Richard Pollock

Richard joined the New Zealand Māori Tourism (NZMT) waka in September 2022, and assumed the role of Chief Policy Adviser.

The former public servant has recently returned from living in Suzhou, China, where he supported ‘Brand’ New Zealand in China, took every opportunity to promote NZ Inc in the China market and got involved in various expat networking groups. Richard also volunteered to tutor young learners and adults to learn basic English.

Richard’s early career started in the UK Civil Service before packing up his life and relocating in Aotearoa. It was upon settling into his new home in Wellington that his career in the New Zealand government began.

Amongst his many areas of expertise is policy and strategy development, with a particular interest in Māori policy development and promoting Māori economic development. This was best exemplified when he worked on strategies and initiatives to increase Māori business engagement with the China export market and contributed to the government’s NZ Inc Strategy for China.

Richard first visited China in 2010 in preparation for a Ministerial-led Māori trade delegation to the Shanghai World Expo. Richard also joined Māori business delegations to Mainland China and Taiwan (in 2011 and 2012) and provided advice for the negotiation of a New Zealand – Taiwan economic cooperation agreement (ANZTEC) around that time.

Richard’s work for NZMT has a focus on the connections between international trade and tourism.  Given the implications for tourism and travel from worldwide events and the international environment, he takes a close interest in wider geopolitical issues. Richard spent four years in China immersing himself in Chinese culture, travelling extensively within the country and gaining an objective appreciation of China’s role in the world.

Richard acknowledges the endorsement from Te Puni Kōkiri in joining the New Zealand China Council.

Richard holds a Master of Public Policy degree from Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington.