- Lead the story Aotearoa New Zealand shares with the world
- Nationally significant brand, reputation and storytelling role
- Purpose led leadership across NZ Inc, exporters and partners
New Zealand Story exists to protect, enhance and promote Brand New Zealand internationally. Through research, storytelling, the FernMark, and collaboration across NZ Inc, exporters, agencies and partners, New Zealand Story helps build familiarity, reputation and preference for Aotearoa New Zealand in global markets.
This is a nationally significant leadership role for someone who understands the power of story, the discipline of brand, and the importance of creating impact through others.
As Chief Executive Officer, you will lead a small, expert team with a broad and meaningful mandate. You will execute the New Zealand Story strategy with focus, strengthen team delivery, build alignment across public and private sector partners, and ensure Aotearoa New Zealand shows up with clarity, credibility and impact in the moments that matter.
New Zealand Story has its own identity, mandate and advisory structures, while being governed and co-located with NZTE. The successful candidate will bring the presence to engage senior leaders, exporters, funders and stakeholders, and the maturity to work effectively within a broader organisational framework.
The role requires someone who can:
- Represent the story of Aotearoa New Zealand with authenticity, mana and credibility
- Bring senior brand, PR, communications, reputation, marketing or related leadership experience
- Lead a team with clarity, care, pace and accountability
- Translate strategy into focused delivery
- Work effectively through partners, agencies, exporters and advisory groups
- Create impact in a constrained funding environment through influence, alignment and resourcefulness
- Support the value, integrity and continued development of the FernMark
- Use research and insight to shape compelling stories for international audiences
- Bring genuine appreciation for te ao Māori and its role in how Aotearoa New Zealand tells its story
- Operate with sound judgement, humility and strong stakeholder maturity
Your background may span brand, reputation, communications, marketing, public/private partnerships or another environment where story, influence and stakeholder alignment have been central.
This role will suit a purpose-led leader who is motivated by the opportunity to contribute to New Zealand’s reputation, prosperity and long-term international relevance.
The role is Auckland based, with domestic travel and some international engagement as required.
Applications close Friday, 29 May 2026 at 12pm.
