Our People 

Grow Wellington consists of a network of advisors in key business and sector areas.
Our aim is to help businesses in the greater Wellington region grow and become world class.
Please select from the category options below to find key people in your area of interest.

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CEO

Nigel Kirkpatrick

Nigel Kirkpatrick

Chief Executive

Tel: +64 4 382 0099
I have held a number of leadership roles across a range of businesses including Chief Executive, Industrial Research and Chief Executive of Dunedin based high tech start-up company, The Street. I’ve held key leadership roles for global giant Unilever including Global Innovation Leader, Managing Director Indonesia and Malaysia and General Manager New Zealand.

My international outlook combined with my leadership experience across general management, global partnerships and start-ups gives me a sound appreciation of the highs and lows and the issues facing a wide variety of organisations.

While I have had a very successful international career, I am passionate about Wellington and committed to raising my family here.

Business Growth

Mary-Anne Webber

Mary-Anne Webber

General Manager, Business Growth

Mobile: +64 21 915 275
Tel: +64 4 382 0075
I grew up in Wellington, and returned in 2010 after earning my stripes in the corporate world and through owning and building up my own business. I have had a varied and interesting career which started in marketing in Wellington and moved through to senior/general management and included selling New Zealand and exporting various products to the world. I really care about helping businesses get their business model right so that they can have the best chance of success. I have worked in a number of sectors and I am very passionate about my role of helping connect the Wellington region to stimulate innovation and growth. I manage the business growth team and undertake various different projects to help us with our aim to “connect, inspire and grow” Wellington businesses.

Returning to Wellington, I see it with new eyes – fantastic public transport (I am an ardent bus catcher), a vibrant city with wonderful beaches and outdoor recreation so close at hand. Most of all it is the people and their “can-do” spirit and willingness to help others that really makes the region what it is.

My nickname is the pocket rocket, so if you are looking for some pace and sparkle, give me a call.

Chris Souness

Chris Souness

Business Growth Manager, Key Accounts

Mobile: +64 21 494 952
Tel: +64 4 939 9821
I have strong sales and marketing background and a real passion for helping business grow.
I have owned and sold my own business so have hands on practical knowledge of the many barriers that can impede business growth. Latterly I have worked in the corporate environment managing a sales and operational team.

I have lived and worked in Wellington for the vast majority of my life and think the region is a wonderful place to live, work and play tennis.
Jeff Smith

Jeff Smith

Business Growth Manager, Kapiti Coast

Mobile: +64 21 525 279
Tel: +64 4 298 6611
After 15 years of working all over New Zealand primarily with the Chamber of Commerce network, I have come home to Wellington.
I am thrilled to be living, playing and working on the beautiful Kapiti Coast and look forward to meeting as many businesses as possible. Having owned two businesses I am excited about the real opportunities to connect the regions businesses with the right support and advice they need.

When I am not spending time with my family, I enjoy jogging.
Aaron Mcleigh

Aaron Mcleigh

Business Growth Manager, Wairarapa and Upper Hutt

Mobile: +64 21 757 594
Tel: +64 6 370 9208
I joined Grow Wellington in January 2011 concentrating on the Wairarapa. Having had over fifteen years experience working in recruitment and advertising, I have a unique perspective and understanding of varied business and helping them to succeed in what they want to achieve.

I have had my own successful business in the Wairarapa for four years and I understand the difficulties in business and what it takes to build a successful enterprise. I look forward to helping the businesses within the Wairarapa achieve and develop further.
Karen Bender

Karen Bender

Business Growth Manager, Wellington City

Mobile: +64 21 628 144
Tel: +64 4 382 0068
My role as Business Growth Manager is to understand your business’ needs and connect you with the professional services, training and experts that will take your company to the next level.

My diverse background covers 3 countries (Canada, Australia and NZ) and several industries (theatre production, hospitality, sport management, health/fitness and technology commercialization) and demonstrates a tendency to spot an opportunity, connect key players, adapt and promote growth.

In addition to my role at Grow Wellington, I am CEO/founder of a high-tech NZ startup. After hours, I can be found riding, running or climbing, enjoying the finer tastes around Wellington, the company of great friends or adventuring in the outdoors.
Simon Tuohy

Simon Tuohy

Business Growth Manager, Porirua and Hutt Valley

Mobile: +64 21 959 506
Tel: +64 4 238 0054
My role at Grow Wellington is working to connect businesses in the Hutt Valley and Porirua with the right services and advice to help them grow. I joined the business growth team in 2011 after over four years working in intellectual property. Prior to this, I studied biochemistry at the University of Otago where I examined the role of chaperone proteins and their role in photosynthesis. Currently, I am finishing my qualification as a patent attorney and working toward completing my law degree.

I have a real passion for science and innovation, and always look forward to working with companies to get the most out of their R&D. I am always amazed at the quantity and quality of research coming out of the Wellington region!

Outside of my role here at Grow Wellington I can often be found zooming about on my mountain bike up at Makara Peak or just out in the bush.
Nikki Burns

Nikki Burns

Business Growth Programme Manager

Mobile: +64 27 212 7127
Tel: +64 4 382 0073
My role is to connect with the region’s providers of training and mentoring services to ensure that what they offer is relevant, timely and of a high quality. I also provide internal support to our team of Business Growth Managers to ensure they have the right information and contacts they need in order to give Wellington’s innovative and growing businesses the best possible support. I think of it as the ‘Burns Circle of Trust’. Connected. Inspired and well facilitated.

From the snow fields of Queenstown to the cobbled lanes of London and Suffolk, via a stint on a rare-breeds farm in North Yorkshire, oh, and Dublin, I have used my skills in sales, marketing and business development to successfully implement business growth.

I am keenly involved in the not-for-profit sector, representing on the board/management committees of the Wellington branches of two national charitable organisations.

Not bad for a Hutt chick.
Cath Randall

Cath Randall

Business Growth Programme Manager

Mobile: +64 27 270 9553
Tel: +64 4 382 0079
My current role is Programme Manager within the Business Growth team and involves working across projects as and where needed. I have six years experience with this organisation, and have worked mainly in the skills area, from the skilled migrant programme to more recently an involvement with internships.

My personal interests include health and fitness and sport generally. Unfortunately, I am also keen on all aspects of food, particularly wining and dining.

Investment

Matthieu Carrere

Matthieu Carrere

Technical Business Manager

Mobile: +64 21 848 076
Tel: +64 4 382 0076
My commitment is to the growth and expansion of New Zealand businesses in the technological field.

I am part of Grow Wellington’s investment team, where I focus on enabling innovative technology based companies to access TechNZ funding. Investment is aimed at supporting companies with the aspiration to grow through research and development, and with the drive to become internationally competitive – regardless of their current size. If your business is developing products or enhancing existing ones, I want to hear from you.

I also manage Grow Wellington’s Solution Centre, looking to find bespoke solutions for businesses with specialised requirements. Whether it is a technical, compliance, or commercialization issue, a resource or a procurement need, my role is to provide you with access to external resources and expertise, tailored to your needs.

Born and raised in the south of France, I trained as a general engineer and project manager in Europe, Asia, and North America, and worked in both technical and business-development roles in India and the Middle East. Now settled in Wellington with my kiwi wife, you may find me mountain-biking or sea-swimming in the region – weather permitting!

Centres of Excellence

Steven Finlay

Steven Finlay

Centres of Excellence Manager, Clean Technology

Mobile: +64 21 222 3873
Tel: +64 4 382 0072
I connect high growth companies and researchers to national and international opportunities through our health and clean technology Centres of Excellence. I relish assisting entrepreneurs and innovators to emerge onto the global stage from the Wellington region.

I have researched challenges and growth paths for startups and clusters for the Competitive Advantage New Zealand Research Group at Victoria Management School, who recently awarded me a PhD for developing a new management theory.

I have run my own consultancy where I worked in partnership with central government to strengthen economic, social, cultural and environmental outcomes across the region.
Sven Pannell

Sven Pannell

Centres of Excellence Manager, Screen and Digital

Mobile: +64 21 730 074
Tel: +64 4 382 0074
I manage the Centre of Excellence programme for the screen and digital sector. This programme develops and implements projects designed to help our screen industry businesses become or remain world-class.

I have lived and worked in London, Los Angeles, and Kigali in various entertainment sector roles. Most recently, I worked in corporate finance and management consulting for PricewaterhouseCoopers and as an investment banking analyst for Murray & Co. I studied law at Cambridge University and filmmaking at UCLA.

I have produced and directed short films, music videos, theatre productions and currently have a feature-length documentary in post-production. I love sailing, windsurfing, skiing and travel.
Adrian Gregory

Adrian Gregory

Centres of Excellence Manager, Biomedical

Mobile: +64 21 505 440
Tel: +64 4 382 0082
I was born in London and before returning to my wife’s hometown of Wellington, worked in senior management all over England in various national and regional education and health organisations.

My role at Grow Wellington is to work with emerging and established companies in the biomedical field, which includes innovations ranging from new techniques and medical devices, through to the application of new technologies in health. I identify opportunities for growth and assist with providing an interface between these companies and various public and private institutions - promoting the mutually beneficial relationships between research, education and commercialisation.

We have some great companies here already - along with excellent higher education, hospitals and research bodies. One of my key goals is to build a strong sense of the potential that exists in Wellington for an innovative, dynamic, export-generating health and life sciences industry that would be an asset to the whole region.

Education

Matthew Steele

Matthew Steele

Manager, Education Sector

Mobile: +64 27 243 3786
Tel: +64 4 382 0085
As the Education Sector Manager for Grow Wellington, my key role is to support the internationalisation and export growth of education across the region. I work closely with a regional education membership that consists of primary to tertiary level providers and provide support and promotion for inbound and outbound education marketing activities.

I have 10 years experience working in education sectors in both New Zealand and Japan. This includes language programme development and management, and English language instruction at primary, secondary and university levels. I also coordinated an international teaching team in a language school which, as part of its activities, travelled the world by ship working with non-government organisations in areas such as conflict resolution, human rights, and sustainability issues.

I also have experience working in digital film production, landscape architecture and graphic design industries, and have recently completed an MA in Applied Linguistics.

Film

Delia Shanly

Delia Shanly

Manager, Film Wellington

Mobile: +64 27 235 9598
Tel: +64 4 382 0078
I manage Film Wellington – the Regional Film Office - which enables local and visiting film and TV makers to access locations and get expert advice about local crew, resources, and permissions. We also provide assistance and information to local screen companies looking at business growth and expansion. We’re proud of our unofficial nickname around the region - “the film maker’s best friend”.

Wellington is my home town, and I’ve worked in many roles across the creative sectors – from musician to convention/concert venue sales executive, to producing and promoting over 400 events (including five Summer City Festivals and co-founding the annual Diwali Festival of Lights.) Being local, my six years experience at Film Wellington, and having a wide range of contacts in many industries helps me solve the many unusual or complex problems that production companies come to us with.
Nicci Lock

Nicci Lock

Manager, Film Wellington

Mobile: +64 21 520 061
Tel: +64 4 382 0061
I am a producer/production manager with over 15 years experience in film, television, communications and advertising. I have been involved in and produced numerous TV commercials, music videos, VFX and animation projects and short and feature-length films. I have worked in production, sound, music, visual effects, animation and events, and client acquisition and management.

I have a wealth of practical experience in screen production and the creative industries which is an asset to the supporting role I provide the Wellington regional screen industry.

Food and Beverage

Kate Jamieson

Kate Jamieson

Manager, Food & Beverage Sector

Mobile: +64 27 444 8179
Tel: +64 4 382 0067
I have joined the Grow Wellington team as maternity cover for Anna Nielson, the Food & Beverage Sector Manager. My role is to continue delivering on the strategy to position Wellington as New Zealand’s Cuisine Capital, and identify gaps in the market that prohibit export growth for our food and beverage companies and instigate programmes that will help fill those gaps.

I recently returned to New Zealand following a stint in Belgium in a marketing role for New Zealand lamb. My background is largely in marketing roles for food and retail companies. I have also had time with one of the large UK supermarkets in a supply chain role. Despite being focused on the quality food from New Zealand for years, I have still been blown away by the huge range of consistent, high-quality food and beverage products and experiences in the Wellington region and am excited to be working closely with many of them.

Manufacturing and Primary Industry

Geoff Copps

Geoff Copps

Manager, Manufacturing and Primary Industry Sector

Mobile: +64 21 638 629
Tel: +64 6 370 3290
Having been born and raised in the urban part of the Wellington Region and now living in the rural part, I have a full appreciation of the full range of experiences this great little region can provide.

I have been involved in economic and business development for the past 20 years, firstly with a Wairarapa focus and latterly across the whole region. In this time I have come to recognise that it is the passionate business people that make things happen, not us, and it is our job to make life as easy as possible for them.

As a Sector Manager with responsibility for the Primary (yes we do have one!) and Manufacturing (yes this is still going strong too!) sectors, it is my job to listen to the business people in these sectors, identify common needs and see if there is anything useful that Grow Wellington can do to meet these needs.

So to use that cliché – I’m from Grow Wellington and I am here to help.

Communications and Marketing

Sarah Peacock

Sarah Peacock

Marketing Manager and media contact

Mobile: +64 21 475 282
Tel: +64 4 382 0071
I have held marketing manager roles for the past eight years, most recently with Positively Wellington Tourism. My career has provided exposure to a number of industries including hospitality, tourism, recruitment, professional services, finance and central government.

My role at Grow Wellington is to work across the organization and outside it to increase awareness of the range of resources and initiatives Grow Wellington offers and of course tell the Wellington story to the world. I enjoy the variety and challenge involved in working across a range of sectors. My goal is that Grow Wellington’s marketing and communications are as dynamic, innovative and creative as the businesses we work with.

I’m a born and bred Wellingtonian with a passion for food, wine and travel. I’ve lived in London and Dublin and have travelled extensively. Returning home continuously reinforces in my mind how truly world-class Wellington is.
Julia McFadzien

Julia McFadzien

Communications and Marketing Coordinator

Mobile: +64 21 396 393
Tel: +64 4 382 0064
Having recently returned from four years overseas, I am excited to be working for an organisation which exists to enhance the coolest little capital in the world.

I have a background in public relations and communications, having completed a Bachelor of Communications at University and worked as a Communications Manager in the not for profit sector.

My role at Grow Wellington is primarily focused on effectively communicating to a wide and varied audience all that Grow Wellington has to offer to the business community.

I am passionate about Wellington and take pleasure in making the most of everything the region has to offer, from the surf beaches of the Wairarapa to the fantastic restaurants and cafes in the city.
Jenna Quesnel

Jenna Quesnel

Online Marketing Coordinator

Mobile: +64 27 310 1486
Tel: +64 4 382-0087
My role at Grow Wellington is to ensure that we have an effective online and digital presence, keep all five of our websites up to date and engaging, and to increase our profile through social media and online channels.

I have proudly lived in the Wellington region my whole life. Having travelled to various parts of the world has made me appreciate just how unique Wellington really is and how many smart and innovative people live here.

Corporate Services

Lois Fyfe

Lois Fyfe

Corporate Administration

Mobile: +64 21 611 336
Tel: +64 4 382 0062
Over the years I have had a variety of jobs including IRD clerk, raspberry bun icer, truck driver on the Clyde Dam project and office manager before taking up my current position at Grow Wellington in Corporate Administration.

All of these jobs have given me an insight into what really goes on behind the scenes and what it takes to keep the wheels of an organisation turning smoothly.

At Grow Wellington I work as part of the admin team. As well as the usual admin tasks I am also Nigel’s Executive Assistant, act as board secretary, monitor our legal compliance and keep tabs on the new Otaki Clean Tech Centre.

For relaxation I like to travel, read, enjoy excellent food and play a little golf.
Anton Ferrari

Anton Ferrari

General Manager, Corporate Services

Mobile: +64 27 466 1690
Tel: +64 4 382 0070
I am responsible for the organisations financials and other general administrative responsibilities. I have been employed in the economic development sector since 1991 in the public sector. Prior to that I was employed in the private sector in the meat industry. I also ran my own consultancy business in the mid eighties.

This work history has given me extensive experience across many business disciplines and I am uniquely placed to understand the challenges and opportunities of business growth. I have a B.Com from Otago. My approach is one of pragmatism, honesty and integrity.

All my life I have played sport competitively and in my spare time I enjoy Lawn Bowls and Contract Bridge as well as following the fortunes of the All Blacks and the Black Caps.
Liz Denton

Liz Denton

Client Services

Mobile: +64 27 453 7844
Tel: +64 4 382 0065
As a proud member of our small but perfectly formed admin team it is my job to meet and greet visitors, pay the bills, and help to keep the behind the scenes wheels turning smoothly.

I’ve worked at Grow Wellington in its various forms for nine years and there is always something new and interesting going on.

Lunchtimes often find me in the staff kitchen doing the Dom Post crossword. In my spare time I garden, sew, do DIY and catch up with friends and family.
Courtney Burr

Courtney Burr

Corporate Services

Tel: +64 4 382 0083
I started in my role at Grow Wellington in March after moving to Wellington from the Wairarapa. I’m in my first year out of Massey University after completing a Bachelor of Communication with a major in Communication Management and a minor in Media Studies.

My role at Grow Wellington is varied: I book travel, relieve on reception, organise catering and meetings and assist all the different Grow Wellington sectors with any tasks required to help make sure that the organisation runs smoothly.

Innovative Solutions Developers

Karl Jowett

Karl Jowett

Innovative Solutions Developer

I grew up just outside Rolleston in Canterbury and graduated from the University of Canterbury with a BE in 2010. My studies challenged me and also introduced me to some amazing people. In February 2011 I joined the Optimising Manufacturing program to expand my range of engineering experience and aid businesses by providing a fresh view and trying to improve processes. When I’m not at work my time is spent mostly playing football. I like to keep fit and I love to cook.
Ian Bayliss

Ian Bayliss

Innovative Solutions Developer

As a graduate engineer I am keen to get involved with ‘the real world’ of engineering, helping to improve Wellington manufacturing firms as well as developing my own skills along the way. My previous experience is in the petrochemical industry and, more recently, playground equipment design. My passion for engineering and technical improvement carries through to my leisure time, where I spend far too much time and effort on my car and other projects.
Peter Fawcett

Peter Fawcett

Innovative Solutions Developer

Having grown up within the wellington region, I have come to appreciate the uniqueness of Wellington. The completion of my mechanical engineering degree at the University of Canterbury allows the skills and knowledge to contribute something back to this region.

I always enjoy the opportunity to work with other people and companies to develop novel and alternative solutions to problems. As well as enjoying the technical aspects of the engineering I enjoy being able to interface with companies and relish getting to the see and be a part of the cutting edge of the sector.
Hamish Thornton

Hamish Thornton

Innovative Solutions Developer

Having worked in every aspect of business I know it is important to involve all team members. My experiences working with all sorts of people with diverse personalities has developed my ability to gather the best information from everyone involved. Using my product development background I relish taking this information and developing innovative and creative solutions in every part of the development, production and sales processes.

When away from work I harness this creativity and innovation to play and write music on drums, guitar and bass.

Grow Wellington Board

Paul Mersi

Paul Mersi

Chairperson

Paul is a business advisor and company director. He has had a successful professional career as a senior Financial Services and Tax Partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers, and was a member of the Government’s Savings Working Group. He has also worked in the OECD in Paris, and served for a number of years in a senior policy role in the public sector. Paul has a degree in economics from Victoria University.
Rachel Taulelei

Rachel Taulelei

Rachel Taulelei is the founder of Yellow Brick Road, a company demonstrably invested in New Zealand’s food culture. A born and bred Wellingtonian, Rachel established Yellow Brick Road following eight years in the US with NZTE as Trade Commissioner and North American Regional Manager, Food and Beverages. She is co-founder of the City Market, chairs the Wellington on a Plate Advisory Board, and is an Associate Director of Wakatu Incorporation. In 2009, following in the footsteps of Chef Peter Gordon, Rachel was bestowed with the New Zealand Restaurant Association’s Innovator Award. In 2010 she was a finalist in the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Awards, and the winner of Emerging Gold, Wellington Gold Awards.
Dr Di McCarthy

Dr Di McCarthy

Di is Chief Executive of the Royal Society of New Zealand, a national academy for science, technology and the humanities. Prior to that Di was a Professor, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Equal Opportunities) and Associate Dean of the Faculty of Science at The University of Auckland. She has had a long career as an academic and has extensive experience in governance and management in the tertiary sector. Di has held several directorships including: AgResearch, Deafness Research Foundation, Brain Research Centre Advisory Board, and is currently part of the Steering Group for NZ Women in Leadership Programme. Di was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2008 for her services to Education.
Anders Crofoot

Anders Crofoot

Anders Crofoot lives and farms at Castlepoint Station, a large sheep and beef property on the Wairarapa coast with his wife Emily and two children, David and Sarah. He is currently on the National Board of Federated Farmers and was the Wairarapa Provincial President for the previous four years. Anders is also President of the New Zealand Grassland Association. Prior to emigrating to NZ from the US in 1998, he worked in the hospitality and construction industries, before setting up a computer consulting practice and later working as a quantitative analyst for a financial services company.

Anders has a double degree in Computer Science and Psychology from Dartmouth in the US.
Peter Robertson

Peter Robertson

Peter is General Manager of Scheme Performance and CFO at ACC.
Peter has had a diverse career; he was a partner with Ernst & Young for 10 years, held senior executive positions with Transpower for 12 years as CFO and later GM Network, and was Chief Executive at BRANZ Ltd between 2004 and 2007.

Peter has had considerable experience in; corporate governance, organisational dynamics and design, strategic and operational planning methodologies including the use of scenario planning techniques , the development and implementation of asset management strategies, financial planning and analysis, and the negotiation of complex commercial arrangements.

Peter has a degree in Economics, a Post Graduate Diploma of Accounting and is a member of the Institute of Directors
Karen Fifield

Karen Fifield

Karen has been the Chief Executive of the Wellington Zoo Trust since 2006 and was previously a director of Discovery and Learning at Zoos Victoria in Australia. Karen has been awarded: Wellingtonian of the Year 2010 Award in the Environment category; HER Business National Award winner 2010 in Business Leadership; and HER Business Wellington Award winner 2009 in the Business Leadership and Sustainability category.

Karen is currently the President of the Australasian Zoo and Aquarium Association.
Barry Brook

Barry Brook

Barry is a professional director and agribusiness consultant with extensive experience in agribusiness both in New Zealand and internationally. His experience includes leadership of New Zealand’s largest nationwide agribusiness, PGG Wrightson with turnover of $1.2 billion and 3000 staff.

He led the mergers of Wrightson with Williams and Kettle and Pyne Gould Guinness in the period 2004 to 2006.

He was responsible for the establishment of New Zealand’s largest primary sector business investments in South America, mainly in Uruguay but also in Argentina and Brazil. These included the launch of New Zealand Farming Systems Uruguay and its listing on the NZX50; and acquisition of a number of businesses in the seed, livestock, real estate, rural supplies and irrigation sectors.

Barry is Chairman of Synlait Ltd, a Canterbury dairy farming company, and Trustee of Agmardt and the Mary Potter Forever Foundation. He is qualified in agricultural commerce and economics and has been a long-time resident of Wellington.
Richard Stone

Richard Stone

Richard graduated from Victoria University and has spent the last 27 years in Wellington in a range of leadership roles within the human resource consulting industry, currently as Executive Chairman of Jackson Stone and Partners and formerly a founder and Director of Powerhouse People Ltd and Momentum Consulting Group.

Richard is on the Board of Workbridge and the Employers Chamber of Commerce Central, a former President of the Wellington Employers Chamber of Commerce and a former Chair of Unicef NZ. He loves this city, but recognises it faces some significant challenges and wants to see it continue to prosper. To this end Richard has played an advisory role to a number of organisations which share this goal and will continue to invest his time and energy in working towards this.