Dr Chelsea Grootveld (Waikato, Ngai Tai, Ngāti Porou, Whānau-a-Apanui, Whakatōhea, Te Arawa) has an extensive background in research, public policy, and evaluation. She completed her doctoral studies in 2013, gaining a PhD in Education, at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington and started Aiko, an indigenous research and evaluation company.

Chelsea joined the High Performance Sport New Zealand Board in2019. She is a member of the Institute of Directors, Chair of JR McKenzie Trust, Deputy-Chair of Iti Kōpara, Director of CORE Education Limited, Board member of International Funders For Indigenous Peoples, former Chair of Hato Pāora College Board of Trustees, and former Future Director of the Sport New Zealand Board. Chelsea was a Women in Governance award winner in 2019.

Proud māmā to Kahuroa and Mihi-Terina, hoa rangatira to Timoti Brown. Chelsea is a former netball player, triathlete and trail runner and prioritises being physically active and maintaining consistent health and wellbeing practices. Her dodgy knee means she is now a proud member of Māia Crossfit and also coaches the PIC aunties netball team.