Where Kiwi explorers connect and
make a difference

Tina brings a creative and collaborative approach to leadership, honed through years of experience across government, corporates, and non-profits in New Zealand and internationally. She has served on senior leadership teams, worked closely with boards, crafted strategies and led teams to grow companies and build communities. A Luxembourg-born New Zealander with Persian roots, she’s never happier than when introducing new ideas or new friends over a flat white (especially if there’s a pistachio croissant on the side!).

Gary has an extensive 30-year career in the NZ music industry, working at record labels across a broad range of promotions, marketing, business networking & international relationships. In 2005, he established the music export initiative called Outward Sound, supporting NZ music & music businesses into international markets. Since 2016, he developed an international music & technology business conference called Mondo.NYC.

Zoe leads Kea’s Global Connections service, helping New Zealand businesses connect with international experts and opportunities through the power of the Kea community. With a diverse career spanning China, Europe, and New Zealand, she brings deep expertise in business development, cross-cultural communication, marketing, and digital strategy. Before joining Kea, Zoe held senior marketing and leadership roles across engineering, FMCG, and e-commerce sectors, supporting both multinational companies and Kiwi brands looking to grow in Asia. She is passionate about building bridges between people, markets and cultures, and thrives on helping others succeed on the global stage. She believes in a simple philosophy: “Less, but better.”

With a strong understanding of Kiwi culture, Rebecca Bao actively builds connections and hosts events to strengthen the Kiwi community. Her career began as a Senior Immigration Officer at Immigration New Zealand in Shanghai, followed by roles at the European Union Chamber of Commerce and a leading local design firm, where she developed a broad professional network. Rebecca is also a founding member of a pioneering high-tech company focused on silicon photonic sensors, which recently completed its Angel funding round. Known for her strong local networks, including with NZInc, she is passionate about using these connections to further her work. Outside of work, she enjoys archaeology and painting, and is inspired by the belief: “Always take a second opinion and think of the bigger picture."

Charlotte holds a postgraduate degree in Political Science and International Relations, and has a strong background in international diplomacy and economic development. In the UK, she has served as a Senior Policy Advisor in the Economic Development Team at the Greater London Authority, a Manager at a tech-focused think tank, and for the Lord Mayor of the City of London at Mansion House. Originally from New Zealand, Charlotte brings a global perspective to her work having managed Parliament’s International Relations Programme and led capacity-building projects across the Pacific in collaboration with the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians and the United Nations Development Programme. She is passionate about effective community building and advocacy in support of equality, diplomacy, and growth.

Sir Stephen co-founded Kea in 2001, and remains a prominent entrepreneur and venture capital investor contributing seed and venture capital into Kiwi start-up companies, particularly those focused on the global marketplace.

Dr. David J. Teece is a renowned organizational economist and an authority on matters of technological change, and innovation. He has over thirty years of experience as an active advisor to businesses and governments around the world. He co-founded Kea in 2001 to recognize that New Zealand’s borders are not defined by its geography.