Chelsea Grootveld (Ngāi Tai, Ngāti Porou, Te Whānau ā Apanui, Whakatōhea, Te Arawa) is a respected wahine Māori leader in education, kaupapa Māori research and governance. She holds a PhD in Education from Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington and is the founder of an indigenous research and evaluation company dedicated to advancing Māori aspirations.

Chelsea brings deep governance expertise, currently serving on the boards of High Performance Sport NZ, CORE Education, and as Chair of the JR McKenzie Trust. She is a member of the Institute of Directors and Governance New Zealand, and a former Chair of the Hato Pāora College Board of Trustees. In 2019, she was recognised with a Women in Governance award and served as a Future Director on the Sport NZ Board.

A proud māmā to Kahuroa and Mihi-Terina, and wife to Timoti, Chelsea is also a passionate triathlete, trail runner, netball player and coach. Her mahi is grounded in whakapapa, whanaungatanga and creating spaces where Māori thrive.