The Council is a group of future-focused thinkers, connectors, and advocates who care passionately about advancing New Zealand’s interests in a strong bilateral relationship with the US. We are fortunate to be well supported by our members via their governance leadership and assistance with the activities of the Council..
The Council operates as an incorporated society with an executive committee and executive director. Executive committee members, including the chair, are elected at our annual AGM to two-year terms.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Rosemary graduated from the University of Canterbury in 1975 with a Master of Arts in Russian and later earned a Master of Science degree from the London School of Economics.
As chair of the Council she brings deep knowledge and experience of New Zealand's international relations, including with the United States where she served as Ambassador from 2018-2022.
Responding to her appointment Rosemary said “I am honoured to have this opportunity to continue to grow the all-important relationship between Aotearoa New Zealand and the US. At this time of rapid change, it is essential that as close partners we understand each other well. The NZUS Council has a crucial role to play in this”.
In addition to its work with the NZUS Council, the Chamber hosts the US Business Summit. Simon has a strong personal interest in NZ US relations, and has been a frequent visitor to the States in the past as a leading New Zealand politician as well as more recently.
As CEO of Beef + Lamb New Zealand and the NZMeat Board the US market is massively significant for the industry. In 2022/23 year red meat exports to the US were over $2 billion by far NZ’s biggest exporter into the US. The NZMB is responsible for the allocation of the 213,000 beef and veal quota to the US and charged with ensuring NZ maximises the returns from it.
I see the US as continuing to be a market of opportunity not only for our industry but for New Zealand as a whole, therefore the NZ US Council plays a critical role in facilitating relationships that will continue to grow that relationship and in doing so the wealth and wellbeing of both countries.
Rachel has an extensive background in corporate communications strategy, planning and implementation, including issues management and media relations. Rachel has worked across corporates, central and local government, trade policy, sustainability and regulatory affairs.
Her previous roles included Associate Director of the New Zealand International Business Forum, advisor to the APEC Business Advisory Council (NZ), Head of Corporate Affairs at Bank of New Zealand and General Manager for Trade Strategy at Fonterra Cooperative Group and New Zealand Dairy Board.
Her career began at the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade, including a trade policy posting to the New Zealand Embassy in Washington DC, a secondment to Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra, and two secondments to Ministerial offices in the New Zealand Parliament.
A former New Zealand diplomat, Justine held a range of trade policy roles in the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade prior to joining Fonterra five years ago, including offshore roles in the US and UK. She has also served as an advisor to the Minister of Trade.
A graduate of the University of Auckland in Arts and Law, Justine has been admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor to the High Court of New Zealand, and has completed studies in international law at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark and Georgetown University in Washington DC.
ExportNZ is a peak industry association representing a diverse range of exporters throughout New Zealand. It is a membership organisation and has approximately 2,000 export members around the country. ExportNZ advocates for, inspires, connects, and celebrates New Zealand exporters. The organisation aims to build a thriving ecosystem that supports each other.
She has an active interest in New Zealand’s primary external relationships and has participated in all New Zealand leadership forums with the United States, China and Australia.
In 2022, she launched the annual United States Business Summit with the support of the Council. Fran is also a member of the New Zealand China Council and is a former deputy chair of the New Zealand committee of the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council.
Fran has a long association with Apec and was a member of the Apec Business Leadership Group for New Zealand’s successful hosting in 2021 and served on the CEO Summit committee.
She founded a private company, NZ INC. in 2005 to champion business engagement with offshore markets.
Ms O’Sullivan is a New Zealand Herald business columnist, is contracted as Head of Business for NZME, and previously edited the National Business Review.
She was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2019 for services to business and journalism.
Joining the airline in May 2021, Mat's corporate affairs career has spanned over 20 years across the energy, water, and telecommunications industries within New Zealand.
Mat’s involvement with the NZUS Council builds on the airline’s links to the US that began almost 30 years ago. Air New Zealand now offers connections into six North American destinations following the successful launch of its first Auckland-New York direct service in September 2022.
The University also has a very significant alumni and donor community in the United States. Together, these links have great potential for contributing to the ambitions of the Council.
Joining the airline in May 2021, Mat's corporate affairs career has spanned over 20 years across the energy, water, and telecommunications industries within New Zealand.
Mat’s involvement with the NZUS Council builds on the airline’s links to the US that began almost 30 years ago. Air New Zealand now offers connections into six North American destinations following the successful launch of its first Auckland-New York direct service in September 2022.