About

Neil has extensive governance and executive management experience in NZ, UK, Hong Kong and Australia in a wide variety of sectors including infrastructure, financial services, manufacturing, transport and the public service.

He is currently director of companies in the three waters sector, commercialising innovative packaged wastewater technology in NZ and overseas and providing water security through advanced monitoring management.

Neil has considerable experience in the energy sector and was a director and Chair of Electra. He is now a trustee of the Electra Trust.

He was the inaugural CE of Industry NZ a crown entity responsible for industry and regional development. It was acknowledged by the OECD as having economic programmes and strategies that were at the forefront of best practice internationally.

Neil is the appointed chair of the EDKB and has been since its formation in 2020.

Kim Tahiwi (Muaūpoko, Ngāti Raukawa, Te Ātiawa, Ngāti Toa) a qualified accountant and has a background in housing development and economic development. Kim represents Ngā Hapu o Ōtaki on various council committees. She has been a member of the EDKB since its inception and was recently appointed chairperson of TWOK and is the TWOK appointed representative to the independent housing trust.  Kim represents Ngā Hapu in the housing and infrastructure space among other things, working with Waka Kotahi on PP20 and now O2NL.  Kim works alongside Denise Hapeta, NHoO chairperson and Kirsten Hapeta NHoO TWOK representative and other hapu representatives in the operations of Ngā Hapu.  She volunteers her time in the community and supports local Kura with coaching and Kapa haka.

Scott Houston is a highly experienced entrepreneur who was CTO for “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy in New Zealand. He founded the New Zealand Supercomputer Center and a cloud orchestration company called GreenButton and led its acquisition by Microsoft in 2014. He was a finalist in the EY Entrepreneur of the year awards and named an “Innovation Hero” by the Innovation Council. In addition to the EDKB, Scott is a board member of organisations such as ArcanumAI, Electra and Fingermark, as well as a beachheads advisor at NZTE, and works with companies seeking to harness the power of AI. He is also a published author, releasing an AI novel called ADA.

Hillmaré Schulze is a seasoned economist with extensive governance experience in economic development. As the Director and Chief Economist at BERL, she has led numerous initiatives to drive regional economic growth and sustainability. Hillmaré has a proven track record of providing strategic insights and leadership in various sectors, including public policy, research, and consultancy. She has in-depth understanding and experience of the Māori economy and is a trusted advisor to iwi and many Māori entities. Her expertise and commitment to economic development make her a key figure in shaping New Zealand's economic landscape.

Russell Spratt (Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga) has extensive governance experience. He has served as an iwi representative on two Kāpiti Coast District Council Standing Orders Committees and is committed to governance roles with Te Atiawa ki Whakarongotai chairing the Asset Holding Company, various Māori Asset Trusts, Zealandia – Te Māra a Tāne (Karori Sanctuary Trust), and most recently having a ministerial appointment as member of the nominating committee for He Pou a Rangi - Climate Change Commission. He was previously chair of the Regional Trails Community & Industry Engagement Forum for WellingtonNZ and Te Ara A Māui (the Regional Māori Tourism Society).  Russell has held various general management and commercial roles, beginning his career as a teacher. Russell holds a MBA, Dip Tch, and MInstD.

Waipuna Grace (Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Raukawa and Te Ātiawa) has a strong background supporting Māori, serving as Business Services and Community Manager / Kaiwhakahaere Ratonga Pakihi at Te Āhuru Mōwai which provide homes for whānau. She joined the EDKB in 2023.

Liz Koh has strong leadership and governance experience and is a councillor at the Kāpiti Coast District Council. Additionally, she established KEDA (Kapiti Economic Development Association) and is a former Chair of the Kāpiti Coast Chamber of Commerce. Liz is a passionate supporter of the Creative and Wellbeing sectors and is a trustee for the Creative Kāpiti Charitable Trust and board member for Toi MAHARA. She has previously held several other governance positions in the charitable sector.

In addition to her public service, Liz is a Certified Financial Planner, retired Chartered Accountant and retired Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors. Having sold her financial planning business, she has now established a new business using her expertise to help people plan their retirement. Liz is also a published author and continues to write and speak on financial matters. Liz has a background in general management having worked for large companies including Development Finance Corporation, Ernst and Young, Databank and ESR. She holds a Masters in Economics, a degree in Accountancy and diploma in Personal Financial Planning.

George Hickton is the Chair of the Kāpiti Coast Tourism Advisory Board. With a broad career in tourism and business, he is also the chair of Hawke's Bay Tourism and Weta Workshop, and serves as a Director at Kapiti Island Nature Tours and Te Puia in Rotorua. He spent ten years as CEO of Tourism New Zealand, where he launched the '100% Pure' campaign.

Previously, he established New Zealand Employment and Income Support Services (WINZ) and held senior roles in the motor industry, including Sales and Marketing Director for Honda NZ. He is a recipient of the Sir Jack Newman Award and was inducted into the New Zealand Marketing Hall of Fame. 

Scott Houston is a highly experienced entrepreneur who was CTO for “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy in New Zealand. He founded the New Zealand Supercomputer Center and a cloud orchestration company called GreenButton and led its acquisition by Microsoft in 2014. He was a finalist in the EY Entrepreneur of the year awards and named an “Innovation Hero” by the Innovation Council. In addition to the EDKB, Scott is a board member of organisations such as ArcanumAI, Electra and Fingermark, as well as a beachheads advisor at NZTE, and works with companies seeking to harness the power of AI. He is also a published author, releasing an AI novel called ADA.