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
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.
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.
After 17 years in the Netherlands, I returned to New Zealand in 2008 with my Dutch husband and our two daughters. While not Dutch by heritage, the Netherlands remains my second home, its culture, language, and people shaped my most formative years. With roots in both Indian and Dutch traditions, I value the richness of mixed cultures and connections.
Through the DBA, I maintain strong ties with the Dutch community. My career spans market research, product management, and today I run businesses focused on product management services and importing renewable energy solutions for the New Zealand market. I bring a global mindset and a results driven, collaborative approach.
Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, 4×4 overlanding, wellness and travel.