Canterbury, New Zealand
Currently serving as Trade Commissioner in Beijing, I work to support New Zealand exporters to navigate one of the world’s most dynamic markets. I believe strongly in the power of peer learning. Some of the most valuable insights come from exporters sharing experiences with each other—what’s working, what’s not, and how they’re adapting to the fast-changing consumer landscape.
Working with a portfolio of high-growth exporters to identify and grow into new international markets. Developing trusted relationships with business leaders to build capability, find solutions, and explore new growth opportunities.
Common Goods Company is an outdoors and lifestyle brand with a focus on using timeless, tried and tested materials. Based online, Common Goods supplies a range of products to encourage the enjoyment of being outdoors and living slowly while supporting different social causes with each purchase. Through Common Goods, I developed a unique brand and a range of products from local and global suppliers. Following the launch in 2018, Common Goods quickly gained a loyal following and achieved consistent sales month on month. As brand awareness grew, I was able to secure a number of retailers throughout New Zealand. The business was sold in mid 2025.
Working within the Regional Business Partnership as a conduit into Callaghan Innovation, my role was to support a portfolio of innovative New Zealand companies to develop R&D capability and work towards the commercialisation of their products.
Founded in 2012, Loftmotif supplies architects, designers and individuals with mid-century industrial style lighting. Following the Christchurch earthquakes, Loftmotif was started with the intention of playing a part in the rebuild, and to fill a gap in the market by providing authentic industrial style lighting at a price realistic for all projects. As the Founder and Buyer of Loftmotif, I worked with a range of manufacturers to develop an extensive product range appealing to the New Zealand market. Initially starting out with small shipments, the sales volume quickly grew and the business was shipping full container loads and supplying wholesale to many retailers and larger commercial customers throughout New Zealand. I successfully sold this business in 2018.
Empreza Di’ak is a Timorese NGO that works to improve the lives of Timorese people through business by giving communities a sustainable source of income. During my one year VSA assignment in East Timor, my role at Empreza Di’ak was to develop new business ideas that could be replicated in rural communities. I worked alongside local community members to mentor and advise during the setup of pilot businesses - this included a duck farm, coconuts for drinking, seaweed and compost. By negotiating partnerships with supermarkets, hotels and retailers, we were able to provide guaranteed access to market.