Two leaders join the New Zealand China Council

The New Zealand China Council is pleased to welcome two new members.

Nathan Flowerday joins as incoming Chair of Zespri, succeeding Bruce Cameron who has stepped down from his Zespri and Council roles.

Nathan is from a farming and kiwifruit orchard background.  He became involved in the kiwifruit industry in 1997, when his family purchased their first kiwifruit orchard. Now, Nathan is involved in all aspects of kiwifruit growing, owning several orchards and associated businesses.  He is also the founding Director of the Kiwifruit Breeding Centre, and has been involved in the Kiwifruit Breeding Programme for the last decade.

New Zealand China Council Chair John McKinnon has welcomed Zespri’s continuing involvement in the work of the Council at the top level.  “China is a very significant market for Zespri, and for other New Zealand horticulture companies – not without challenges, but also containing exciting potential”, John says.

“Zespri also has established active research and other partnerships in China.  The insights from such a longstanding and committed relationship will continue to be extremely valuable to the Council’s work.”

Nathan Flowerday’s bio is here.

Andrew Holmes also joins the Council as the new CEO and Senior Partner at PwC New Zealand, replacing Mark Averill who has retired.

Andrew has over 25 years’ experience with PwC.  Most recently he was Managing Partner of PwC New Zealand’s Risk Services practice and the PwC Asia Pacific Data Assurance Leader, and has held roles for the company in New York, Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, the United Kingdom and South Africa.  In his new role Andrew leads PwC New Zealand’s relationship with other PwC member firms and PwC Global, and sits on the PwC Asia Pacific Leadership Team and the PwC Americas-Asia Pacific Leadership Team. He is also a member of the New Zealand Champions for Change.

John McKinnon says PwC’s global reach, including a strong presence in China, ensures the Council has the broadest possible perspective on the New Zealand-China relationship.  “Our Council prides itself on viewing China through the diverse lenses of our members, each contributing unique value.”

“We also appreciate the external accounting support that PwC offers to the Council as part of its membership”, John adds.

Andrew Holmes’ bio is here.

John McKinnon also thanked Bruce Cameron and Mark Averill for their commitment to the Council during their tenures, and wished them well for future endeavours.

Lastly, John has welcomed Wendy Matthews, Director of the North Asia Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Stuart McKinnon, Managing Director Institutional NZ at ANZ Bank New Zealand Ltd, as new members of the New Zealand China Council’s Executive Committee.