Rachel Taulelei, CEO of innovative Māori-owned food and beverage producer Kono, is a recipient of the Kea World Class New Zealand (WCNZ) Awards. Taulelei is being acknowledged for her contribution to the sustainable food industry, and her ongoing work promoting Aotearoa as a world-class producer of food and beverages.
Before her current role, she was the NZ Trade Commissioner in Los Angeles, before founding sustainable seafood business Yellow Brick Road. Last year, she was named the Māori Woman Business Leader of the Year at the University of Auckland Aotearoa Māori Business Leaders Awards, and she presently sits on the Prime Minister’s Business Advisory Council.
Kea Global CEO Craig Donaldson said that the WCNZ Awards shine a light on top Kiwi talent who have achieved outstanding success in their chosen field, both at home and on the world stage.
“I’m delighted to announce the first of this year’s winners – each of whom have made a unique and unmistakably positive contribution, helping to enhance our country’s global reputation. The WCNZ Awards is a remarkable opportunity to help share inspiring stories from New Zealand’s most influential business leaders and entrepreneurs, and we’re proud to celebrate their achievements.”
In addition to Rachel, the first round of winners includes Allbirds entrepreneur Tim Brown and scientist and entrepreneur Elizabeth Iorns.
A Gala dinner honouring the recipients will be held at Auckland’s SkyCity Convention Centre on Thursday 20th June. Each World Class New Zealand Award winner will receive a Tall Poppy statuette, designed by Weta Workshop co-founder and 2009 Supreme Award winner Sir Richard Taylor.
