Movers and shakers: 40 Under 40 graduates changing the world

The University of Auckland’s 40 Under 40 list for 2025 features top pioneering young professionals and creative thinkers transforming society.

Graduates included on the influential list are recognised for achieving exceptional success within their profession and for making significant community contributions. They are named in one of six categories of impact: Business Leaders, Disruptors and Innovators, Entrepreneurs, Humanitarians, Influencers and Changemakers, and Performers.

The 2025 list includes:

Professional golfer Ryan Fox, who plays on the DP World Tour (European Tour) and PGA Tour. He came second overall in the DP World Golf Tour in 2023 and is also a three-time Olympian. This year he celebrated two breakthrough wins on the PGA Tour and sits comfortably in the world’s top 50 ranking.

Hui Wen Tan, partner and head of dispute resolution at Malaysian law firm Jeoff Leong, Poon & Wong. Recently elected to the committee of the Malaysia New Zealand Chamber of Commerce, she is a steward of the $4 billion trade relationship between the two nations.

Start-up founders Ninna Granucci, Green Spot Technologies, and Olivia Ogilvie, Opo Bio, both leaders in sustainable food innovation working to ensure the future of food security.

Nathan Chong-Nee, chief executive of the Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers and advocate for social justice and equality. He is also an alumnus of the Obama Asia-Pacific Leaders and Young Pacific Leaders initiatives.

Soprano Madison Nonoa, a graduate of the prestigious opera course at London’s Guildhall School of Music and Drama and winner of the Dame Malvina Major Award.

Tech entrepreneur Steven Shutong Jiang, founder and CEO of Soarability, a developer of drone and vehicle-based environmental sensing solutions revolutionising environmental monitoring.

Amelia Murray, songwriter, producer and musician behind the music project Fazerdaze. In 2025 she won Best Solo Artist and Album of the Year at the Aotearoa Music Awards.

Launched in 2017, the 40 Under 40 list celebrates high-achieving University of Auckland alumni from around the world making a meaningful difference in their field and community, with a clear vision for the future. Across sectors, these young professionals are engaged in current affairs and passionate about key global issues such as climate change and the environment. This year’s cohort joins 240 past recipients who reflect the talent and diversity of the University’s 240,000-strong international alumni community.

The impressive 2025 group is a reminder that with innovation, ambition and perseverance extraordinary accomplishments are possible – all before the age of 40 – says Director of Alumni Relations and Development, Mark Bentley.

“It’s incredibly inspiring to share the stories of these outstanding individuals and University of Auckland graduates, all of whom are shaping New Zealand’s future across areas including business, technology, sport and the arts,” he says.

Read the full list below.