EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Kelly is a Law and Global Studies student at the University of Auckland majoring in International Relations and Trade. She is enthusiastic about the exciting opportunities for cross-cultural collaboration across different fields and nurturing change through a glocalised perspective. Kelly is passionate about developing intercultural competency, social media content creation, startups and entrepreneurship. In joining the Young Associates, Kelly hopes to leverage her unique insights and skillset to get involved in strengthening the thriving cultural and trade relationship between New Zealand and China.

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.

Milly is a student at the University of Auckland completing her Conjoint degree of Commerce and Global Studies. Milly is very passionate about China and New Zealand’s flourishing relationship. This has led to her perusing and speaking Mandarin for nine years. Milly joined the YA to gain irreplaceable experience. She also looks forward to working with like-minded individuals to develop an even greater future for those involved in the New Zealand China relationship.

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.

Zach Wang, a member of the NZCTA YA, holds a Master's degree in Information Technology from the University of Auckland. As the former President of the Auckland University Chinese Students Society, Zach actively worked towards integrating the local Chinese community in New Zealand. He organized events and activities that helped Chinese international students assimilate into the mainstream community and fostered strong friendships between local and international students. Recognizing the significance of economic cooperation, Zach joined the NZCTA YA to facilitate economic exchange and collaboration between the two countries. With his expertise in information technology, he aims to leverage technological innovation and digital solutions to create opportunities and advancements in bilateral trade cooperation.

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.