Wellington mayor enlists business heavyweights to advisory groups

Dozens of successful entrepreneurs have been appointed to business advisory groups at the Wellington City Council.

The three groups aim to improve economic growth in the city, proposing action the council could take over the next five years.

Mayor Andrew Little said the groups had a crucial role to play in unlocking the city's potential.

"They have been selected for their skills and experience, but also for their commitment to unlocking the capital's economic potential and restoring Wellington as the place to grow global businesses, attract amazing talent, and thrive."

The list of professionals includes popular bar and restaurant owners, like San Fran founder Tim Ward.

Councillor Karl Tiefenbacher said many applicants came through for the groups.

"All applicants shared the qualities and commitment to Wellington, so it was a good problem to have to identify applicants with complementary skillsets to make up the groups."

The groups are separated into three categories related to infrastructure, technology, and arts and hospitality.

Tech leaders like Chief of Summer of Tech, Ruth McDavitt are included.

The Chair of Weta Workshop Phil Royal, and World of Wearable Arts chief execurive Meg Williams are also on board.

The groups will meet quarterly, working only to advise the council as volunteers.

Wellington Chamber of Commerce CEO Hayley Horan is on the tech-related group, and welcomes the change.

"Businesses want to be part of the conversation, particularly on decisions that directly affect the city's economic performance and vibrancy," she said.

"For many businesses, this will feel like a step in the right direction, knowing their perspectives are being heard more directly and consistently."

Business Advisory Group members

Tech, Science, Education and Innovation:

Mark Vivian - Partner for 18 years at venture capital firm Movac, with investments in Wellington tech companies including Trade Me, HNRY, and Atomic.io

Tui Te Hau - Founder of Bird Island and Creator of Lightning Lab and Mahuki, the world's first accelerator for the culture and heritage sector

Kevin Sheehy - Commercialisation Lead at the MacDiarmid Institute and Co-founder of WellyForge

Ruth McDavitt - CEO and leader of Summer of Tech, bridging Wellington's tech industry and education sector and supporting startups and scaleups through NZTE, WellingtonNZ, and Creative HQ

Ben Taylor-Bryant - VP of Investor Relations at OpenStar Technologies, a Wellington fusion energy startup

Aaron Scott - Founder of Somar Digital, now an angel investor and startup mentor in Wellington's innovation ecosystem

Emma Procter - Research Director at PikPok (NZ's largest gaming studio) and board member of the NZ Game Developers Association

Phil Royal - Phil is an ardent supporter of Wellington, former Wellington Managing partner and board member of PwC, has owned a number of businesses in Wellington and current Chair of Weta Workshop

Hayley Horan - CEO of Wellington Chamber of Commerce and Business Central.

Arts, Creative, Hospitality and Inner-City Revitalisation:

Jamie Williams - Founder of Kāpura (now Star Group) with hospitality venues across Wellington

Jaenine Parkinson - CEO of Museums Aotearoa, former Head of Art at Te Papa, former Director of the NZ Portrait Gallery, board member Wellington Public Arts Trust

Meg McMillan - Owner of Tea Pea retail stores, Wellington

Christopher Yu - International Founder and CEO of global luxury retail brands, NZTE Beachhead Advisor

Mike Ny - Structural Engineer turned inner-city hospitality owner operator of Food Envy and Glou Glou

Ian Douglas - Founder of Village Goldsmith, established in Wellington 1981

Meg Williams - CEO of World of WearableArt and 20+ years' experience in major events and creative arts leader, advocate and mentor

Jeremy Smith - Owner of the Trinity Group (bars, restaurants, hotels, and late-night venues) and leader of Vitalise Wellington including the NYE Courtenay Carnival

Tim Ward - Founder and operator of multiple Wellington hospitality, live music, and brewing businesses including Matterhorn, San Fran and Abandoned Brewery

Terri van Schooten - Founder and CEO of Verve, a Wellington events agency operating for over 25 years.

Property, Infrastructure and More Housing:

Dharmendra Mistry - Director at CBRE Wellington

Melissa McGhie - Director at Rolle Property and Regional Chair of Property Council

Anna Harley - Director of Place Collective working on urban strategy, housing intensification, and precinct regeneration across Wellington

Erica Walker - Technical Director at Aurecon and former Chief of Staff to London's Deputy Mayor for Transport at Transport for London

Craig Stewart - Property developer with 35+ years' experience in Wellington

Ian Cassels - Property investor and developer and former Property Council President

John McIntyre - Principal architect and urban designer at Athfield Architects

Simon Hardy - Principal and Wellington Studio Lead at Warren and Mahoney, leading the firm's infrastructure sector across NZ and Australia

Steve Walters - General Manager of Destination KRL Business Improvement District.