Governance

Our Board

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

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.
CHAIR: Lucia Davis

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.
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 Accountant and Certified Practicing Accountant (Australia) and a Distinguished Toastmaster. His interests include playing bridge, music and dance. Once a week Baptist volunteers as a trainer encouraging people to be active using Bollywood music for exercise and he is on various NFP boards
SECRETARY: Sindhu Punnoose

With over 13 years of media experience with Malayala Manorama, one of India's first and most prominent media houses in India, Sindhu has developed a passion for interviewing her fellow community members. Her contributions to Indian News TV make her a feature of pride across the globe. In 2022 she served as Secretary for the Auckland Malayali Association, and having completed her MBA and Post Graduation in Digital Marketing, she now works with AA NZ as a Senior Business Analyst.
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.
Anne-Marie Coury

Anne-Marie is a 60-something advocate for seniors’ wellbeing, with a background in public sector policy, health and education. She sees radio as a favourite medium for seniors and with on-demand options, a great place to find a wealth of information. For fun and friendship, Anne-Marie enjoys cycling, singing, theatre, and travel. Relaxing with a good book, and writing poetry are other pastimes.