Governance

Our Board

Planet FM is an Incorporated Society. Our Committee of Management is made up of current and former broadcasters.

CHAIR: Lucia Davies

Lucia previously worked with a unit of radio Cluj Napoca Romania. Lucia is ‘in love’ with radio and her programmes are full of good news and music. She is a mum of two boys, works in community development and served for a number of years on the Management Committee of Planet FM before taking on the role of Chair.
Richard Leckinger

As a Master of Science in Renewable Energy, Richard has worked as a ministerial advisor and policy analyst. He renews his own energy through yoga, meditation and sailing. The ability to stay calm under fire served him well during the five years he spent supporting Doctors without Borders in war zones. He migrated from the U.S. in 1992 and is delighted to call Auckland home.
TREASURER: Baptist Lobo

Born in Mangalore, Baptist was brought to Mumbai aged just 6 months. There he lived, was educated and worked. He is a NZ qualified chartered and certified public accountant who is on the path to becoming a Distinguished Toastmaster. His interests include playing bridge, music and dance and twice a week Baptist volunteers as a trainer encouraging people to be active using Bollywood music for exercise.
Beate Matthies

Born in Germany, Beate came to NZ in 2010. She is passionate about social justice, community development, ecumenism and interfaith. Time out for Beate is trying new recipes, good conversations with friends, reading, or watching a meaningful movie. She misses the ballroom dances of Europe, but takes pleasure in our natural world.
Maine Andrew

Maine is from Aitutaki in the Cook Islands. She is a qualified social worker with many years' experience in women's and children's health. Currently working in Pacific islands' mental health for the Waitemata District she is a passionate advocate for Pasifika people. Water walking keeps her fit and she's a very keen gardener.
Dr. Lakshman Sockalingam

Dr.Lakshman Sockalingam has been teaching English as a second language since 1981 at various levels. His Broadcasting experience spans more than twelve years and he is passionate about promoting Tamil Language and culture, both on-air and off. He holds a PhD in ESL Education from Washington International University.
PATRON: Joan Lardner-Rivlin

Joan Lardner-Rivlin, QSM began presenting Radio Shalom in 1998 and served as both a programmer maker and committee member for thirty years, many of them as Chair. Her love of radio centred around its ability to keep members of the community connected, for people to tell their stories and to share their music, enthusiasms and opinions. Joan passed away in June 2023 at the age of 95, and many of those years were dedicated to community engagement - work for which she is remembered both fondly and fabulously.