Veronica "Ronnie" Thompson
Veronica (Ronnie) Thompson, MNZM, serves as the inaugural Chair of Madame’s Circle, bringing a lifetime of leadership in sport, governance, and cultural advocacy. A proud New Zealander, Ronnie has been immersed in athletics from an early age, competing in swimming, netball, basketball, softball, and volleyball. Basketball ultimately took her to New Jersey in the 1980s, where she graduated from Stockton University and further expanded her global sporting perspective.
Ronnie has represented New Zealand in basketball and has held significant coaching, administrative, and governance roles throughout her career. She has been honored with a Long-Service Award from Basketball New Zealand and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Sport New Zealand for her contributions to sport — particularly her work advancing Māori participation and leadership. In 2025, she was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to basketball, recognizing decades of sustained impact.
Beyond athletics, Ronnie has devoted more than 40 years to the revitalization of Māori language and culture. This lived experience provides her with a deep understanding of both the challenges faced by marginalized and underrepresented communities and the transformative strength that emerges when those worldviews are centered. Her leadership is grounded in inclusion, cultural respect, and the belief that sport can be a powerful vehicle for equity and belonging.
Professionally, Ronnie works full-time with the Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono, further strengthening international relationships and cross-cultural collaboration. As a mother of three and grandmother of three, she values community deeply and spends her personal time enjoying quiet walks, reading, and learning about other cultures.
Ronnie joins Madame’s Circle with enthusiasm, global perspective, and respectful humility. As Chair, she is committed to helping guide the organization’s growth as a world-class model of inclusive sport, fitness, and community empowerment — ensuring its mission resonates locally while reflecting a broader international vision.