Indigenous leadership at the heart of Wellington’s new business advisory groups

Wellington Mayor Andrew Little has unveiled a new lineup of business experts to guide the city’s economic trajectory, including prominent Indigenous innovator Tui Te Hau. Announced on Wednesday, 1 July 2026, the three new advisory groups are designed to propose strategic actions the Wellington City Council can take over the next five years to stimulate growth and revitalise the capital. Te Hau, who is the founder of Bird Island and the creator of both Lightning Lab and Mahuki—the world’s first accelerator dedicated to the culture and heritage sector—has been appointed to the Tech, Science, Education and Innovation group. Her inclusion brings a wealth of experience in high-growth startups and the intersection of culture and commerce to the council’s advisory table. Mayor Little stated that the advisors—who serve as volunteers—were selected for their specific skills and their commitment to unlocking the city’s economic potential. He described their role as crucial in restoring Wellington as a premier location to attract talent and grow global businesses. The appointments come at a time when the council is seeking to strengthen its ties with sectors that directly affect the city’s vibrancy and long-term economic performance. Councillor Karl Tiefenbacher noted the high quality of applicants for the roles, highlighting a shared commitment among the selected members to see the city thrive. The advisory groups are split into three key categories: infrastructure, technology, and arts and hospitality. They are scheduled to meet quarterly to provide direct perspectives from the business and creative communities to council leadership, ensuring that diverse professional voices help shape the city's future.