Executive Committee

David is an Arts student at the University of Auckland majoring in Spanish and Chinese. He also works closely with business leaders and local government as a coordinator for the youth-led sustainability group Generation Zero. His time in Yunnan learning Chinese on the Prime Minister’s Scholarship further motivated David to pursue the language and explore China and New Zealand’s ever-growing and multifaceted relationship. In joining the Young Associates, David hopes to see behind the curtain when it comes to business practices in the Sino-New Zealand sphere and solidify cultural and commercial links between the two regions.

Melanie has recently graduated from the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) in Economics and Bachelor of Arts in Politics & International Relations and French. She is currently working at the Reserve Bank of New Zealand as a Graduate Analyst. Melanie is passionate about the relationship between China and New Zealand, having grown up in Hong Kong, and focusing on Asia-Pacific trade throughout her University studies and research opportunities. Melanie joined YA in order to gain insight and contribute to the current relations and future prospects for trade and investment opportunities between New Zealand and China.

Allan graduated from the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in International Business and Marketing. He is currently working in sales at Samsung Electronics supporting the wider team in sales and marketing. Growing up as a New Zealand Born Chinese, Allan realised the importance of understanding his roots and culture. In 2019 he interned in China at a Marketing Agency on a Prime Minister Scholarship to Asia. With the YA he hopes to share his experiences with young New Zealanders interested in the region, develop a continuous understanding of the unique characteristics of the China market and foster greater relationships between NZ-China and the world.

Logan graduated from the University of Canterbury with a Bachelor of Commerce degree majoring in International Business and has various proficiencies in Mandarin, Bahasa Melayu and Te Reo Māori. Being of mixed Māori, Asian and Pākehā descent, Logan has a fervent interest in exploring his roots and using his diverse background to promote opportunities within the Asia-New Zealand space. Logan was awarded the Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia which saw him spend time studying and working in Singapore, and brings experience as Vice President of Global China Connection. As part of the YA, Logan hopes to support others in discovering the opportunities that Asia has to offer and equip young professionals for a world increasingly connected to China.

Nicholas graduated from the University of Auckland with a Conjoint Commerce and Arts degree achieving four majors of marketing, psychology, communications and commercial law. Nicholas has a history in start-ups and entrepreneurship in New Zealand and is curious in developing and investigating insights and innovations in the NZ-China space to understand the future and opportunities for NZ. Nicholas currently assists managing brands in Frucor Suntory and is part of the YA as a marketing associate.

Christopher is currently studying at the University of Auckland, pursuing a Commerce and Arts degree, majoring in Politics and International Relations, Economics and Finance. Growing up navigating Chinese and New Zealand cultures, Christopher has built a solid intercultural communication skillset, which he utilises through his volunteering work with UN Youth New Zealand and promoting cultural competency. Growing up, he studied a year of school in Shanghai, expanding his vision of China and providing him with extensive cultural insight. Since then, he has attended several study tours around China to learn more about his ancestral Chinese roots. Through the YA, Christopher hopes to promote the YA and its events to other young people so they can expand their worldview and help strengthen the relationship between New Zealand and China.

Mia (Qi) recently graduated from the University of Canterbury with a Master's degree in Applied Finance and Economics. Through her studies and involvement with the UC investment society as a market associate, Mia developed a keen interest in trade and transactions.

Being multi-lingual and culturally sensitive, she worked as a consultant and the UC business school ambassador, providing trade strategy solutions and cultural understanding for some businesses in China and New Zealand. By joining the Young Associates, Mia hopes to expand her industry knowledge and strengthen trade and investment ties between the two countries.

Shannon is an Engineering student at the University of Auckland specialised in Engineering Science. She has also been interning in the tech industry to explore the world of data and technology. Shannon was raised in China, grew up speaking Mandarin and Cantonese before moving to Auckland with her family in 2014. With this background, two things very close to her heart are sharing the Chinese culture and empowering the international students community. As a YA member, Shannon hopes to build a supportive community of young people with shared interests while exploring how the NZ-China business relationship underpins her technical and cultural passion.

Wesley is a former Yenching Scholar who graduated from Peking University’s Yenching Academy in 2020 with a Masters of Economics under Baidu’s Robin Li scholarship initiative. Wesley first developed an interest in China after representing Auckland University at a research conference at Shanghai Jiao Tong University as an undergraduate in 2014. Wesley’s China experiences have included academic exchanges at Fudan University and National Sun Yat-Sen University, as well as working for BMW’s Beijing headquarters and various organisations in Shanghai and Taiwan. Wesley has been a Mandarin language ambassador for New Zealand Chinese language week and was also recognised by the Asia New Zealand Foundation as a Top 25 Young New Zealander To Watch in Education, Science, and Research. Wesley joined the NZCTA Young Associates hoping to utilise his China network and engage with like-minded Kiwi-China watchers. Wesley believes that in the current international environment, organisations like NZCTA YA are critical to influence, motivate, and drive positive growth between China and New Zealand.

2020
- Sonja Rose, Min-Ji Yang, Edward Smith, Marco Benvenuto, Isabella Njohana, Katie Kyung, Cindy Luo, Kathy Liu, Antoine Ellis, Sichen Xi, David Robertson, Doris Lien, Teresa Lee, Alan Wong, Han Li
2019
- Han Li, Sonja Rose, Min-Ji Yang, Edward Smith, Wei Hsiao, Liam Finnigan, Marco Benvenuto, Isabella Njohana, Kathy Liu, Miji Lee, Antoine Ellis, Teresa Lee, Sichen Xi, Rong Shi, Sherry Zhang, Min-Hung Chiang
2018
- Cindy Yuan, Jessica Liang, Chumin Yu, Han Li, Edward Smith, Allen Fan, Wei Hsiao, Liam Finnigan, Marco Benvenuto, Miji Lee, Antoine Ellis, Teresa Lee, Rong Shi, Min-Hung Chiang, Amy Ding, Julius Mataupu, Sandy Lam, Chris Hon, Victor Huang, Raymond Huang
2017
- Kevin Wei, Cindy Yuan, Chumin Yu, Jessica Liang, Han Li, Akshat Chugh, Fraser Nicholas, Edward Smith, Sandy Lam, Allen Fan, Min-Ji Yang, Min-Hung Chiang, Victor Huang, Chris Hon, Lincoln Dam, Jennifer Tate

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

David Robertson

Operations Team

Melanie Quigg

Allan Chan

Logan Emery

Kate Xi

Marketing Team

Nicholas Bing

Christopher Tang

Milly Jantke

Mia Zhang

Technology Team

Shannon Lu

Wesley Harfield 韦斯礼

AND HERE'S A TEAM PHOTO!*

Past Committee Members