Katherine Rich has taken the helm as Chief Executive at BusinessNZ with a positive vision for business in 2025.
Ms Rich was appointed to the role by the BusinessNZ Board in August, with a September start, succeeding Kirk Hope who left the position after nine years to take up the role of Chief Executive of the Financial Services Council.
New Zealand businesses need to regain confidence to invest, take risks and help get the economy cracking, says Ms Rich. “New Zealand’s economic downturn has gone on for many months and has made some in business more conservative – putting off projects and not investing in certain areas.
“Business entrepreneurship is all about the ability to take on risk and new ideas. For New Zealand’s future, we need a vibrant business sector.”
Widely seen as a powerful advocate for business and economic growth, Ms Rich has come to the role at BusinessNZ with a wealth of experience including as a Member of Parliament from 1999 to 2008, before leading the NZ Food and Grocery Council from 2009 to 2022, advocating for the interests of grocery manufacturers and suppliers, and for trade liberalisation as a member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Council.
Ms Rich’s vision for BusinessNZ’s advocacy for business is also positive, with falling interest rates and significant reform underway in key compliance areas for business such as health and safety, the Holidays Act and vocational education, likely to place businesses in a better position to kickstart the economy again next year.
“I will make sure our policy work is evidence-based, laser-focused on the issues that matter for business, and closely reflective of our members’ views and the members of shareholder organisations like Business Canterbury.”
BusinessNZ plays a key role in helping to shape a more enabling business environment. The members of the BusinessNZ Network include thousands of businesses, large and small, in every part of New Zealand. The Network comprises four major business associations serving businesses in their region – EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South – with BusinessNZ providing policy analysis and advocacy on behalf of the Network.
Business Canterbury plays an important part in the work of the Network, providing services and advocacy to businesses in the greater Canterbury area. “I am very much looking forward to working with the team at Business Canterbury on the issues that matter most for its members,” says Ms Rich.
“Canterbury has many nationally and internationally-significant businesses including major manufacturing and exporting companies, but also a sizeable number of small, innovative businesses operating in numerous sectors. It is a privilege to be able to work with Business Canterbury on behalf these outstanding businesses.”
