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Our People

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 and in accordance with its rules of incorporation. These provide for the establishment and operation of two governance bodies – an executive committee and advisory board – and the position of executive director. Executive committee members, including the chair, are elected at our annual AGM to two-year terms.

Advisory Board

The advisory board provides strategic advice and contextual insight, meets formally 2-3 times per year, and advises on and is involved in the Council’s work programme.

Advisory Board Chair

FRAN O’SULLIVAN

Chair and executive committee member | Director of NZ INC Ltd

 

Fran was a founder-director of the Council in 2001, is chair of the advisory board and serves on the executive committee. She is the director of NZ INC (Ltd) – publisher of the newzealandinc.com website which focuses on New Zealand’s business engagement with top markets. One of New Zealand’s most experienced journalists, Fran is also a lead columnist for The New Zealand Herald – New Zealand’s largest daily newspaper – writing predominantly on politics, business and international affairs. She is a former Editor of the National Business Review – NZ’s leading business weekly and a former Assistant Editor at the New Zealand Herald.

Advisory Board members

Rt. Hon. Jim Bolger, ONZ
Former Chairman, NZUS Council

Leanne Cheesman
National Sales Manager, United Airlines

Erica Crawford
Managing Director, Tentpole Holdings

Chip Dawson
CEO/MD, International Business Management Ltd, Chairman & President, Baseball NZ

Charles Finny
Chair, Education New Zealand

Philip Gregan
CEO, New Zealand Winegrowers

Mike Hearn
Executive Director, American Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand

Suzanne Snively, ONZM
Managing Director, More Media Enterprises

Dr. John Wood, CNZM QSO
Former NZ Ambassador to the US

Policy

 

Improving our understanding of some of the most challenging global problems facing New Zealand and the US.

 

 


Programmes

About

 

Established in 2001, we are a non-partisan, non-government organisation focused on advancing New Zealand’s interests in a strong bilateral relationship.

 

 


OUR STORY, MISSION & VISION

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