Executive change at NZ China Council

New Zealand China Council Executive Director Rachel Maidment will step down from her role next week to take up the position of Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Auckland Office.

Maidment has held the position of Executive Director since February 2020.  Chair John McKinnon says Ms Maidment’s term has seen her successfully implement a restructuring of the Council to improve its governance and delivery, as well as developing a new strategic plan for the organisation and growing its membership.

“Rachel has brought a rare combination of private sector involvement and experience as a diplomat in China to her role as Executive Director.

“This has proven invaluable throughout the pandemic, which has called for new ideas and collaborative teamwork between business and government.  Rachel’s ability to bridge the public and private sectors has helped New Zealand navigate challenges over the last two years, while keeping our relationship with China on a firm footing,” McKinnon says.

Maidment has also contributed to informed debate about New Zealand’s relationship with China by leading new research into topics such as trade concentration, launching a podcast series to highlight emerging issues in the relationship and by establishing initiatives in areas like climate change and export packaging.

“Rachel’s business acumen and considered approach to complex issues in the New Zealand China relationship have had a lasting impact on the work of the Council.  I am confident she will move to her new position with a sense of fulfillment. I wish her all the best for her exciting new role,” McKinnon says.

McKinnon says the search for a new Executive Director is currently underway and an appointment will be announced in due course.