Chair

John is the Managing Director of Facteon, a wholly owned Haier subsidiary that produces bespoke factory machinery for global customers. John also sits on the New Zealand China Council in an ex-officio capacity.

 Active in China since 2002, in both the private and public sectors, John enjoyed living in both Beijing and Guangzhou from 2005 to 2017.

 During John’s first decade in China he was responsible for the creation and leadership of a successful branch office leading the local team to negotiate sales agreements with several large Chinese SOEs.

 In December 2011 John became the NZTE Trade Commissioner and Deputy Consul-General in Guangzhou where he had the opportunity to work closely in an advisory capacity with over 100 New Zealand businesses.

 Upon his return to New Zealand John joined Auckland Council’s economic development agency, where he continued to focus on China-related matters. In December 2018 the private sector called again, and John joined Facteon where he continues today.

Deputy Chair

Charlie Gao is a Chinese New Zealander with more than 15 years of senior management experience in the private and public sectors. He is the Group General Manager of Mastip Technology Ltd, an industry-leading designer, manufacturer, and solutions provider of hot-runner systems.

The company is headquartered in Auckland with subsidiaries in the US, EU, and Asia, and distributors in more than 40 countries. Charlie was previously the Director of North Asia CAPE, a New Zealand Government-funded agency tasked with supporting local firms, professionals, and educators to succeed in Asian markets. Prior to that he was managing partner of Mahon China, one of New Zealand's longest-established investment management and corporate advisory firms focused on the Chinese market.

Charlie has BSc, BA(Hons) and MA(Hons) degrees from the University of Auckland, and speaks English and Mandarin Chinese as first languages. He has been an executive committee member of NZCTA since December 2023.

Immediate Past Chair

Martin Thomson is a partner with DLA Piper in Auckland. He has over 30 years' experience advising clients on corporate and commercial law in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Martin is a specialist in mergers & acquisitions, Overseas Investment Act & Regulations, securities law, company law, joint ventures, and commercial law & contracts.

While Martin has experience advising on transactions across a broad range of sectors, he has a particular focus on advising overseas organisations including from China investing in the primary sector. This has included investments in the forestry, agriculture, dairy and meat processing and wine sectors. He regularly advises on issues arising under the Overseas Investment Act. Martin heads DLA Piper's China practice, which focuses on providing advice to organisations undertaking investments between China and New Zealand. The firm's Chinese clients have undertaken investments in the agriculture, dairy and meat processing, property development, tourism and health product sectors.

Martin is the Chairman of the New Zealand China Trade Association, New Zealand’s longest-serving and largest China-related business association. NZCTA works closely with businesses and both Governments to promote trade and investment between China and New Zealand, having done so for over 40 years.

Martin is also a member of the New Zealand China Council. Martin has also been actively involved in establishing DLA Piper New Zealand's relationship with global law firm DLA Piper, which has offices in all major countries including in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong.

Executive Director

Jeff has over 25 year’s experience offshore focusing on business development in the Asia region.

He has worked in both the private and public sector including Trade Commissioner postings with New Zealand Trade & Enterprise to Korea, Malaysia, Japan and China (Shanghai) the latter during the signing of the FTA with China, the Shanghai World Expo and the establishment of New Zealand Central. Private sector roles with some of New Zealand’s largest companies have seen him work extensively in Vietnam, India, Indonesia, the Philippines and Taiwan as well as again Korea and China.

Jeff is also the founder and Co-Director of Globalink Internships – an enterprise delivering work based internships in various Asian locations for students and professionals.

I worked in France, Egypt and UK before moving to Japan in 1997 as Project Manager for the French Government. In 1999 I joined Suez as Commissioning Manager (UAE, Iran, France, China), and was then Contracts Manager for 2 years. 

I joined Artelia in 2004 as Project Manager and in 2005 was promoted Deputy GM. In 2006, I joined Bureau Veritas as BDM.

I was elected board member of CCI France China (CCIFC, 2007-2016) and of European Union Chamber (EUCCC, 2012-2016). In China for 16 years (2000-2016), I worked in Baotou, Baoding, Dalian, Guangzhou, Beijing, Chongqing and Shanghai.

In 2016, I was appointed Director, M&S of Bureau Veritas for Paris, and was President of CEIBS alumni in France.

In 2019, I moved to NZ to join KiwiRail. In 2022, I joined WSP as Market Leader, Sustainable Places. Since 2024, I am Sustainable Solutions Lead at Schneider Electric (施耐德电气).

I am co-President of FNZCCI (French NZ CCI) and Director at Watercare.
http://cn.linkedin.com/in/FrederikCornu/

I am a corporate & investment law specialist, barrister, credentialed mediator and board member, bringing both multi-jurisdictional legal and governance expertise and cultural nuances to the table.

I specialize in cross-border investments and negotiations, corporate legal advisory both contentious and non-contentious, mediation, and corporate governance. I have been a partner in leading international law firms in Auckland, London, Hong Kong and Shanghai before joining the independent bar. Working in these jurisdictions for 30+ years, I have extensive local and international commercial and investment experience and have served clients across the globe to develop and progress strategies, lead negotiations, materialize investments and resolve complex disputes. 

I hold a PhD in Law (discipline: corporate law and governance) from the University of Auckland Law School and practice as a barrister and mediator at Princes Chambers in Auckland.

www.linkedin.com/in/dr-heida-donegan-9b7a49ba

Leon Fung is a highly experienced executive with over 25 years of leadership in the dairy and food industry. His expertise spans cross-border business development, manufacturing operations, process technology, and large-scale CAPEX project management. With deep industry knowledge and a strong understanding of the Asia-Pacific markets, Leon has held board director roles at several prominent companies, including Synlait Milk, Gambol Pet Food, and Maui Milk. LinkedIn Profile

Michelle Macwilliam is a respected leader based in Christchurch, renowned for her pivotal role in enhancing ties between New Zealand and China. Recognized for her innovative vision, she has advanced Christchurch’s position in international trade, culture, and education. As a champion of New Zealand–China relations, Michelle has fostered economic partnerships, initiated cross-cultural exchanges, and provided insightful leadership through the New Zealand China Trade Association.

Her expertise in Chinese business, intercultural communication, and strategy has made her a go-to advisor for local businesses seeking to succeed in China. She has led trade delegations, coordinated high-level forums, and promoted initiatives that bridge the gap between cultures, raising Christchurch’s global profile.

Michelle’s work extends beyond commerce; she is passionate about deepening cultural understanding and supporting community growth. Through her service, Michelle Macwilliam exemplifies collaboration and excellence, continually generating valuable opportunities that strengthen New Zealand’s relationship with China for the benefit of both nations.

Angela Meng-Yee is an experienced Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) Advisor specialising in cross-border investments, foreign direct investment (FDI), and strategic deal origination across the Asia Pacific region. She partners with growth-stage companies, family offices, and multi-national corporations to identify, structure, and execute international investment opportunities that drive sustainable growth.

With a career spanning London, Hong Kong, Beijing, Southeast Asia, and New Zealand, Angela has led significant cross-border partnership initiatives and strategic investment collaborations with leading global real estate and advisory firms. Today, she drives deal origination and investment strategy alongside private investment and advisory partners, leveraging a robust network of high-net-worth and institutional investors to unlock growth opportunities across Asia Pacific and beyond.

Based in New Zealand, Angela supports Chinese investors in accessing premium cross-border investment and trade opportunities. She serves on the Executive Board of the New Zealand China Trade Association (NZCTA) and the Executive Committee of the New Zealand Chinese Association (NZCA), continuing her family’s legacy as foundation members.

Luke Qin leads International Trade Finance for Kiwibank, supporting New Zealand exporters and importers with working capital and risk management. Arriving as an international student from Sichuan to attend secondary school in New Zealand, Luke has since served on the board of Transparency International New Zealand, New Zealand Institute of International Affairs and New Zealand China Council. He has been a member of the Asia New Zealand Foundation Leadership Network, Auckland City Council Demographic Advisory Panel, Ministry for Ethnic Communities Development Fund Panel, and Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum Emerging Leaders Programme.

Luke initiated our 50over50 project to celebrate Chinese and New Zealand businesses modelling the New Zealand-China trade relationship over the past 5 decades, and provide a bilingual reference for future students, researchers and entrepreneurs to help take the relationship forward. His diverse qualifications and voluntary work underpin his commitment to community service, cross-cultural understanding and sustainable development that aligns commercial success with broader community interests. Luke holds a New Zealand Certificate in Fire & Rescue Services with Fire and Emergency New Zealand, a Bachelor of Commerce from University of Canterbury, and a Master of Applied Finance from Victoria University of Wellington.

Amy currently works as a Tax Director in an international accounting firm in Auckland. She has extensive experience in providing tax advisory and compliance services to a diverse range of domestic clients and multinational enterprises in the property/real estate, healthcare, consumer products, technology and financial services sectors.

Amy was born and grew up in mainland China and came to New Zealand in 2001. She graduated from the University of Auckland with a LLB/BCom conjoint degree in 2007 and was admitted to the bar as a Barrister and Solicitor of High Court of Auckland in 2008.

Amy has been a dedicated member in the Chinese business community in Auckland, actively involved in various business events and assisted a number of Chinese clients doing business and making investments in New Zealand.

Alex Zhang is the Director and Principal Immigration Adviser at Chance Immigration and Education, an agency recognized by Education New Zealand (ENZ) and regulated by New Zealand Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA). 

Alex has been a licensed Immigration Adviser since 2010 and specialises in providing immigration and education advice to clients and international students both onshore and offshore. Prior to this, he had worked at senior management level in different private training establishments offering courses to international students. 

Alex currently serves as Chairman at Federation of New Zealand Shenzhen Societies, and Executive President at Canton Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand. He is also a member of Auckland Business Chamber Asian Business Advisory Board. Alex completed his Bachelor of Arts in China and MBA at Massey University.

Independent Director, Trade Strategy & International Business Development

Damon Paling is an experienced international business leader who lived in Shanghai, China for 16 years, working with PwC in their international trade and customs practice and serving as New Zealand’s Trade Commissioner. Now based in Auckland, he is an Independent Director of Grin Natural Products Ltd, an NZTE Beachheads Advisor, and Trade Strategy Manager for Deer Industry New Zealand. Damon has more than 25 years’ experience helping New Zealand export businesses expand globally across agrifood, health, and wellness sectors. He brings deep expertise in trade policy, market development, and value-chain optimisation — particularly in Asia — combining strategic insight with on-the-ground commercial experience. Passionate about building sustainable New Zealand brands, Damon focuses on helping companies create long-term value at home while competing successfully on the world stage.

Mark is an experienced business leader and director. Having spent eight years with Auckland International Airport as International Market Development Manager he was at the forefront of growing Chinese airline connectivity to seven airlines prior to COVID. Before AIAL he was Tourism New Zealand’s General Manager Asia based in Shanghai from 2007 – 2012.

Having been in tourism industry for over 30 years he is a current NZCTA director as well as a Trustee of the New Zealand China Language Week. Mark also co-chairs Eat New Zealand, an organisation that focusses on food security, telling our food stories, and an advocacy body for the development of a New Zealand Food Strategy.

Raymond is a principal of an Auckland-based law firm. While an MP, he served as the Chair of the Parliamentary Justice Committee and presided over the revision and enactment of important pieces of legislation including the Trusts Bill, Privacy Bill (address big data, among other things) and International Arbitration Bill. Author and editor of nine books, with a primary focus on case law and its evolving interpretations.

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise

Jane is NZTE’s International Market Manager, based in Auckland, responsible for China.

She has in depth knowledge of general business etiquette while dealing with China, the inside workings of Chinese companies and business practices and a strong understanding of cultural differences between China and New Zealand.

New Zealand China Council

Alistair Crozier has served as Executive Director of the New Zealand China Council since March 2022.  Alistair was a New Zealand diplomat for 25 years, with three postings to China as second secretary at the New Zealand Embassy (2000-01), Education Counsellor (2003-05) and Consul-General to Chengdu (2014-18).  He also served as New Zealand Deputy High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea (2007-09) and Deputy Ambassador to Viet Nam (2009-14) and has held policy roles in the NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Wellington.  In 2019 Alistair served as Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Christchurch.  In 2020-21 he established a South Island presence for the Asia New Zealand Foundation and led its business programme.  Alistair holds a first class honours degree in law and a BA from the University of Canterbury. He is a fluent Chinese speaker.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade

Andrew Robinson is the Unit Manager of the China team at MFAT. Andrew joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in 2007. He has previously been posted to the New Zealand Embassy in Beijing and served as New Zealand Consul-General in Shanghai, and completed a period of Chinese language training in Taipei. Andrew has previously worked in various parts of the MFAT, including on New Zealand's relationships with Australia and the Middle East, APEC, the United Nations, and Consular policy. Andrew has a law degree from Auckland University and is currently completing an Executive Masters Degree in Public Administration via the Australia New Zealand School of Government.

Auckland Business Chamber

Anna-May Isbey is an Ex Officio Member of the New Zealand China Trade Association, representing the Auckland Business Chamber, where she leads the Chamber’s international engagement across priority markets in Asia.

In this role, she works closely with businesses, government agencies, and international partners to support trade, investment, and commercial collaboration between New Zealand and global markets, with a strong focus on China.

Alongside her Chamber role, Anna-May is a Partner and New Zealand Representative for Mahon China Investment Management, New Zealand’s longest-established corporate advisory and investment firm in China.

She brings more than a decade of experience in New Zealand–China trade and investment, including as former Executive Director of the New Zealand Business Roundtable in China, and is known for her deep networks and commercially grounded market insight.