International Advisors – making it easier for you to do international business
We know how challenging international business – whether exporting or importing – can be. That’s why we’ve been making it easier for our members for over 160 years.
Our international documents and certification services help thousands of Kiwi exporters each year get their quality goods around the world without a hitch. We also support leading international business councils, host and take business delegations onto the world stage, and run more international events and forums than anyone else in New Zealand.
Now, we’re expanding our international advisory capacity to ensure members receive accessible, practical feedback and advice. Our advisors have relevant experience in key markets, and as a member, you’re entitled to two free sessions. After that, they’ll continue supporting you at very reasonable rates.
Good luck on your international business journey – we’re with you every step of the way.
Meet our International Advisors.
Natsuki Ihara
Japan region
Natsuki Ihara is a business and market strategy expert specialising in Japan, with over a decade of experience in business development, sales strategy, and product planning. She has a deep understanding of Japan’s consumer landscape and regulatory framework, helping businesses navigate market entry, optimise operations, and drive sales growth.
Her expertise spans sales planning, product and service development, procurement, and trade operations. Leveraging data-driven insights and a keen eye for consumer trends, Natsuki has successfully launched and scaled brands in Japan, contributing to multi-million-dollar sales results on platforms like Rakuten and Amazon Japan.
In addition to her market strategy expertise, Natsuki assists exporters with trade compliance, guiding them through the completion of key export documentation, including Certificates of Origin and the paperwork for registering goods under relevant Free Trade Agreements. With a track record of building strong client relationships and crafting market-driven strategies, she provides practical, actionable guidance to businesses looking to expand into Japan.
Dave Ananth
Honorary Advisor – ASEAN region
Dave Ananth, a seasoned Auckland-based tax lawyer, has 35+ years of domestic and international legal experience. As Special Counsel at Stace Hammond Lawyers, he specialises in tax law, commercial litigation, and business advisory.
He has served as a Magistrate, Director at Ernst & Young Malaysia, and Prosecutor for NZ’s Inland Revenue. His expertise in tax and commercial matters enables him to negotiate effectively with the IRD, accountants, and other professionals. He advises businesses and investors on financial transactions, compliance, and growth strategies.
As President of the NZ Malaysia Business Association (NZMBA), Dave strengthens business ties between Malaysia, ASEAN, and NZ. With this role at the Auckland Chamber, he aims to deepen economic and diplomatic connections.
A passionate networker, Dave believes success comes from the right people and connections, creating opportunities for businesses and individuals.
Anna-May Isbey
China region
Anna-May Isbey is an accomplished international engagement advisor specialising in New Zealand–China trade relations. With over a decade of experience navigating the complexities of China’s business and regulatory landscape, Anna-May brings deep expertise in facilitating bilateral commercial partnerships and strategic market entry.
In her current role, Anna-May leads initiatives to connect New Zealand businesses with China’s dynamic markets, advising on trade policy, market entry, market intelligence and consumer insights, and cross-cultural engagement. She has a proven track record in developing targeted export strategies, managing delegation programs, and fostering collaborations across sectors such as agribusiness, technology, and education.
Anna-May’s extensive networks across both New Zealand and China’s public and private sectors enable her to deliver practical insights that help businesses mitigate risk, seize growth opportunities, and build sustainable trade relationships. She has worked closely with government agencies, chambers of commerce, and multinational corporations to support NZ companies expanding in China.
As the Auckland Business Chamber’s China International Advisor, Anna-May champions increased trade flows, promotes investment partnerships, and advocates for policies that strengthen the economic ties between New Zealand and China.
Jing Song
Honorary Advisor – Singapore
Jing Song is an International / Honorary Advisor to the Auckland Business Chamber, with a strong focus on helping New Zealand companies expand into Singapore, one of Asia’s most dynamic trade hubs.
With extensive experience facilitating high-level government and business delegations between New Zealand, China, and Singapore since 2023, Jing brings deep cross-cultural knowledge and practical expertise in navigating complex international markets. She is a trusted connector, bridging New Zealand exporters with decision-makers, partners, and investors across Southeast Asia.
An accomplished entrepreneur in her own right, Jing is a three-time Trophy and Gold Medal winner at the London International Wine & Spirits Competition, with exports reaching globally recognised outlets including the Gordon Ramsay Restaurant Group. She also served as the Greater China Ambassador for the IWSC from 2017–2019, highlighting her ability to position New Zealand products on the world stage.
Earlier in her career, Jing trained as a Chartered Accountant with CA ANZ and worked with KPMG, giving her a strong grounding in corporate governance, finance, and business operations.
At the Auckland Business Chamber, Jing supports members by:
- Advising on market entry and expansion into Singapore, including partner identification and trade facilitation.
- Connecting exporters with government agencies and business councils to smooth pathways into Southeast Asia.
- Assisting with import-export strategy, investment attraction, and joint venture opportunities.
- Guiding companies in cross-cultural business practices to ensure long-term success in competitive markets.
By combining her entrepreneurial background, corporate expertise, and strong networks in Singapore, China, and the UK, Jing helps Auckland Business Chamber members seize opportunities and build lasting commercial success in key international markets.
Thanh Chi Nguyen
Vietnam region
Nguyen Chi Thanh (Aaron Nguyen) is an experienced business consultant with over 18 years of professional experience across management consulting, business modeling and transformation, risk management and entrepreneurship. He is currently based in Auckland, New Zealand, supporting businesses seeking to enter or expand into the Vietnam market and strengthen Vietnam–New Zealand trade partnerships.
Aaron spent 11 years with KPMG Vietnam and Cambodia in senior roles across Management Consulting, People & Culture, and the Chairman & CEO’s Office, where he led business transformation, operating model redesign, operation efficiency, ERP implementation and risk management projects for multinational and leading local enterprises. He also served as Compliance Manager at Prudential Assurance Vietnam, strengthening compliance culture and operational risk frameworks.
In recent years, Aaron has also founded and led several business ventures in event technology, trade facilitation, and SME consulting, bringing hands-on experience in entrepreneurship, market entry, international partnerships, and business development. He has also served as Vice President of the Young Business Association (YBA) Ho Chi Minh City and JCI Central Saigon, supporting entrepreneurship and international business collaboration.
With deep knowledge of Vietnam’s regulatory environment, business culture, and investment landscape combined with international governance and consulting expertise, Aaron acts as a practical bridge between New Zealand businesses and Vietnam. Based in New Zealand, he is committed to contributing to the local business ecosystem while strengthening Vietnam–New Zealand trade and investment ties.
Voramanee Tothum
Honorary Advisor – Thailand
Voramanee Tothum is a highly experienced business leader, international connector, and cross-border strategist with a strong track record in property development, strategic marketing, and global business engagement. With over 15 years of executive leadership at leading publicly listed property developers in Thailand, she has led major residential and mixed-use developments, taking full accountability for business vision, execution, and overall organisational success.
Now based in New Zealand, Voramanee has established her business as a connector, expanding her expertise and network to facilitate meaningful international collaboration. As President of the New Zealand–Thailand Business Association(NZTBA), she plays a pivotal role in strengthening economic ties and advancing trade and investment opportunities. Through her network and experience as a business connector, she supports NZTBA’s work—particularly by connecting businesses and creating practical business-matching opportunities between New Zealand and Thailand.
Voramanee’s work as a connector spans finance, investment, technology, renewable energy, property, and international trading. Leveraging an extensive network across government, corporate, and industry sectors, she bridges strategic relationships and promotes cross-border partnerships that unlock new growth pathways for businesses worldwide.
In her current role as an Advisory Board member and Honorary Advisor for Thailand at the Auckland Business Chamber, Voramanee draws on her extensive background and long-standing networks within Thailand’s business community. She is committed to fostering strong collaboration between Thai and New Zealand enterprises and actively contributing to the work of the Auckland Business Chamber.
