The Asia New Zealand Foundation is renowned for its efforts in promoting cross-cultural understanding, collaboration and engagement between New Zealand and Asian countries.
The Foundation's work is supported by a dedicated group of Honorary Advisers from both New Zealand and Asia, representing a diverse spectrum of expertise including academia, business, community service, diplomacy, leadership, politics and sports.
These newly appointed New Zealand Honorary Advisers bring with them a wealth of experience and insight from their involvement in Asia. Their role will involve providing guidance and assistance to the Foundation's activities, spanning both the local New Zealand context and the dynamic Asian landscape. Their contributions will be a valuable complement to the efforts of the Foundation's Board of Trustees and the existing Honorary Advisers.
Honorary Adviser appointments are for five years and are made by the New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs. The newly appointed New Zealand Honorary Advisers are:
Danny Chan
Danny Chan is an experienced director, with extensive accounting, finance, investment management and education experience. He holds a number of directorships with companies including UP Education Group Ltd, Move Logistics Ltd, Marlborough Wine Estates Ltd and Flowerzone International Ltd, as well as with numerous companies associated with his private investments.
Danny was a Member of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet - China Project. He is a current member of the New Zealand China Council, the Confucius Institute, Auckland University Business School Advisory Board and Centre for Asia Pacific Excellence.
He has lived and worked in Asia for a number of years and is fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese. Danny was an Asia New Zealand Foundation Board member prior to becoming an Honorary Adviser.
Lyn Lim, (Huei Min Lim) MNZM
Lyn Lim originates from Malaysia and has strong interests and involvement in commercial and community activities relating to Asia. She is on the boards of Auckland Regional Amenities Funding Board and Restaurant Brands and was a trustee of the Middlemore Foundation.
Lyn was a board member of the New Zealand China Trade Association, Hong Kong New Zealand Business Association and ANZ Private Bank External Advisory Board. She is a member of the Institute of Directors, the New Zealand Asian Leaders organisation and the Hong Kong New Zealand Business Association.
In 2017, Lyn became a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to New Zealand-Asia relations and governance. Prior to being apppointed an Honorary Adviser, she was an Asia New Zealand Foundation Board member.
Simon Watt
Simon Watt is a consultant, former partner and board member in the Wellington office of the national law firm Bell Gully and has led Bell Gully' s public law and climate change practices. He has been involved in the development of Bell Gully' s Asia strategy and been relationship partner for the Asia New Zealand Foundation and Asia Forum.
Simon has advised parliamentary, provincial government and commercial clients in Asia. In his role leading graduate recruitment, he has actively promoted Asian language skills and work experience. Prior to becoming an Honorary Adviser he was an Asia New Zealand Foundation Board member.
Tania Te Whenua (Tūhoe, Whakatōhea) BA LLB AGNZ
Tania is principal of Te Whenua Law and Consulting, supporting organisations and the Crown to uphold the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.
Tania is a member of the Civil Advisory Board to the Director General of the World Trade Organisation and a board member of Te Taumata - the Māori International Trade Advisory Board to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Governance New Zealand Women on Boards, the New Zealand Rugby League Board, and Te Ora the Māori Medical Practitioners Association.
Tania is also an iwi representative on the Bay of Plenty Regional Council Rivers Advisory Committee, a Local Government Development Contributions Commissioner and a member of Global Woman. She has worked as a consultant Māori advisor to the Asia New Zealand Foundation for five years.
Chair of the Foundation Dame Fran Wilde says, "In a rapidly evolving global landscape, it is imperative that we continue to forge meaningful connections and develop a deep understanding of the diverse cultures and opportunities that Asia offers.
"Our new Honorary Advisers bring a wealth of experience and knowledge, which will undoubtedly contribute to our ongoing efforts to equip New Zealanders with the skills and insights they need to thrive in the Asian region."
About The Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono
Established in 1994, the Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono is New Zealand’s leading authority on Asia. Its mission is to equip New Zealanders to thrive in Asia, by providing experiences and resources to build their knowledge, skills and confidence. The Foundation’s activities cover more than 20 countries in Asia and are delivered through nine core programmes: arts, business, education, entrepreneurship, leadership, media, research, Track II diplomacy and sports.
For more information, contact:
Katie Howe
Director Communications and Media
Telephone: 64 4 470 8701
Email: khowe@asianz.org.nz