Kiwa Whatarau

Commercially focused Senior Leader | International Market Specialist | Strategy Design & Execution

Hong Kong SAR

About

Experienced and commercially focused leader with 20 years of expertise in driving revenue growth, strategy development, and deal execution across international markets. Proven track record in developing and implementing go-to-market strategies that power business success and change in challenging environments. Recognised for building and nurturing strong relationships through an inclusive, collaborative approach while fostering innovation and growth.

Experience

  • New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (10 yrs 6 mos)
    • Project Lead - International Partnerships
      Aug 2024 - Present · 1 yr 11 mos

      The Challenge: Design and implement an opportunity-led, market-entry model for exporters that not only harnesses international partner networks but also results in greater conversion of international revenue in a shorter amount of time.

    • Trade Commissioner - Hong Kong & Macau
      Aug 2019 - Aug 2024 · 5 yrs 1 mo

      The Challenge: Leading NZTE's local team to grow NZ exporter presence in Hong Kong and Macau during a time of political upheaval and an unprecedented global pandemic. Keys to success were acting as “boots on the ground” for exporters while travel restrictions remained in place, maintaining strong relationships with in-market partners, advisors and consultants, and continual promotion of Hong Kong as a lucrative and important market to enter and scale in.

    • Investment Manager - Māori Sector
      Jan 2016 - Aug 2019 · 3 yrs 8 mos

      The Challenge: With little presence across the Māori commercial sector NZTE required an experienced and credible leader to construct a go-to-market strategy and execute a programme of work that both engaged major Māori Investor groups and created a pipeline of investable deals across the Māori commercial sector. Key successes included the establishment of Māori and international investor networks, originating a pipeline of investable deals, and leading global project teams to successfully match capital (both foreign and domestic) with Māori investment opportunities. This work seeded the establishment of NZTE’s Māori Investment team.

  • Ex-Officio Board Member at New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong (NZCCHK)
    Aug 2019 - Aug 2024 · 5 yrs 1 mo

    The New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong (NZCCHK) is a not-for-profit organisation established to champion and grow New Zealand’s economic presence in Hong Kong.

  • Senior Manager - Māori Business at Bank of New Zealand
    Feb 2013 - Jan 2016 · 3 yrs

    The Challenge: BNZ needed to lift its ability to compete with other NZ banks for Māori business - specifically Iwi Commercial entities. Retaining existing clients while significantly lifting the bank’s profile in the marketplace was key to acquiring new business and position the company for future growth.

  • Ernst & Young Global Consulting Services (7 yrs 7 mos)
    • Senior Consultant
      Mar 2010 - Jan 2013 · 2 yrs 11 mos

      The Challenge: Selling, leading and delivering performance improvement projects within client businesses across Oceania and the Nordics. In time-pressured environments, delivery of high quality, impactful results, demanding significant technical knowledge and highly developed client relationships skills. Multiple industry sectors covered including Manufacturing, Insurance, Media & TV, Tourism, Oil & Gas and Māori Commercial.

    • Senior Consultant
      May 2007 - Mar 2010 · 2 yrs 11 mos

    • Consultant
      Jul 2005 - May 2007 · 1 yr 11 mos

  • Pricing Analyst - Strategy & Planning at Air New Zealand
    Feb 2003 - Jul 2005 · 2 yrs 6 mos

    The Challenge: Following an unsuccessful merger with Ansett Australia, Air NZ need to re-establish its presence in the Trans-Tasman market through new customer offerings. Brought into the team charged with designing and implementing the airlines' "Tasman Express" one-way fare product.