EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Lilia is currently working at the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment as an Associate Policy Advisor. She works in the Building Performance and Resilience team, helping shape building policy to make buildings and structures more 'green' and energy efficient.

In her free time, Lilia is fascinated by New Zealand's unique position towards China. She views NZ's historically positive relationship with China as the perfect platform to expand modern relations upon. She hopes to someday work in a realm where she can facilitate stronger links between the two countries through collaboration on climate change and resilience.

Through the YA, Lilia aims to expand upon her cultural competency and understanding of China, while also developing core professional skills.

Christopher is a student in his fourth year pursuing a BA/BCom conjoint degree, majoring in Politics and International Relations, and Economics, at the University of Auckland. He is currently undertaking an internship at APEC, which aims to promote economic growth, trade and investment, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region. Christopher has built a solid intercultural communication skillset through his various experiences, which he demonstrates through volunteering with UN Youth New Zealand and promoting cultural competency through its events. Moreover, having been a recipient of the Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia in 2023, he undertook an overseas internship in India, further expanding and cementing his passion for Asia and the wider Indo-Pacific region.

Chris joined the YA to gain insight into the current Sino-NZ space, contribute to prospects for bilateral trade opportunities, and connect with other motivated young New Zealanders.

Hayden is undertaking a postgraduate program of Structural Engineering at the University of Auckland. He works as a part-time structural engineer at MZ Group Ltd, specialising in residential design and actively managing projects within the Auckland market. He joined the NZCTA YA with the goal of fostering collaboration between Chinese businesses in New Zealand and Kiwi companies. His aim is to facilitate mutually beneficial partnerships and enhance cross-cultural exchanges.

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.

Chao Xin graduated from Auckland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Communications, majoring in Digital Communication. He developed a keen interest in utilising information to create informative digital designs through his studies. Chao Xin is curious about expanding his knowledge of the NZ and China relationship, to further understand the future opportunities that can be presented in NZ. Although he considers himself a Kiwi, he is always surrounded by Chinese culture and businesses that continue to feed into his curiosity. From the construction of housing to retail in technology, he is surrounded by opportunities to learn about his culture and the business aspect of NZ and China.