From Aotearoa to the World: How Kea and ASB Are Helping Kiwi Founders Grow

When Max Wheeler-Bowden of Grounded Packaging sat down for coffee with his new mentor, Emma Loisel, in London, he didn’t expect to rethink how his entire team was structured. He wasn’t looking for anything groundbreaking, just someone who could see the business from the outside and ask the right questions. What he got was clarity. The kind that comes from someone who’s been there before.

Across New Zealand and beyond, other Kiwi founders were having similar conversations. Some were navigating capital raises. Others were fine-tuning export plans or scaling up production lines. All of them were part of a mentoring pilot delivered by Kea through ASB ACCESS, an initiative launched last year to bolster the bright future of Aotearoa’s food and fibre sector.

The programme was designed to solve a problem – one faced by many early-stage Kiwi businesses ready to scale. They’ve built momentum and proven demand. But getting export-ready requires more than vision. It takes funding, insight, and a fair bit of confidence.

ASB ACCESS is ASB’s way of backing the next generation of food and fibre businesses. Yes, with capital, but also with connection. That’s where Kea stepped in. 

“We knew these businesses had the vision and potential. What they needed was someone in their corner,” says Paul Gestro, Director of ASB ACCESS at ASB Bank and one of the programme’s key architects. “It wasn’t just about finance. It was about giving them the tools, encouragement, and key discussions to take that next big step. And keep going.”

To bring that support to life, ASB partnered with Kea, a global community built on the belief that New Zealand’s greatest asset is its people. Kea led the mentoring pilot, tapping into its trusted global network to carefully pair nine founders with experienced mentors. 

“Kea is all about connecting Kiwis around the world with opportunities to give back to New Zealand’s success,” says Tina Dustdar, Chief Executive of Kea. “Whether it’s through mentorship, sharing expertise, or opening doors to new markets, our global community plays a vital role in helping New Zealand businesses thrive, no matter where we call home.”

Some were based offshore, others closer to home. But all of them shared one thing in common: a genuine desire to help. There was no playbook. No fixed format. Just honest conversations focused on what each founder needed most.

Through its international network and Kea Connect platform, Kea links Kiwi businesses with offshore experts, mentors, and industry leaders. Sometimes those connections lead to new markets or partnerships. Other times, they simply offer a shift in perspective. A chance to learn from a voice of experience – and a reminder that you’re not in it alone. 

For Ben Lenart, founder of Almighty Drinks, the most valuable part of building a business has always been the people. So when ASB offered the chance to join the Kea mentoring pilot, he jumped at it. He was matched with brand strategist Derek Lockwood, who quickly provided fresh thinking on a key decision. “The chemistry was great,” says Ben. “Derek wasn’t in the day-to-day, so he could cut through things I’d been overthinking.”

Together, they tackled brand positioning and capital raising. “It’s been invaluable having a seasoned pro help us level up,” says Ben. “Every call adds value. That kind of support? You can’t really put a price on it.”

For Angus Brown, founder of brain drink brand Ārepa, a few sessions with Chicago-based Kiwi mentor Elizabeth Barnett sparked a blackcurrant tech breakthrough, and a new path toward US expansion. “She’s just a good human,” says Angus. “Without access to Liz and Kea’s network, we’d be a year behind. It’s accelerated our progress on all fronts.”

From her side of the partnership, Elizabeth saw value just as clearly. “Ārepa already had a great product and a great team so they didn’t need a ‘mentor’ to help them figure that stuff out,” says Elizabeth, an advisor and former head of the Beverage Division at Kerry Group. “What they needed was access.” 

“People often think the US is this huge market, but like anywhere, it’s a small, interconnected ecosystem. Sometimes it’s just about knowing who to talk to. That’s where I could lend a hand by helping them plug into relationships, technology, and opportunities they might not otherwise reach from New Zealand.”

More than 200 businesses applied to be part of the ASB ACCESS pilot – a clear signal that Kiwi exporters aren’t short on ambition. What many need is support. A sounding board. Someone who’s already done the hard yards and has the wisdom to show for it. 

That support came in many forms, including from experienced leaders like Leon Fung, CEO of NIG Nutritionals and a long-time dairy industry executive. “I came to New Zealand 30 years ago, built my career here, and now I’m in a position to give back,” says Leon. “Helping a small Kiwi business grow is rewarding. It makes me feel good.”

Every pairing was different. But the thread running through them all was generosity. A sense of paying it forward. Of showing up at the right time. That’s the heart of ASB and Kea’s shared mission – to keep New Zealanders connected, and to make those connections count.