Export NZ
Our People
Meet the ExportNZ Team
Our team is our greatest asset. Every member of our team has the right knowledge, skills and motivation to achieve quality, efficient and professional outcomes for our exporter members.
Katherine Rich
Chief Executive
Katherine Rich is the Chief Executive of BusinessNZ, the peak advocacy organisation for New Zealand business, bringing a wealth of experience from her career in both politics and industry. She served as a Member of the New Zealand Parliament from 1999 to 2008.
Prior to joining BusinessNZ, Katherine was the Chief Executive of the New Zealand Food and Grocery Council from 2009 to 2023, advocating for the interests of grocery manufacturers and suppliers as well as advocating for trade liberalisation as a member for the APEC Business Council for five years. Katherine holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Otago. Her early career included roles in both the public and private sectors.
Katherine continues to be a prominent voice in New Zealand’s business and political spheres and her leadership at BusinessNZ focuses on fostering a thriving business environment and advocating for policies that support economic growth and sustainability.
Joshua Tan
Executive Director – ExportNZ | BusinessNZ – Wellington
Josh is the Executive Director for ExportNZ and works closely with the ExportNZ National Advisory Board to ensure the export community is well represented in Wellington.
Before joining BusinessNZ, Josh was the Senior Policy and International Relations Advisor for the Wellington Chamber of Commerce and Business Central. He was also previously the Executive Secretary for the New Zealand Taiwan Business Council.
Josh holds a Bachelor of Arts (International Relations, Asian Studies) and a Bachelor of Commerce (International Business) from Victoria University of Wellington, having graduated in 2017.
Sheena McKechnie
Personal Assistant | Team Administrator| ExportNZ | BusinessNZ – Wellington
With a background in Support Work and Service Advisory roles, Sheena brings her strong organisational and interpersonal skills to the Support Hub Team at BusinessNZ, under the management of Andrea Tonner, Operations Director. In her role as Team Administrator, Database Administrator and Personal Assistant to Catherine Beard, Director of Advocacy, Sheena is responsible for travel arrangements, calendar and diary management, and providing support to the Policy Team. Additionally, she plays a key role in organising and assisting with BusinessNZ and related brand events.
Sheena serves as the Team Administrator for ExportNZ and ManufacturingNZ, providing support to their respective boards. In her database management role, she oversees the processing, implementation and storage of BusinessNZ’s data. This involves close collaboration with MCG, MCG Gold, and AIG, as well as the maintenance of the ExportNZ website.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Sheena is passionate about Mental Health awareness in the workplace. She holds certifications as a Mental Health First Aider, First Aider and is a Stage 1 Health & Safety Representative.
Amanda Liddle
Regional Manager, Hawkes Bay and Wellington
Amanda has been involved with Hawke’s Bay exporters for the past 18 years and has a wide range of experience in helping businesses grow through strong local and national networks. Before joining ExportNZ in 2012 Amanda had 6 years with the Hawke’s Bay Economic Development Agency which included Callaghan Innovation and worked with various government organisations. Prior to this she worked for several years in corporate finance roles in the advertising and banking sectors in London.
Kelli Simpson
Member Partner BOP – Large / Corporate – Bay of Plenty
Kelli has worked across various sectors as a Senior Business Development Manager and Sales Staff Manager both here and in Australia and has been with ExportNZ now for 18mths forging solid relationships within the local Bay Of Plenty Export community.
Daniel Thomson
Business & International Trade Advisor | Business Canterbury
He has a great working knowledge of Freight, Logistics, Manufacturing, IP and generating sales both domestically offshore.
Based at Business Canterbury, Daniel is the ExportNZ Canterbury Executive and enjoys helping businesses to grow their Exports by leveraging his connections, experience and expertise.
In his spare time he loves to spend time with his family, run around with his dog Baxter and play a range of different sports.
Ruth Boyes
Area Manager – Auckland | EMA
Over the past 20 years prior to joining the EMA Ruth has worked in various business sectors in senior sales roles building businesses, and as General Manager for a natural health brand manufacturing and exporting – and in the waste and recycling industry.
Ruth manages the membership team for the EMA and Export NZ in the Auckland region and has holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Business Studies from Nottingham Trent University in the UK.
Jo Mackie
Area Manager – Waikato / Bay of Plenty | EMA
With 25 years experience in the Thoroughbred industry in marketing and operations management, I gained extensive knowledge and experience while importing and exporting of yearlings, broodmares, racehorses and stallions. This entailed working closely with MAF and adhering to rigorous quarantine protocols. During this time I travelled worldwide purchasing, selling and negotiating on behalf of other parties.
Followed by 10 years as an award-winning Real Estate agent, being involved in literally hundreds of property sales, I became adept at interpreting contracts and negotiation, handling often difficult parties under pressure.
I then spent 3 years as Operations and Health and Safety manager for an Air Conditioning and Refrigeration company that worked in extreme risk environments like Huntly Power Station and WEL Networks. This required very high levels of H&S compliance to even be allowed onsite.
While there I was approached about the role of Customer Relations/Gym Manager/Functions and Events Co-ordinator at the International Velodrome. A vibrant and very fast paced environment, the home of Cycling NZ and High Performance Sport NZ, I became heavily involved in the running of large events.
Based in Cambridge, I love my role at the EMA where I am the Area Manager of the Membership team for the Waikato and BOP. I sit on the Export committee for the Waikato region and support the Export team in the BOP.
John Mezger
Principle Advisor – Dunedin / Otago | Business South
As of March 2023, John has been the Director of Business Development & Sustainability for Business South.
John’s background enables him to exceed across a diverse range of roles. John has been with Business South since September 2021 where he was initially engaged as a Growth Advisor on the Tourism Communities fund and then transitioned to the ITPR. During this period, John also served on two boards including the Wanaka Business Chamber and as a result of persistent labour shortages; he also stepped in as the interim General Manager.
Prior to Business South, he practised as a commercial, employment and immigration lawyer and was actively engaged in providing legal and practical advice to boards, committees and managers and individual clients. In addition to practicing law, John’s professional background includes over 20 years of business experience throughout New Zealand including: a founding director of Snow Park, director and manager of The Wanaka big Air and World Heli-Challenge events; as well as agency sales and marketing experience with MTV Networks and MediaWorks. He holds an LLB and an undergraduate in BCom economics.
James Bracewell
Skills Partnership Manager – Dunedin / Otago | Business South|
Business Navigator – Manufacturing and Engineering & SOREC Academy
James Bracewell is the Skills Partnership Manager at the Southland Otago Regional Engineering Collective (SOREC) in Dunedin, New Zealand. He began his role in 2022 and has been instrumental in promoting engineering careers to young people. His work involves engaging with schools to highlight the opportunities within the engineering sector and developing pathways into the sector. James’s efforts have been crucial in addressing the skilled labour shortage in the region by fostering relationships with educational institutions and creating a pipeline of talent for the engineering industry.
Business South took on SOREC in late 2023. James’ responsibilities have recently grown under Business South to include Navigator – Manufacturing and Engineering. James’ role is to help, support and grow the capabilities of the sector across the region.
Jason Reeves
Area Manager – Tai Tokerau / Northland | EMA
Jason’s career had been built on supporting New Zealand business to internationalise.
Following his return from Japan to NZ, Jason joined Japan Airlines and then Fonterra with roles in the supply chain and sales division.
Jason then moved to New Zealand Trade and Enterprise where he held the positions of New Zealand Trade Commissioner to Japan based in Tokyo and International Coalitions Manager. Following his roles at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Jason spent 5 years at the Bank of New Zealand leading the bank’s engagement with the export sector, a key growth focus for the organization. Jason is currently employed by the Employers and Manufacturers Association as their Area Manager based in Northland supporting its members and the regions businesses to grow and internationalise. Jason holds a BA an MBA and is passionate about supporting New Zealand business build the capability to execute its export strategy.
Meet the Leadership Team
ExportNZ’s National Board Members are experienced and successful exporters and trade experts. Our leadership consists of people who are all keen to give back to the export sector and support other businesses on their export journey.
David Boyd
Chairman
David is an experienced executive and company director with a background in specialised manufacturing, medical devices, and consumer products, with a focus on international markets. He has particular expertise in international branding targeting wider European markets.
David is a director of a number of New Zealand-based companies, and a past director of Orthopaedic Synergy Inc, a United States-based orthopaedic company which has two subsidiaries -Christchurch-based Enztec Ltd and Omni Life Science Inc of Raynham, Massachusetts, USA. He is also the founding shareholder of Foot Science International, the producers of Formthotics, and is still actively involved as a director as well as managing their R&D program.David has practical experience in developing specialised manufacturing businesses with a view to international markets. He has a particular interest in developing business capabilities that allow and encourage long-term growth.
Based in Canterbury, David has been involved since its inception with the CDC Hi Growth programme and numerous community organisations. David is on the national board of Export NZ.
Katherine Rich
Chief Executive
Katherine Rich is the Chief Executive of BusinessNZ, the peak advocacy organisation for New Zealand business, bringing a wealth of experience from her career in both politics and industry. She served as a Member of the New Zealand Parliament from 1999 to 2008.
Prior to joining BusinessNZ, Katherine was the Chief Executive of the New Zealand Food and Grocery Council from 2009 to 2023, advocating for the interests of grocery manufacturers and suppliers as well as advocating for trade liberalisation as a member for the APEC Business Council for five years. Katherine holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Otago. Her early career included roles in both the public and private sectors.
Katherine continues to be a prominent voice in New Zealand’s business and political spheres and her leadership at BusinessNZ focuses on fostering a thriving business environment and advocating for policies that support economic growth and sustainability.
Joshua Tan
Executive Director – ExportNZ | BusinessNZ – Wellington
Josh is the Executive Director for ExportNZ and works closely with the ExportNZ National Advisory Board to ensure the export community is well represented in Wellington.
Before joining BusinessNZ, Josh was the Senior Policy and International Relations Advisor for the Wellington Chamber of Commerce and Business Central. He was also previously the Executive Secretary for the New Zealand Taiwan Business Council.
Josh holds a Bachelor of Arts (International Relations, Asian Studies) and a Bachelor of Commerce (International Business) from Victoria University of Wellington, having graduated in 2017.
Stephen Jacobi
Board Member
Stephen Jacobi is Managing Director of Jacobi Consulting Ltd, a consultancy which offers advice to corporate and government clients in the fields of international trade, government relations and industry development. He serves concurrently as Executive Director of the NZ International Business Forum and Executive Director of the NZ China Council.
Mr Jacobi provides advice to the three New Zealand members of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC), as well as BusinessNZ in respect of the Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum. He has had extensive diplomatic, industry, trade and government experience, and was formerly Chief Executive of the New Zealand Forest Industries Council. He is a regular commentator on trade and industry issues.
Justine Arroll
Board Member
Justine is the General Manager of Trade Strategy at Fonterra, responsible for driving Fonterra’s engagement and advocacy on strategic global trade issues.
A former New Zealand diplomat, Justine held a range of trade policy roles in the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade prior to joining Fonterra. Most recently, this included a posting to Washington DC where she was responsible for advocacy in relation to a range of bilateral and multilateral trade issues. Justine has also previously served in the New Zealand High Commission in London, and as an advisor to the Minister of Trade.
A graduate of the University of Auckland in Arts and Law, Justine has been admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor to the High Court of New Zealand, and has completed studies in international law at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark and Georgetown University in Washington DC.
Kristy Grant
Board Member
With an international export trade development and marketing background, Kristy is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Logistics and Transport and has held several executive management positions – including running an export manufacturing and marketing company, so understands the unique advantage that the NZ story has to offer to the world.
As a fervent Wellingtonian and a very proud New Zealander, Kristy is passionate about supporting and developing NZ business, in particular throughout the creative sector and has established the Miramar Creative Centre in partnership with Victoria University.
Michael Whitehead
Board Member
Michael co-founded and ran WhereScape Software, a global software business with operations in New Zealand, USA, UK, Europe and Asia. WhereScape was the supreme winner at the 2016 New Zealand International Business Awards, the NZTE Services Exporter of the Year winner at the 2017 Air New Zealand Cargo ExportNZ Awards for Auckland and Waikato regions and also the winner of Excellence in International Trade at the Westpac Auckland Business Best of the Best Awards in 2016. He now runs Tap In Ventures, a business advisory for companies wanting to grow and scale.
He was appointed to the New Zealand Government’s Trade for All Advisory Board, is a Prime Minister’s Business Scholarship winner, a Category Winner at the EY New Zealand Entrepreneur of the Year Awards and a graduate of Auckland University.
Dan Sullivan
Board Member
Dan Sullivan is General Manager of Regulatory Affairs at Douglas Pharmaceuticals, New Zealand’s largest pharmaceutical manufacturer and exporter. Dan leads Douglas’s regulatory operations to ensure pharmaceutical products manufactured here in New Zealand can be exported to over 60 countries across the globe.
Studying pharmacy at University of Nottingham, Dan has practiced as a pharmacist in both the UK and NZ. He has worked in the pharmaceutical industry for over 30 years, covering research and development, manufacturing and since 2003, global product registration.
Ché Bliss
Board Member
Ché Bliss is an accomplished leader with extensive experience in business management and strategy.
Ché held roles in private and government consultancy before moving to Oritain to help promote the application of novel forensic and data science to verify the origin of products and raw materials. As the Head of Country at Oritain Global Limited, Ché plays a pivotal role in developing partnerships to protect reputations, verify truth, and improve the integrity of global supply chains.
Yannis Naumann
Board Member
Yannis Naumann is Global Communications Manager at Zespri International, the world’s leading marketer of kiwifruit. He is responsible for Zespri’s external communications programme, ensuring Zespri enhances its reputation amongst growers and external stakeholders around the world.
A former parliamentary advisor, Yannis has provided strategic communications and stakeholder engagement advice to a number of domestic and global organisations, including Pfizer, IAG, Rio Tinto and Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, helping advance their commercial aspirations within New Zealand’s political landscape.
Yannis holds a Bachelor of Arts (1st Class Hons) in Political Science and History and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Business (Distinction).
Helen Darling
Board Member
Helen Darling is Director, Regulatory Affairs at Oritain Global Limited, a company she co-founded in 2007. In her current role Helen is working at the intersection between international regulations and trade requirements and how these impact exporting companies.
Helen has considerable national and international governance experience including six years on the Crown Research Institute, ESR; five years on the United States Pharmacopeial Convention (Food Ingredients and Food Fraud) and previously five years on Export NZ.
In addition to founding Oritain, Helen has founded a datascience company, InstatData and Chairs a start-up company Zestt Wellness Limited. Helen has a PhD in Public Health from the University of Otago.