Hon Steven Joyce

Minister for Economic Development

20 May 2016
Media Statement

NZTE & NZ Story Board appointments announced

Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce today announced the reappointment of Jennifer Kerr to the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) Board as well as the appointment of Richard Jones to the New Zealand Story Advisory Board.

NZTE is the Government’s international business development agency tasked with helping companies grow bigger, better, faster – for the benefit of New Zealand.

“Jennifer has been a strong contributor to the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Board and we are pleased to reappoint her and retain her skills and experience,” Mr Joyce says.

Jennifer Kerr is an experienced HR Executive, currently holding the position General Manager, People and Corporate Relations at Transpower and having been Group HR Director of Fonterra. Her background includes management experience in the USA and Europe for large national and multi-national companies. Jennifer brings a strong background in HR leadership within manufacturing and process-driven operational environments. She has strong commercial acumen and business experience. She also has health and safety experience.

The New Zealand Story Group is responsible for promoting and protecting the New Zealand Story and is part of the Government’s Business Growth Agenda.

“Richard brings a range of expertise and experience to the NZ Story Advisory Board and will add real value to the Board. We would also like to thank Karl Wixon for his contribution to the NZ Story Advisory Board and acknowledge his ongoing involvement at an operation level with NZ Story,” Mr Joyce says.

Richard Jones has been the Chief Executive of the Poutama Trust since 1999. He has focused Poutama’s efforts on consolidating and growing Māori businesses; driving the development of the Māori tourism and food & beverage sectors; initiating collective and cooperative activity amongst Māori primary sector businesses; and taking Māori businesses international. He is also an owner in a start-up beverage business, Taha Beverages. Richard currently chairs Te Arawa Management Ltd and is a Trustee of the Rangitāne Settlement Negotiations Trust. In the past Richard has been an Advisory Board Member for Bay of Connections and Export New Zealand. Richard has tribal affiliations with Te Arawa (Ngāti Whakaue, Tuhourangi, Ngāti Pikiao) and Ngāti Maniapoto.

ends

© Scoop Media