Our Board Members

AFRICAN VISION | SPIRIT OF AFRICA | SERVING IN HUMILITY

Linus (Gary) Unamadu

Chair Person/President

About Gary

Linus (Gary) Unamadu is a dedicated community leader with over a decade of experience in governance and diaspora development across New Zealand and Oceania. He served as President of the Association of Nigerians in New Zealand for 7 years, during which he successfully guided the organisation through several transitional phases. Under his leadership, the Association became highly regarded, transitioning from an Incorporated Society to Charitable Status while emphasising transparency and accountability.

Linus made significant decisions to establish the Association as an umbrella organisation, creating a sense of belonging for both new arrivals and long-term residents, as well as those born in New Zealand. He is a strong advocate for unity, fostering cultural cohesion within the community.

Additionally, Linus was one of the founders and served as Secretary of the Ndigbo Association of New Zealand, where he championed constitutional registration and community-building initiatives. He has consistently represented the African community effectively.
On a continental level, Linus served as the Chairman of NIDO Oceania, where he advocated for Nigerian diaspora interests with both government and international entities. He also held a position on the Elders Council of the African Communities Forum Inc. (ACOFI), where he played a crucial role in restructuring the organisation’s constitution, mentoring new members, and strengthening ties between African communities and New Zealand society, including parliamentary representation.

As a pioneer of the New Zealand African National Council (NZANC), Linus has continually promoted collaboration among African organisations and advanced advocacy for African communities at both local and national levels. He has worked closely with various New Zealand government agencies—including the Police, the Human Rights Commission, the Ministry for Primary Industries, the Department of Corrections, and local councils—to champion equity, fair treatment, and representation for Africans.

Linus’s record of governance reflects a steadfast commitment to inclusivity, unity, and empowerment. He believes that strong leadership and the recognition of diversity are key to unlocking the full potential of African communities in New Zealand.

Ahmed Tani

Vice Chairperson/ Acting Treasurer

About Ahmed

Ahmed Tani is a distinguished community leader, educator, and advocate dedicated to improving the lives of refugees, migrants, and diverse communities in Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond. Originally from Somalia, Ahmed graduated from the Somali National University and began his professional journey as a secondary school teacher. His commitment to education and leadership saw him appointed as a Regional Director in Somalia, where he played a key role in advancing education and community development.

After moving to New Zealand, Ahmed continued his lifelong dedication to service and social change. He has been actively involved in numerous initiatives and projects that promote cultural understanding, social inclusion, and the successful resettlement of refugees and migrants. Through his work, Ahmed has supported countless families as they adapt to their new environment, helping them to build meaningful lives while maintaining their cultural heritage.

A passionate advocate for youth empowerment, Ahmed has been instrumental in developing leadership opportunities for young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds. His strong and respectful relationships with iwi and Māori communities demonstrate his commitment to partnership, collaboration, and building bridges across cultures.

Ahmed is the Founder and Director of the New Zealand National Refugee Association and currently serves as its Chair. Under his leadership, the association has become a vital voice for refugee communities and a key contributor to national discussions on resettlement, inclusion, and human rights. He also extends his influence internationally as a dedicated member of the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network (APRRN).

In recognition of his outstanding service to the community, Ahmed Tani was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit. His leadership, vision, and tireless advocacy continue to make a profound impact, inspiring change and strengthening the fabric of New Zealand’s multicultural society.

Prof. Assad Y. Shamseldin

Board Member

About Prof Assad

Prof-Assad-Y-Shamseldin-profiles

Venda Maponga

Women’s Lead

About Venda

Venda Maponga is originally from Zimbabwe and studied social work here in Aotearoa.

Venda is a passion Social Worker and Community Advocate dedicated to fostering safe, sustainable, and empowering environments. With years of experience in community housing, I specialize in stabilizing tenancies, crisis intervention, and connecting vulnerable individuals with vital resources. Beyond my formal role, I am a committed community volunteer and event host, dedicated to creating safe spaces that empower African women to thrive. I believe in the power of connection and strength-based support to create lasting, positive change in our community.

Mohammed Satti

Youth Lead

About Mohammed

Mohammed Satti is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment, community development, and diplomacy in Aotearoa New Zealand. As the Youth Leader for the New Zealand African National Council (NZANC) in Waikato, he is dedicated to advancing the voice and participation of young people across New Zealand’s African communities.

Guided by a strong belief in the power of collaboration and dialogue, Mohammed works to strengthen transnational relations and promote inclusive leadership. His vision is to build bridges between cultures and nations, empowering youth to become active contributors to social progress and global understanding. Through his commitment to advocacy, unity, and ethical leadership, Mohammed continues to inspire positive change both locally and internationally.