Our Learning Facilitators
A perfect blend of knowledge, theory and practice. The best people forumla.
Dr David Wilson
David holds a BA in psychology and social policy, a Master's in public policy with first class honours and a PhD in regional development. He has led and been involved with numerous projects in local, regional and metropolitan development, business, cluster and industry development, corporate citizenship, governance, strategy and sustainable development and was instrumental in initiating and delivering the first formal education system for ED practitioners in NZ whilst at Auckland University of Technology
Joseph Stuart - Practitioner
Joseph is a commercialisation and growth specialist with 20+ years’ experience in governance and operations in both the public and private sectors.
Facilitating innovation and growth in some of New Zealand’s most successful companies, his specialist areas combine environmental and technology execution through focus on strategy/planning, entrepreneurial ecosystem development, commercialisation, high value manufacturing, and capital raising. He works to create ecosystem impact to support us all to become better ancestors.
Joseph is a member of the Institute of Directors and is chairperson of BioGro Ltd, New Zealand’s leading organics certifier. He holds a Graduate Diploma in Economic Development (AUT), a BA in Economic History (VuW) and has been an Accredited Economic Developer since 2007.
Richard Jefferies
BMS, Grad.DT (sec), Justice of the Peace
Iwi affiliations: Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Tukorehe
Richard Jefferies has extensive experience in Māori development and is passionate and excited about working to improve Māori wellbeing and thereby the wellbeing of our Nation. More recently, he is also working with other indigenous communities around the world. He has professional and strategic interests in the revitalisation of te reo Māori, Māori economic development and lifting Māori educational achievement. He has held a range of senior management and board positions with private sector, public sector and not for profit organisations. He has business interests in the kiwifruit industry, as well as being involved in marae and hapū activities. He has been married for 37 years and has six amazing children.
Kiri Goulter - Practitioner and Consultant
Kiri Goulter is a highly accomplished tourism and economic development professional with extensive experience in destination management, marketing, product and industry development.
From 2009-2016, Kiri was the Chief Executive of Hamilton & Waikato Tourism, and has held senior management roles with Tourism New Zealand and Enterprise Northland. Kiri has worked extensively across the public and private sectors, authored MBIE's Destination Management Guidelines, and is currently working with Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs) across NZ to develop a more sustainable, productive, and resilient sector through improved destination management planning and implementation.
Kiri is a member of the Institute of Directors and is currently a member of the Governance Board for Te Aroha Thermal Spa development. She was previously, Deputy Chair of Waikato's Regional Economic Development Agency, Te Waka, and a director of Wintec/Te Pukenga.
Kiri holds a Graduate Diploma in Economic Development (AUT) and was a finalist in the New Zealand Tourism Awards 2015 – Industry Champion, and inaugural Women of Influence Awards 2013 – Regional/Local.
Ifor Ffowcs-Williams
Ifor is the CEO of Cluster Navigators Ltd, Nelson. Ifor is acknowledged as one of the most influential cluster practitioners in the world, with hands-on experience extending to over 50 countries.
Ifor has been an advisor to The World Bank, EU, OECD, UNDP, international aid agencies and national & regional economic development agencies on six continents.
