While travel to Asia is still problematic, Asia isn’t stopping. The region is changing and continues to grow and adapt.
Our TOCs are a group of individuals with strong connections to New Zealand, but based in Asia. They will represent the Foundation by meeting with our existing networks, expanding those networks, and sharing stories with us about what’s really going in their respective parts of Asia.
They’ll be part of NZ Inc. offshore – joining the likes of embassies and high commissions to maintain New Zealand’s strong connections with Asia.
Having an extension of the Foundation in the region goes back to the heart of our kaupapa – ensuring an unbreakable connection as New Zealand’s pre-eminent organisation on Asia.
Meet our Temporary Offshore Contractors
Kaleb Uri-ke
Japan
Kaleb is a Tokyo-based Te Whītau Tūhono Leadership Network member and has been living in Tokyo for the past ten years. Originally from Christchurch, Kaleb has studied and worked across Asia, and is a member of the Leadership Network Tangata Moana (indigenous Pacific Peoples) and Te Kāhui Māori.
In celebration of the 70th anniversary of close diplomatic ties between New Zealand and Japan, I look forward to introducing Kiwis to some special people and places that have shaped my time here.
Achiraya (Achi) Thamparipattra
Thailand
Born into a family rooted in the tours and activities industry, Achi grew up surrounded by the diversity of Thai culture, while also seeing firsthand the effects of unsustainable travel.
She co-founded HiveSters - an impact travel company that provides real Thai experiences with knowledgeable and skilled masters in local communities - with a mission to preserve the disappearing Thai culture and increase income to locals in their communities.
Prior to HiveSters, Achi worked in marketing and brand management at Unilever. She graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration (International Program), Marketing from Thammasat University with second-class honors and an MBA in Luxury Brand Management from ESSEC Business School in France.
Achi was selected as Asia-Pacific Leader for the Obama Foundation, the Gen.T list 2020: leaders of tomorrow who are shaping Asia’s future by Tatler magazine and also as one of the Tourism Leaders of Asia by the Asia New Zealand Foundation in 2019. Her story has been featured on NHK World Documentary, Marie Claire and Bangkok Post.
I look forward to sharing interesting local stories of Thailand!
Rochelle Angus
Singapore
Rochelle Angus is a New Zealander who left on a very belated gap year around Asia in 1999 and hasn’t quite made it home yet. Based in Singapore for just about 22 years, she has owned and operated her own businesses for the last 18 years. She wound up her import and distribution business just recently, and while this was always the plan, the arrival of COVID confirmed the decision. Although PR, not having any major ties if the family needed to or wanted to leave was also a factor.
Rochelle says that as someone who loves and appreciates living in Singapore, she is keen to give New Zealanders a look into everyday life on the island - the bits you might not see in a quick stopover. She's also interested in exploring what's changing and developing, and how the Green Plan and the '30 by 30' Food Security Goal are being implemented at the ground level, and what this looks like in day-to-day life.
"The opportunity with the Asia New Zealand Foundation has been great and I am excited to help maintain their relationships in Singapore, hopefully introduce some new ones and provide relevant information and support that is easier when in country.
Nothing stays the same for too long in Singapore!"
Stay tuned to see their content coming soon.