Kai Aku Rika Impact Group
Kai Aku Rika Impact Group formed to drive Selwyn’s economic development strategy
A new collective of business and community leaders in Selwyn has been formed to support the Selwyn economy.
The Kai Aku Rika Impact Group brings together 12 trusted leaders to help guide and activate the Kai Aku Rika, Waikirikiri Selwyn’s Economic Development Strategy. One of these members represents Selwyn District Council, ensuring a strong connection between the group and council priorities
The strategy is business owned and driven and was developed with input from over 250 Selwyn business leaders. It was endorsed by the Selwyn District Council and six other strategic partners in August 2024, with the Impact Group formed to play a key role in guiding the Strategy’s Action Plan.
The group members are a mix of representatives from the strategic partners and experts in their field who are leading particular projects from the strategy. Membership can change depending on the strategy needs.
The group will meet quarterly and work together bringing a connection across sectors to unlock resources and bring strategic insights to drive the roll out of the strategy, and ensure it remains relevant, responsive, and actionable.
The Kai Aku Rika Impact Group has held its inaugural meeting and will hold its next hui in mid-October 2025. A full list of members is below.
Thank you to all the members for volunteering their time.
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 | Cory NealeCory Neale is the Tumu Whakarae (CEO) of Taumutu Rūnanga Ltd, the charitable company representing the interests of Ngāi Te Ruahikihiki ki Taumutu, the hāpu that has called Selwyn home since the 1600s. Over the last year, Cory has been central to rebuilding strategy, governance, relationships, and revenue across the Taumutu Group, partnering with councils, iwi, and industry to deliver shared-value outcomes that link social, environmental, cultural, and commercial priorities. A former NZDF senior leader, he holds a Master’s in Strategy from King’s College London and is completing an MBA at the University of Canterbury. Grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Cory knows the value of weaving a strong kupenga of partners to unlock opportunity, reduce barriers, and keep efforts impact-driven and true to intent. Guided by “Te Waihora he pātaka kai,” he is focused on realising Ōrāriki’s abundance, and Selwyn’s potential, once more. |
 | Leeann WatsonLeeann is the Chief Executive of Business Canterbury, the largest membership business support organisation in the South Island, with approximately 2,800 members representing over 60,000 employees. Leeann is a strong voice for Canterbury business and creating a thriving economy that contributes to the quality of life for the people of Canterbury. |
 | Mathew HavillMathew Havill is the CEO of CORDE and believes economic development works best when it’s practical and inclusive. He is focused on scalable delivery, clear career pathways, and partnerships that unlock long-term prosperity for Selwyn. Mathew is also a strong advocate for telling Selwyn’s story boldly to attract the right kind of investment—investment that respects the environment, strengthens resilience, and creates opportunities for future generations. |
 | Philip Caunter
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 | Pip NewlandPip Newland is the Head of Sustainability, Risk & Insights at Orion New Zealand. New Zealand’s energy industry is undergoing a time of rapid transition, requiring impact-driven, collaborative design solutions to reduce inequity and maximise positive outcomes. With a background in resource management law, Pip values the holistic, system-level approach that sustainability demands, helping to enable this transition. Her leadership style reflects her belief that real progress comes from partnership, collaboration, and staying impact-driven through times of transition. |
 | Regan JacksonRegan is an experienced Senior Leader with many years in people leadership, strategic partnerships, and corporate governance, with proven agility to respond to changes and disruption in political, strategic, and economic environments across multiple disciplines. He is currently the Regional Labour Market Manager for the Ministry of Social Development. Regan is passionate about contributing to better employment, education, and training outcomes for New Zealanders, leading positive social impacts through value-driven partnerships with the business sector. He is committed to ensuring businesses have the right people, in the right jobs, with the right skills. In his spare time, Regan is an avid supporter of the arts, having staged several large-scale musical productions across Canterbury, including critically acclaimed seasons of Chicago, Sister Act, and Les Misérables. |
 | Russell CaldwellRussell is Manakura/Team Leader at Te Puni Kōkiri, Ministry of Māori Development, with more than three decades of experience in senior roles focused on Māori and Indigenous development. He previously served over a decade with his iwi, Ngāi Tahu, including as Secretary of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, a statutory role. Alongside his professional work, Russell is deeply involved in his community. He chairs the Kaiapoi Pā Trust and Noaia Charitable Trust (an education and social service provider), serves as a trustee of Rehua Marae, and holds governance roles with the Kaiapoi RSA (Secretary) and Canterbury District RSA (Vice President). |
 | Sam ElderSam thrives when working with others to tackle the major challenges and opportunities we face as a society. She has over 30 years’ experience in senior leadership and governance roles across the public and private sector. She is the Founder and Director of Climate Navigator, a strategy and transformation consultancy unlocking the power of people and places for just climate and energy transitions. Sam and her family have called Selwyn home for 20 years. |
| Tracey GoodallTracey Goodall has championed New Zealand’s and international visitor industries for over 20 years. As Executive General Manager Passenger at KiwiRail, she leads the strategic direction and delivery of guest scenic rail services, including the iconic Great Journeys New Zealand experiences: the TranzAlpine, Northern Explorer, and Coastal Pacific. Tracey was instrumental in launching Scenic Plus, a premium onboard rail dining experience blending regional cuisine, immersive storytelling, and elevated comfort. Her leadership has helped reposition rail as a meaningful and sustainable way to explore Aotearoa, with a strong focus on regional engagement and manaakitanga. Tracey’s global career spans senior roles across Europe, Asia, the US, and New Zealand. She brings a deep understanding of the economic and social value of travel, and is known for her collaborative, customer-first approach. She has served in governance roles across tourism and technology sectors and is a strong advocate for innovation and digital transformation. Whether shaping strategy or spending time onboard with crew and customers, Tracey is passionate about creating inclusive, people-led travel experiences that connect communities and celebrate the uniqueness of New Zealand. |
 | Tracey SheehyWith over 20 years’ experience across industry and ecosystem, Tracey is a leader passionate about bringing people and opportunities together to achieve sustainable success. She has a background in primary industries and food and beverage innovation, and currently holds an investment role within the Bioeconomy Science Institute. Calling Selwyn home, Tracey brings insight into future opportunities for Selwyn’s land use, value-add production, and knowledge capital. |
 | Wim de KoningWim de Koning is the Director of Strategic Partnerships at Lincoln University, where he leads collaborative efforts across the agri-food sector to drive innovation and sustainable impact. Wim is a passionate advocate for creating sustainable added value in the agri-food industry. He brings extensive global business development experience combined with relevant academic roles in the UK, the Netherlands, and New Zealand to the Kai Aku Rika Impact Group. |
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What Our Leaders Are Saying
Director of Strategic Partnerships at Lincoln University Wim de Koning says working together has been key throughout the process.
“It has been a true collaborative journey from the onset of the Kai Aku Rika Economic Development Strategy 2024–2034. From open-entry meetings and discussions with the business community, seeing our voices reflected in the strategy, to now enabling the business community to have a tangible impact in weaving our region’s economic future together.”
Taumutu Rūnanga Ltd Chief Executive Cory Neale says Selwyn’s strength lies in collective effort.
“Kai Aku Rika channels that – linking iwi, business, and community, and weaving a kupenga of local leaders to catch opportunity and share its benefits. I’m proud to be part of this mahi and excited for what we’ll unlock together.”
Impact Group member Tracey Sheehy says the group’s strength lies in its collective approach.
“It’s great to see a broad leadership group brought together for their collective networks and insights. With organisational interests left at the door, I’m excited to focus on the momentum of delivering Kai Aku Rika.”
Terms of Reference.
The Kai Aku Rika Impact Group exists to guide, support, champion, and take action to implement the Kai Aku Rika Economic Development Strategy for Waikirikiri Selwyn. The Kai Aku Rika Impact Group operates under a Terms of Reference that sets out its purpose, role, and expectations. It outlines how members work together to champion and implement the Kai Aku Rika Economic Development Strategy, provide strategic insight, connect across sectors, and drive actions that deliver lasting impact for Waikirikiri Selwyn.