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Where Kiwi explorers connect and
make a difference
Founded in 2001, Kea nurtures a diverse and vibrant community of Kiwi and friends of New Zealand, who share a strong passion for New Zealand and the success of its people and businesses with operations in Auckland, London, New York and Beijing
New Zealanders are renowned intrepid travellers, taking our unique culture to every nation and network across the globe. In fact, there are nearly as many Kiwi offshore as the population of the South Island.
Whatever their global aspirations, Kiwi seek to remain connected to New Zealand, providing a valuable resource of networks and advocacy for our nation. That’s where Kea comes in, helping our Kiwi explorers to connect and make a difference.
Kea’s mission is to enable better understanding of these exploring Kiwi through goodwill and connection for the benefit of New Zealand and to provide our expats with the information and support they need to thrive.
Kea is connected and dedicated to supporting our nation’s most valuable resource – its people. Join Kea and help build a stronger New Zealand, wherever you are in the world.
Lance Sheppard
Interim CEO
Lance Sheppard
Interim CEO
Lance has had an extensive and successful international business career involved in leading NZ and Internationally based companies in building and executing successful, scalable and sustainable global growth strategies across Europe, the USA, the Middle East and Asia in the marine, aviation, telecommunications, renewable energy, F&B, and Agritech sectors. Lance’s career has seen him fill roles as the New Zealand Trade Commissioner in the US establishing the NZTE Beachhead program, initiator and lead of a public/private partnership project that saw the closure of Hobsonville Air Force base and the establishment of a Marine Industry precinct and one of New Zealand’s most vibrant new residential suburbs, founded and exited 2 international business, and is a recipient of the AmCham Supreme Exporter of the Year award. Lance has also served on boards for international not for profit organizations as well as Chairman of Export New Zealand’s Auckland Executive.
Gary Fortune
Regional Director North America
I am passionate about supporting & uplifting people in business, creating opportunities, introductions & pathways so they can shine.
Gary Fortune
Regional Director North America
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.
Kellie Addison
Global Director of Stakeholder Affairs
Kellie Addison
Global Director of Stakeholder Affairs
Zoe Wang
Global Connections Manager
Zoe Wang
Global Connections Manager
Rebecca Bao
Regional Director China
Rebecca Bao
Regional Director China
Sir Stephen Tindall
Founder
When global challenges occur, Kea comes to the fore to assist New Zealand’s global community and help them to stay connected to home.
Sir Stephen Tindall
Founder
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 Teece
Founder
The dream that Stephen and I had has clearly materialized; yet there is still much more opportunity ahead of us.
Dr. David Teece
Founder
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.
Stories from our community
