Corporate heavy hitters picked to advise PM
Some of the biggest names in New Zealand business will come together to advise Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on how to supercharge the country’s economy.
Yesterday the Prime Minister’s office announced who would sit on the newly formed Prime Minister’s Business Advisory Council.
The members are: Air New Zealand chief executive Christopher Luxon, Rocket Lab founder Peter Beck, Bunnings general manager Jacqui Coombes, professional director Barbara Chapman, Xero chief partner officer Anna Curzon, McKinsey & Company senior partner Andrew Grant, Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell, Pango Productions chief executive Bailey Mackey, Westpac chief executive David McLean, HW Richardson director Joc O’Donnell, NZ Steel and BlueScope executive Gretta Stephens, Kono chief executive Rachel Taulelei and Mercury chief executive Fraser Whineray.
Ardern announced the creation of the council in August, at which time Luxon was named as chairman. It was not known then who else would be on the council.
‘‘New Zealand needs a modern economy that has the investment, innovation and skills required to ensure we can all share in prosperity and opportunity in a sustainable way. To do that we need to work closely with business leaders,’’ Ardern said.
A mix of six women and seven men with small to large business experience, from across New Zealand, were selected, she said.
They were expected to meet three times a year with the prime minister and her representatives.
The council would provide high-level, frank advice on policies that directly affect business, Ardern said.
The Government also recently established a 13-member Small Business Council, which reports to Minister of Small Business Stuart Nash.
The prime minister’s council would focus on macro-level economic strategy, and would first look at skills, investment, infrastructure, sustainability and regional development.
Luxon said: ‘‘All council members are committed to seeing New Zealand realise its potential and are excited to step up and play a role in supporting the prime minister,’’ he said.
The first meeting would be held on November 8.