Three experienced private sector leaders have joined New Zealand Story Group’s Advisory Board, as the government-funded agency continues its critical role in building the brand of New Zealand with global audiences.
Three experienced private sector leaders have joined New Zealand Story Group’s Advisory Board, as the government-funded agency continues its critical role in building the brand of New Zealand with global audiences.
The new members joining the Advisory Board effective immediately are:
Louise Aitken – Director, Thriving World Limited; former Chief Executive, Ākina Foundation
Andrew Baker – Managing Director, Tika Learning Ltd; former Cultural Development Manager, Air New Zealand;
Victoria Blood – Leader of WeCreate; Chair, NZ Music Commission
“The role of New Zealand Story is increasingly vital as our exporters consider their international marketing efforts and plan for the reopening of our borders; our new Advisory Board members bring complementary experience as our country moves into this important recovery phase,” says New Zealand Story Advisory Board Chair Paul Brock.
“This line up brings relevant experience across Māori cultural strategy, social and environmental impact, and the creative and entertainment industry.”
The Advisory Board’s new private sector leaders will complement the agency’s key departmental Chief Executive board members including New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, Tourism New Zealand, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Louise Aitken is the Director of Thriving World Limited and was most recently the Chief Executive of the Ākina Foundation, an impact consultancy focused on delivering social and environmental change. Louise brings a unique skillset and excellent understanding of global markets, from her time in global business management roles for Fonterra. Along with her passion for economic change-making, she is a champion for Aotearoa’s innovators and businesses to unlock the solutions needed to address climate change and social challenges.
Andrew Baker (Te Arawa, Tūwharetoa) is Managing Director of Tika Learning Ltd, a strategic cultural consultancy helping businesses in their journey to discover the value in authentically embracing Māori culture. He was previously Cultural Development Manager for Air New Zealand where he designed and oversaw the implementation of Air New Zealand’s Māori strategy. Andrew has vast experience in building Māori culture within mainstream businesses and has also been instrumental in establishing New Zealand Story’s own Māori Advisory Group, which ensures a strong Māori lens in all stakeholder engagements and external campaigns.
Victoria Blood has a long international career in the entertainment and creative industries, working with some of the biggest names in New Zealand’s music scene, including managing Gin Wigmore. She has been Chair of the New Zealand Music Commission since 2013, and is Leader of WeCreate Incorporated, providing advice to the Government on policy matters affecting the creative sector. Her appointment builds on five years working with New Zealand Story and the Advisory Board welcomes her global connections and strategic direction for our important and rapidly evolving creative sector ecosystem.
New Zealand Story Group CEO David Downs was appointed in July 2021 and says the new talent on the Advisory Board will support the organisation’s renewed focus on building connections and opportunities for New Zealand businesses at a critical time.
“Collectively, this talented mix of private and public sector leaders will help drive the articulation of a ‘New Zealand story’ that enhances perceptions and favourability for our country amongst global audiences,” says Downs.
“As New Zealand reconnects with the world, and our borders open, we have a huge opportunity to build on New Zealand’s positive brand perceptions, and help New Zealand exporters, tourism operators, educators and others tell their story to the world.”