Our Visionary Board Committee
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 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 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 Leadership 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
Founding President & Chief Executive Officer
Education entrepreneur, innovation ecosystem builder, and international education leader dedicated to preparing young people for the future.
Aaron Lan holds dual bachelor's degrees in Engineering and Business, and a Master of Finance from Massey University. His professional experience spans technology innovation, business operations, higher education, and organisational development.
With a strong track record of turning vision into execution, he has worked across innovation ecosystems, technology initiatives, and education-focused organisations, helping build effective systems and scalable operations.
As Chief Operating Officer of Drone Soccer New Zealand, Aaron oversees organisational operations, programme delivery, event management, and business development, ensuring the successful execution of DSNZ's national growth strategy.
Aaron Lan
Chief Operating Officer
Operations leader focused on turning strategy into action, building scalable systems, and driving organisational growth and execution.
Dr. Dandan Cao
Chief Executive Officer | Founding Committee
Education entrepreneur and platform builder driving innovation in drone technology, sport, STEM education, and youth development.
Dr. Dandan Cao is an education entrepreneur with extensive experience across academia, innovation ecosystems, and international education in China and New Zealand. She holds a PhD in Education from the University of Waikato.
Her career spans leadership roles in technology innovation platforms, STEM education initiatives, and international education strategy, with a strong focus on immersive learning, global partnerships, and talent development pathways.
As Chief Executive Officer of DSNZ, Dr. Cao leads organisational execution, operational development, and strategic growth. She is responsible for building a national platform that integrates drone technology, drone sport, STEM education, and youth engagement, while advancing partnerships across education, industry, and community sectors.
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
Dr. Rene Novak
Head of Education Division
Events Division
Noah Pattern
Head of Events Division
Administration Division
Shawn Cao
Coach & Membership 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, helping ensure DSNZ remains connected to leading ideas and emerging trends shaping the future of learning.