healthcare and has led Top Notch Bodyworks as Director for more than a decade. In this role, she is dedicated to coaching and mentoring individuals—personally and professionally—helping them increase self-awareness, develop self-led thinking, and achieve sustainable growth. She has guided numerous clients in successfully launching and growing their own businesses and also provides freelance business mentoring on an ad hoc basis.
Anj holds an International Coach Federation (ICF) coaching credential, which she completed in 2020 to further enhance her professional practice and mentoring capability. She also serves as Deputy Chair for Osteopath New Zealand (ONZ), contributing strategic leadership to the profession at a national level.

Throughout her career, Anj’s passion has remained steadfast—helping others, supporting their goals, and making a meaningful difference in their journeys. This commitment to growth and development continues to define her work in coaching, mentoring, and leadership.

Mentoring began as a natural extension of his leadership, but his formal involvement in the RNZAF Mentoring Programme gave him a platform to pursue this passion with intent. Over the years, Craig has progressed from programme participant to senior facilitator and member of the management team. He has expanded his expertise through training with the New Zealand Coaching and Mentoring Centre and the Coach Masters Academy, earning EMCC Practitioner accreditation and further international recognition of his skillset.

Craig’s influence extends beyond facilitation. In 2022, inspired by Owen Eastwood’s book Belonging, he was instrumental in ensuring the programme’s “whakapapa” was understood and honoured. By gathering foundational members of the programme in Auckland, he created space to recognise those who built the mentoring culture that exists today, ensuring their contributions continue to influence and inspire future generations. This work not only grounded the programme in its history but also reinforced its identity and authenticity as it evolved into the future.

As a mentor, Craig is known for his thoughtful, probing style. He helps individuals challenge assumptions, confront biases, and ascertain whether obstacles are indeed roadblocks or speed bumps. This approach encourages accountable change and growth, particularly for those striving for high performance in demanding environments.
Craig embodies both wisdom and humility. His ability to balance tradition with innovation, history with progress, and challenge with support, makes him an influential voice within the mentoring community. His legacy lies not only in the individuals he has coached and mentored, but in the enduring strength and authenticity of the RNZAF Mentoring Programme itself.

Jeff joined the RNZAF Mentoring Programme in 2014, serving as both mentee and mentor. Since posting to RNZAF Base Ohakea in 2020, he has become an active member of the Ohakea Mentoring Advisory Team and now leads the team there. Known for his creative approach, offbeat perspective, and ability to inspire confidence, Jeff is currently training as a facilitator within the programme to extend his impact even further.

His leadership is underpinned by a deep belief in the power of personal growth, shaped by years of youth leadership roles both in New Zealand and overseas. Whether in uniform or in the community, Jeff is committed to helping others build resilience, confidence, and a sense of belonging.

Jeff lives in Fielding, New Zealand with his wife, Cara, and their four children — Hunter, Beckett, Emerson, and Meadow — embracing the balance between family life and service.

Alongside her core trade responsibilities, Keisha has been deeply engaged in leadership, mentoring, and community initiatives within the RNZAF. She has served on the RNZAF Base Auckland Mentoring Advisory Team as database manager, led the MSW CPL Forum, participated in the Pacific Junior Enlisted Leadership Forum (JELF) in 2015 and 2017, and held committee roles including Deputy Finance Manager for the Walker Lounge Committee and Deputy Secretary for the WO & SNCOs Mess Committee. She has also proudly represented the RNZAF and NZDF in both Touch Rugby and Netball.

Keisha holds a Level 7 Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring from the New Zealand Coaching and Mentoring Centre (NZCMC) and plays a key role in the RNZAF Mentoring Programme as a facilitator for the Foundation Course, as well as supporting the delivery of the Advanced Practitioner Workshop. Her facilitation work reflects her commitment to helping others grow, develop confidence, and find purpose through mentoring relationships.

Outside of work, Keisha enjoys spending time with her daughter Emily and dog Charli, exploring new destinations in search of great food, and indulging her eclectic interests, including musicals, anime, and all things Disney.

Kylie’s RNZAF journey began in 2008 as a Logistics Officer, a role that saw her travel internationally and serve as Aide-de-Camp to the Governor General. In 2017, she transitioned into a civilian position as Defence Community Facilitator, connecting RNZAF personnel and families with welfare resources and guidance. She later joined the Youth Development Unit as Logistics and Administration Manager, supporting initiatives that empower New Zealand youth to realise their potential. Along the way, she completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and additional coaching and mentoring training, strengthening her ability to support others’ personal and professional journeys.

Her role in the RNZAF Mentoring Programme is both strategic and hands-on — managing administration, streamlining processes, coordinating events, and ensuring facilitators have the tools and information they need to deliver world-class mentoring experiences. Kylie’s attention to detail, ability to anticipate needs, and proactive approach have been essential in ensuring the programme continues to operate seamlessly and grow in impact.

Known for her empathy, integrity, and genuine belief in people’s potential, Kylie embodies the spirit of the programme she champions. Her work helps ensure that every participant — mentor or mentee — has the opportunity to grow, connect, and contribute to a stronger RNZAF community.

With over two decades of experience across the UK Ministry of Defence and the New Zealand Defence Force, Louise has held roles spanning payroll, facilities management, health and safety, environmental management, HR, training, and operations. She has managed projects and events at scale, from leading 40 Squadron’s first Family Day to coordinating critical background operations during national crises such as the Christchurch earthquake.

Louise’s career reflects a rare combination of precision, adaptability, and care for people. Whether managing budgets and facilities across multiple locations, coordinating complex training schedules, or providing vital behind-the-scenes support for the RNZAF’s mentoring initiatives, she brings order to complexity and calm to pressure.

Beyond her NZDF role, Louise runs her own Zumba business, inspiring clients to grow in confidence and fitness. Her ability to bring energy, structure, and positivity into every environment she works in makes her an invaluable part of the RNZAF Mentoring Programme’s success storyy.

In 2020, Nicole was posted to RNZAF Base Woodbourne as an avionics instructor, where she contributed as a subject matter expert in designing the DARs B Licence syllabus and training package, instructed both avionics mechanic and technician courses, and served as Senior Instructor for Technical Training Flight. She now works on the DARS 147 Project while remaining posted to Woodbourne and working remotely from Cromwell.

Nicole holds a Level 7 Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring from the New Zealand Coaching and Mentoring Centre (NZCMC) and has completed multiple advanced courses in leadership and mentoring outside of the RNZAF. She has been actively involved in the RNZAF Mentoring Programme since 2019, serving on the Woodbourne Mentoring Advisory Team from 2021–2023. Passionate about helping others set and achieve their goals, Nicole brings a practical, encouraging, and people-focused approach to all her mentoring and leadership roles.

Outside of her professional work, Nicole is a lifelong sportsperson, currently enjoying touch rugby, and embraces the outdoors through hiking, camping, and exploring the landscapes around her home in Central Otago, where she lives with her husband, Will.

Born in India and raised in New Zealand from the age of 11, Prateek credits the challenges of immigration with building his resilience, adaptability, and independence. These formative experiences, coupled with his strong work ethic developed from an early age, underpin his methodical and collaborative approach to leadership and mentoring.

Prateek holds a Level 7 Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring from the New Zealand Coaching and Mentoring Centre (NZCMC) and serves as a facilitator for both the Foundation Course and Advanced Practitioner Workshop within the RNZAF Mentoring Programme. His mentoring philosophy centres on fostering two-way learning partnerships, building self-awareness, developing interpersonal skills, and encouraging a growth mindset.

In addition to his RNZAF role, Prateek is a Facilitator at the Aspiring Leaders Forum, mentoring emerging leaders from across New Zealand. His passion for helping others is matched by his dedication to empowering people to reach their potential—reflecting the same support and belief shown to him by leaders throughout his own career.

Outside of work, Prateek is an enthusiastic traveller who enjoys exploring diverse cultures and landscapes with his young family. His interests include playing and watching sports, hiking, canyoning, mountain biking, and connecting with people from all walks of life.

Since stepping into this role, Russell had his hand in creating, designing, and delivering the entire suite of mentoring and coaching opportunities the programme offers. This ranges from refreshing the Foundation Course, co-creating the Advanced Practitioner Workshop, building every Professional Development course, and delivering them more than 30 times a year, both in person and online. Every detail, from course content to branding and marketing within the programme, reflects his belief that mentoring should be accessible, relevant, and culturally respectful.

With over 500 hours of coaching and mentoring experience, Russell has guided leaders across the RNZAF, NZDF, and other militaries around the world, while also facilitated coaching cohorts for global organisations. He has been invited to lead workshops in multiple countries, including the USA, Australia, and of course New Zealand. Additionally, he has delivered sessions at the EMCC Global Summit, and now has been asked to lead the EMCC Asia Pacific Region Mentoring Hub.

Recognised as the NZDF’s trusted voice on mentoring and coaching, Russell is known for weaving whanaungatanga (relationships) and manaakitanga (care and respect) into globally benchmarked practice. His approach is both practical and deeply human: when people feel seen, heard, and valued, they discover their own strength, confidence, and ability to help others do the same.

As an avid American sports enthusiast, living in a Tiny House in Auckland with his wife and two daughters, Russell continues to live out his vision of building communities where everyone has the chance to belong, grow, and thrive.