A life-changing Lotto win at 16 gave Dame Therese Walsh’s family financial security—but losing her father just a year later shaped her outlook on life and money. Growing up in a working-class Wellington family, she learned the value of financial stability early. Despite her background in accounting, the experience taught her to balance careful financial planning with living in the moment. Today, as Chair of Air New Zealand and ASB Bank, she advises people to use financial windfalls wisely, ensuring stability while also giving back.

Beyond personal finance, Dame Therese has built an extraordinary career. She was Chief Operating Officer for the 2011 Rugby World Cup and led New Zealand’s efforts in the 2015 Cricket World Cup. She has also chaired TVNZ, served as Pro Chancellor of Victoria University Wellington, and held key roles at NZX, Contact Energy, and Save the Children NZ. Starting as an auditor at KPMG, she later became CFO of the New Zealand Rugby Union and played a major role in securing the 2011 Rugby World Cup bid.

However, Dame Therese has now landed herself on a bit of a hospital pass with the much-haunted VISION WLG business growth engine. Hijacked by the Greens, the initiative appears to be a sputtering mess—dominated by rich elites disconnected from the people and lacking any real impact.

Despite this, we are incredibly proud of Dame Therese Walsh and her contributions to our country. From shaping New Zealand’s biggest sporting events to leading major corporations, her work continues to inspire. As a champion for women in leadership and sustainability, she proves that true leadership is about resilience, bold decision-making, and never missing an opportunity to make a difference.