Our Board
Christina Baird
Board Chair
Christina Baird is a psychologist, who has a private practice equipping and growing reflective human service workers. She is passionate about translating psychological concepts, theories and research into everyday skills and habits that take people from languishing to flourishing. The focus of her work includes providing coaching, assessment and external supervision to individuals in ministry, mission and other human services. She has over 14 years experience in the not-for-profit sector and has worked as a tertiary lecturer/tutor, a church administrator, and as a telephone counsellor for children. She also spent 5 years working as a leader in tertiary student ministry, and over 7 years working in personnel development for a mission agency. Christina loves learning and so has a PhD in psychology, a graduate diploma in theology a postgraduate diploma in psychological practice and is a member of the NZ Psychological Society. She enjoys the energy of big cities and lives in Auckland, with a veterinarian, an 11 year old gymnast, a small white dog and a bossy Burmese cat who likes to interrupt zoom calls.
Amy Yong
Board Member
Originally from Malaysia, Amy grew up attending Sunday school and came to a personal faith in Christ at the age of fifteen. During her undergraduate studies, she sensed a strong calling to serve in tertiary student ministry, where she became actively involved in supporting and walking alongside fellow students in their faith journeys.
Amy moved to New Zealand to pursue a PhD in Organisational Psychology—a step that has deepened both her academic and spiritual journey. Her time in New Zealand has been marked by growth, faith, and service. She has served alongside the staff and volunteers of International Student Ministries (ISM) in Hamilton and now continues her involvement with the Wellington group, organising events, building community, and offering pastoral care alongside her professional role.
Akira's journey began in Japan, where he was born into a Shinto family. At the age of 20, he embraced Christianity through a Navigator Bible study. Professionally, Akira possesses a diverse skill set, including experience in sales, customer service, quality control, and marketing. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics, a Postgraduate Diploma in TJAFL, and a Master's degree in JS.
Akira became a Navigator worker in Japan before making the life-changing decision to move to New Zealand in 1997. There, he became one of the founding members of ISMNZ and led Japanese ministry teams, serving international students from diverse backgrounds. Akira and his wife Kikuko currently reside in Palmerston North and have a son and two grandchildren.
Akira believes that he can make a meaningful contribution to the ISM Board by improving communication between the Board and staff and providing practical strategies to further the ministry's mission.
Akira Doi
Board Member
Mario is from the Philippines and came to New Zealand in 2001 as a volunteer for ISMNZ. Before coming to New Zealand, Mario was the Executive Officer of REACH, a disciplemaking ministry working in university campuses throughout the Philippines. Mario and his wife Saling have been involved in the national leadership of REACH which was founded by Gene Tabor, the former Philippines National Director of The Navigators. Mario and Saling live in Palmerston North with their daughter and three beautiful grandchildren who have roots from Ngati Porou Iwi.
Mario and Saling have lived in Wellington, Porirua, Hamilton and Palmerston North and ministered to international students whichever city they live in. They have always opened their home to international students so these students can have a 'home away from home' experience.
Mario has served for a time on the ISMNZ board and as the regional leader for the ISMNZ Auckland and Hamilton areas. Mario brings to ISMNZ his knowledge and experiences from the education, health and social services sectors.
Mario Garcia
Board Member
Shashikant Christian
Board Member
Shashi brings over 25 years of cross-cultural ministry and nonprofit leadership to the ISMNZ Board. Originally from India, where he served as an evangelist, regional leader, presbyter, and theological educator, his personal journey as an international migrant provides him with deep insight into the challenges and opportunities facing international students in Aotearoa New Zealand.
With an MBA from the University of Auckland and extensive governance experience, Shashi has led diverse organisations, including serving as Personnel Director & Global Ministry Point Person for SIM International New Zealand, as well as Vicar of the Church of the Saviour in Auckland. He founded the Gujarati Christian Fellowship and led The RUN Charitable Trust, a multi-agency initiative supporting migrant communities.
Shashi is centred on Jesus with a passion for intercultural discipleship and holistic student care. He currently serves as a Care & Culture Facilitator with Missions Interlink NZ, a Mentor with Business Mentors NZ, and has founded LOTUS People Care, developing innovative pastoral support frameworks. He lives in Auckland with his family and enjoys cricket, Gujarati & Hindi music, and a good cup of chai.