The Dutch Business Association
Our journey so far:
The Dutch Business Association (DBA) was established in 1993 by the name of ‘The Netherlands New Zealand Business Association’ (NLNZBA) to leverage historical and present links between the Netherlands and New Zealand. This initiative was driven by the Commercial Department of the Royal Netherlands Embassy in Wellington. Many events took place, where people were able to build great and long-lasting business relationships.
To reflect our progressive nature, in 2016 the decision was made to change our name to the ‘Dutch Business Association New Zealand’ (DBA New Zealand).
We are here to support and connect Dutch professionals in New Zealand as well as Dutch businesses who want to do business in New Zealand.
Who we are
Over the last 5 years, I’ve held contracted project management and operational roles at fast-growing technology companies in New Zealand and have managed key business change projects across all software development life cycle phases.
I enjoy working with motivated people and am a strong believer in growth and development as ways and means for success. I love bringing clarity to ambiguity by translating complex issues into clear and actionable steps and solving problems.
On non-working days, I enjoy being active, and doing different things that push my limits, sometimes to my own regret, especially when I end up walking along remote cliffs!
I have wide-ranging specialties having worked in the finance, private and commercial banking, consultancy, and economic risk management sectors. My business acumen has brought me success in market trading, property development, real estate investments, business ownership and business broking (selling businesses).
Originally I’m from the Netherlands, and I have also lived in Norway and China, and now live in New Zealand. Living in these different countries as well as travelling all around the world; I have a keen interest in different cultures, languages and building relationships with people from all walks of life.
I love spending time with my family and exploring the outdoors. My hobbies include skiing, martial arts, travelling, swimming and playing the guitar. I look forward to meeting you at our DBA events.
After six years in London, I moved to New Zealand in 2015. My professional career has always been in the technology sector providing innovation to businesses. Currently, I operate my own consultancy firm and because of my technical knowledge, I drive the infrastructure behind the DBA. I have a passion for cultures and languages and being part of the DBA allows me to remain in touch with my Dutch roots.
In NL I was in advertising, marketing & business events, had my own business. 8 years ago, we arrived in NZ – and we appreciated working & living here very much, being real nature lovers! In my first years, I’ve helped with the establishment of the Dutch Museum Oranjehof in Foxton. Inspired by the iconic baby box concepts in NL & the US, I have now established PeekaBox Ltd, a free gift box program for mums-to-be in NZ. My aim is to stay connected with like-minded, entrepreneurial people, and I think the DBA is a good platform for that.
My wife and I emigrated to New Zealand in 1985. I started work in a food production business owned by relatives. In 1988 I joined TNT (acquired by FedEx in 2016) and worked there for 33 years with responsibilities for Fiji and Belgium. I am an experienced finance and general manager in the transport industry.
My passion is to provide clarity and help teams understand their service and cost/profit metrics, so they can take ownership for measurement-based decision making. Outside of work you can find me doing laps in the pool, spending time with my wife and 4 sons or enjoying a walk in Cornwall Park.
Willem van Haersma Buma
I moved with my New Zealand wife and kids to New Zealand in 2022. After many years in the European energy industry, I joined one of the gentailers supporting their renewable energy generation development initiatives. I joined the DBA to meet more Dutchies in New Zealand and expand my network and knowledge.