Caren Rangi and daughter Kaiata enjoy the sights of New York City ahead of the Commission for the Status of Women CSW69.
By Michelle Curran
Strategic Communications, Pasifika TV
Proud Cook Islands Māori vā‘ine Caren Rangi ONZM says it is her dynamic and driven 17-year-old daughter Kaiata, who inspires her in her roles as a governor – mother, wife and daughter.
As the world celebrates International Women’s Day 2025 on March 8, Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Limited (PCBL) Deputy Chair of the Board says she is constantly learning her daughter.
“Not only can I support her leadership journey, but I have also been able to make space to learn from her,” Caren says.
“I think it is really important to say to our young Pacific va’ine their opinions matter and to make space for them to lead.”
One of these spaces is the Commission for the Status of Women CSW69 – a global conference at the United Nations in New York City, which Caren and Kaiata are attending this month, as part of the PACIFICA Inc delegation from Aotearoa New Zealand.
Caren, who has a governance career spanning two decades, started her working life as an accountant and auditor, but switched to governance after realising Pacific women were underrepresented in the space.
“I didn’t see many people who looked like me making decisions that affected me and my communities.
“Over time, I have found ways to make positive contributions at the board tables I serve…I finally found my happy place.”
Caren’s influence in decision-making covers a broad range of sectors in Aotearoa New Zealand, including broadcasting with PCBL, arts and culture, social and economic wellbeing.
She has added rugby to the mix, after being named on the New Zealand Rugby Board as one of seven newly recruited directors, including former All Black Keven Mealamu MNZM, in December 2024.
When Caren is not in Board meetings, she is supporting other governors and boards to strengthen their governance practices.
For the past eight years, Caren has served on the PCBL Board, which is an exciting space to work in, she says.
“It is one where my combination of being a proud Cook Islands woman, with solid governance experience and a passion for seeing our people in the region flourish, has meant I have been able to make (what I think is) an impactful contribution to the important decision-making for our organisation.
“Fundamentally it is about the people I get to work with and those I get to serve – people who matter.”
With a Samoan fafine Natasha Meleisea leading the organisation, and several women serving on the Board, Caren says PCBL shines a light on the benefits gender equality brings to society overall.
“PCBL and Pasifika TV already shines a light in this space, through our leadership at the Board table, in our management, and through the story sovereignty which we are fiercely protective of… we just need to keep doing more of this.
“Gender equality is not just about what is good for women – it is how families, communities and countries prosper when all genders can be supported to make strong contributions to the wellbeing of our people.”
Visit the United Nations website for more information on International Women’s Day.
