Our Visionary Board
The DSNZ Board unites leaders across education, technology, and sport. We are committed to innovation, integrity, and creating opportunities for young New Zealanders. Each member brings unique expertise to build a national platform where technology, sport, and STEM education meet.
Prof. Michael Adrian Peters
Honorary Founding Patron
One of the world's leading philosophers of education and internationally recognised scholar of knowledge, technology, and social transformation.
Professor Michael A. Peters is Distinguished Visiting Professor at Tsinghua University, Emeritus Professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand. He has authored more than 100 books and hundreds of scholarly publications spanning education, philosophy, AI, digital knowledge systems, and global policy.
His work has profoundly influenced international thinking on the future of education, postdigital society, and the relationship between knowledge, technology, and human development.
As Honorary Patron of Drone Soccer New Zealand, Professor Peters serves as a source of inspiration and intellectual guidance, supporting the organisation's mission to empower young people through innovation, technology, and future-focused learning.
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Raymond Huo
Honorary Founding Patron
Legal expert, former Member of Parliament, and respected community leader with extensive experience in governance, public policy, and international engagement.
Raymond Huo is a barrister and solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand and served three terms as a Member of Parliament. During his parliamentary career, he chaired the Justice Committee and played a key role in significant legislative reforms including the Trusts Act and Privacy Act.
With a professional background spanning law, governance, public service, and multicultural engagement, Raymond brings valuable strategic insight into organisational development and public affairs.
As Honorary Patron of Drone Soccer New Zealand, he supports the organisation's governance development, community engagement, and relationships across government, education, and industry sectors.
Our Executive Team
The DSNZ Executive Team leads strategy implementation, organisational growth, and operational excellence. Bringing together expertise across education, technology, innovation, and management, the team works to turn vision into action and build a national platform where drone technology, sport, and STEM education meet.
Dr. Dandan Cao holds a PhD in Education from the University of Waikato and has built her career at the intersection of education, technology, innovation, and youth development across China and New Zealand.
Her experience includes leadership roles in university science park, technology incubator, international education, and STEM-focused learning initiatives. Throughout her career, she has worked to connect education with emerging technologies, industry partnerships, and global opportunities for young people.
As Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Drone Soccer New Zealand, Dr. Cao leads the organisation's strategic vision, partnerships, and national development, building a platform that integrates drone technology, sport, STEM education, innovation, and student leadership.
Dr. Dandan Cao holds a PhD in Education from the University of Waikato and has built her career at the intersection of education, technology, innovation, and youth development across China and New Zealand.
Her experience spans university science parks, technology incubation, international education, and STEAM-focused learning initiatives. Throughout her career, she has worked to connect education with emerging technologies, industry partnerships, and global opportunities for young people.
As Founding President and CEO of Drone Soccer New Zealand, Dr. Cao leads the organisation's strategic vision, partnerships, and national development, building an education and innovation ecosystem that connects technology, sport, STEAM learning, future skills, and leadership development for young people.
Dr. Dandan Cao
Founding President & Chief Executive Officer
Education entrepreneur, innovation ecosystem builder, and international education leader dedicated to preparing young people for the future.
Dr Rene Novak is an education specialist with expertise in pedagogy, digital technology, immersive learning, and professional practice. He explores play and modern digital technologies, particularly Virtual Reality, as tools for learning.
He has served as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Human Interface Technology Laboratory, University of Canterbury, and is President of the Association for Visual Pedagogies. His multidisciplinary background spans education, pedagogy, science, and technology-enhanced learning.
At DSNZ, Rene provides strategic educational and pedagogical advice, supporting the development of our learning philosophy, curriculum direction, and the meaningful integration of emerging technologies into education.
Dr Rene Novak is an education specialist with expertise in pedagogy, digital technology, immersive learning, and professional practice. He explores play and modern digital technologies, particularly Virtual Reality, as tools for learning.
He has served as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Human Interface Technology Laboratory, University of Canterbury, and is President of the Association for Visual Pedagogies. His multidisciplinary background spans education, pedagogy, science, and technology-enhanced learning.
At DSNZ, Rene provides strategic educational and pedagogical advice, supporting the development of our learning philosophy, curriculum direction, and the meaningful integration of emerging technologies into education.
Dr. Rene Novak
Senior Advisor - Education, Pedagogy and Emerging Technologies
Education and pedagogy specialist advancing innovative learning through digital technologies, immersive experiences, and future-focused educational practice.
Jesse Linnow is a skilled FPV drone pilot and hands-on technology enthusiast with a strong practical understanding of drone systems. Known for his precise control and confident flying, Jesse has practical experience in building, setting up, maintaining and operating custom drones.
In 2026, Jesse joined Mach1 FPV to further develop his skills in competitive FPV drone racing and became actively involved in New Zealand’s drone racing community. His experience has given him a practical understanding of flight control, equipment setup, troubleshooting and safe drone operation.
As a coach, Jesse enjoys helping young learners build confidence through hands-on practice. At DSNZ, Jesse supports the introduction and development of Drone Soccer in New Zealand, helping participants develop safe flying habits, teamwork and a strong foundation in drone control. Through his work, he shares his technical knowledge and flying skills with young people.
Jesse Linnow
Drone Coach
Jesse Linnow is a skilled FPV drone pilot and hands-on technology enthusiast with a strong practical understanding of drone systems. Known for his precise control and confident flying, Jesse has practical experience in building, setting up, maintaining and operating custom drones.
In 2026, Jesse joined Mach1 FPV to further develop his skills in competitive FPV drone racing and became actively involved in New Zealand’s drone racing community. His experience has given him a practical understanding of flight control, equipment setup, troubleshooting and safe drone operation.
As a coach, Jesse enjoys helping young learners build confidence through hands-on practice. Through his work with IFS UAV, he shares his technical knowledge and flying skills with young people. At DSNZ, Jesse supports the introduction and development of Drone Soccer in New Zealand, helping participants develop safe flying habits, teamwork and a strong foundation in drone control.
Aaron Lan
Chief Operating Officer | Founding Committee
Strategic operations and organisational systems leader focused on business growth, innovation ecosystems, and sustainable operational capability.
Aaron Lan holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Engineering and Business Administration, alongside a Master of Finance from Massey University.
He has held leadership roles across higher education, government innovation platforms, technology organisations, and corporate operations at the intersection of education, innovation, and business. His experience spans innovation ecosystems, technology incubation, organisational systems, business growth, and strategic execution. In recent years, he has focused on international education management and technology innovation.
At DSNZ, Aaron leads operational strategy, organisational execution, and capability development, supporting the growth of a national platform integrating drone technology, drone sport, STEM education, and innovation-driven youth development.
Our Creative Team
Education Division
Claire Wu
Head of Education Division
Events Division
Liam Carter
Head of Events Division
Administration Division
Elisa Brooks
Administration Manager
Our Strategic Advisory Board
The DSNZ Advisory Board brings together experienced advisors across education, technology, sport, industry, and community engagement. Their insight supports strategic development, partnerships, programme quality, and international pathways as DSNZ builds a trusted national platform for drone sport and STEM education.
Prof. Tina Besley
Chair, International Advisory Board
Internationally respected scholar, educator, and thought leader in global education, youth development, and intercultural understanding.
Professor Tina Besley is a Distinguished Professor, Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (UK), and former President of the Philosophy of Education Society of Australasia. Her work has focused on educational futures, youth citizenship, global policy, and the social impact of emerging technologies.
Throughout her career, she has championed international collaboration, critical thinking, and innovative approaches to education in an increasingly interconnected world.
As Chair of the International Advisory Board, Professor Besley provides strategic guidance on educational innovation, international partnerships, and global engagement, ensuring DSNZ connects to leading ideas and emerging trends shaping the future of learning.