Dame Cindy is a distinguished researcher and held leadership roles at Massey University, Victoria University Wellington /Te Herenga Waka and the University of Auckland. Her public sector roles have included Childrens Commissioner, (the first woman and first Maori to be appointed to the role) membership of the Ministerial Cross-Sector Forum for the Ministry of Education and Chair of the Welfare Expert Advisory Group. 

Dame Cindy has had extensive experience in the public health sector, including as General Manager Funding and Services Planning and Maori Health for the Auckland District Health Board. Prior to taking up her role as Governor-General Dame Cindy was the Chief Executive of the Royal Society Te Aparangi. 

Dame Cindy is the first Maori Woman to be appointed as Governor-General and is a champion for social justice, equity and public health. Her guiding principles of kaitiakitanga, oranga and manaakitanga align closely with those of Community Foundations. 

CFNZ Board Chair Raymond Keys says he is delighted with the news. " As a young network we are truly honoured to have Dame Cindy recognize our growing transformational work and agree to be our Patron over her term as Governor General. We extend a warm welcome to our Community Foundations' whanau and we look forward to forging a meaningful relationship, together growing funding and impact for the benefit of Aotearoa New Zealand"