The Team Guiding
AVIATION IN NEW ZEALAND
Introducing The BARNZ Team
At the heart of BARNZ is a dedicated and experienced team committed to representing the interests of international airlines operating in New Zealand. With deep industry knowledge and strong networks across the aviation and regulatory sectors, our team works closely with stakeholders to shape policy, improve operations and advocate for sustainable growth. Meet the people driving our work day to day!
Hamish McGregor
Executive Director
Hamish McGregor brings extensive experience in aviation, government relations, regulatory affairs and international policy to his role as Executive Director of the Board of Airline Representatives New Zealand (BARNZ). Prior to joining BARNZ, Hamish held a senior international role with Emirates, based in Dubai, where he was responsible for government and international affairs across Australasia, Africa and East Asia.
In this role, he worked closely with governments, regulators and industry stakeholders on policy and regulatory matters affecting international airline operations. His career also includes positions with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand Customs, Immigration New Zealand and the Ministry of Social Development, as well as a secondment to the Ministry of Defence.
With a strong understanding of the aviation industry and New Zealand's regulatory and government environment, Hamish brings valuable experience in stakeholder engagement, policy development and international negotiations. As Executive Director, he leads BARNZ in representing the collective interests of member airlines and advocating for a competitive, efficient, and sustainable aviation operating environment in New Zealand.
Patrick Whelan
Commercial Manager
Before joining BARNZ, Patrick led the Qantas Corporate & Government Sales Team in New Zealand, managing key commercial partnerships and government relations across the country. His career spans a broad spectrum of roles, from regional airline operations to airport management, giving him a well-rounded perspective on the aviation landscape.
Patrick also spent six years on the U.S. East Coast, where he held positions at American Airlines and Marriott Hotels. His global experience, combined with a strong track record in stakeholder engagement and strategic development, underpins his commitment to advancing aviation in New Zealand.
Chris Ford
Policy Advisor
Chris works part time for BARNZ in a policy support role on policy and pricing matters.
Chris spent many years as a safety and security regulator with the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAANZ), rising to the role of Deputy Chief Executive Aviation Security and Infrastructure.
During this time he represented New Zealand on aviation matters in a range of international forums including ICAO and APEC. Prior to joining BARNZ Chris most recently spent time with the New Zealand Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) working on a range of matters in project management and policy advisor roles. He has undertaken executive and governance education at the Australia and New Zealand School of Government, the University of Melbourne School of Business, the Harvard Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, and the Institute of Directors in New Zealand He holds a degree in Philosophy from Victoria University of Wellington.
Introducing The BARNZ Executive Committee
BARNZ is governed by an Executive Committee made up of senior airline representatives who provide strategic oversight and direction. This group brings a wealth of global aviation expertise and ensures BARNZ remains aligned with the needs and priorities of our member airlines. The committee supports our mission by guiding high level decision making and championing sector wide collaboration.
BARNZ President / Chief Operations Officer, Ground & Inflight, Air New Zealand
Kate Boyer
Kate joined Air New Zealand in August 2022 as Head of Commercial Strategy before being appointed General Manager Airports in November 2023, leading the airline's domestic airport operations. During this time she oversaw a transformation programme that improved operational and customer performance while strengthening culture and safety across the airport portfolio.
In 2026, Kate was appointed Chief Operations Officer – Ground and Inflight. She is responsible for customer experience, safe on time performance and day to day operations across the Air New Zealand network, leading our airports, lounge, cabin crew and day of operations teams. Prior to joining Air New Zealand, Kate worked with Bain & Company in Melbourne and Boston, specialising in enterprise transformation and commercial strategy across the banking, logistics and aviation sectors.
Kate serves as President of the Board of Airline Representatives New Zealand (BARNZ) Executive Committee. She was raised in Canterbury and holds a Bachelor of Arts from Princeton University in the United States. In 2025, she received the Deloitte Young Executive Award.
Chris Lethbridge
BARNZ Vice-President / New Zealand Regional Manager, Emirates
Chris joined Emirates as in 1997 as Manager New Zealand and Pacific Islands. In 2003 he oversaw the start of Emirates services to New Zealand. He has 24 years’ experience in the airline industry, prior to his current role as Regional Manager New Zealand for Emirates Chris held senior roles at Malaysia Airlines and Thai international. Chris also holds a private pilot licence.
Georgina Hovell Kwaszenko
Senior Manager Industry and policy, Qantas Airways
Georgina joined Qantas in 2024 and leads Qantas’ Industry Affairs and Policy portfolio. Prior to joining Qantas, Georgina held roles at Virgin Australia and EY in Australia. Georgina’s career began the London with Virgin Atlantic Airways contributing to major UK and EU competition, economic and regulatory affairs matters, and later delivering strategic business projects on behalf of the airline.
Wilson Young
General Manager NZ, Singapore Airlines
Wilson joined Singapore Airlines in 2001 and has extensive experience, with several commercial roles in Head Office in Singapore, as well as holding several international roles in UK & Ireland, Korea, Japan and his most recent role as General Manager Hong Kong. As country head, in addition to Auckland, Wilson is also responsible for operations in Christchurch.
Chris Paykel
Country Manager New Zealand, QATAR Airways
Chris is the Country Manager for Qatar Airways in New Zealand, overseeing the airline’s strategic and commercial operations from its national office in Auckland. With over 25 years of experience in the aviation, travel and hospitality sectors, he brings a strong global perspective and proven expertise in stakeholder engagement, commercial strategy, and international market development.
Prior to joining Qatar Airways, Chris led national sales for Emirates in New Zealand, managing relationships across corporate, trade, and government sectors. His international career includes roles in London, San Antonio, Boston, Boca Raton and Sydney with organisations including Carlson Wagonlit Travel, South Pacific Hotels and La Quinta Suites. Chris is a member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors. He currently serves as Chair of the Joyce Fisher Charitable Trust and Vice Chair of the Ipipiri Nature Conservancy Trust. He is also an Executive Committee member of the New Zealand Middle East Business Council, where he has previously held the roles of Treasurer and Vice Chair.
Susan Lilley
South Pacific Regional Manager, United Airlines
Susan Lilley is the Regional Manager South Pacific for United Airlines, bringing nearly three decades of experience in the aviation industry. She began her career in sales before transitioning into airport operations, gaining a well-rounded understanding of the airline business. Prior to joining United Airlines, Susan spent 15 years with Qantas Airways, where she held a variety of
leadership roles. Her final position at Qantas was South Island Regional Manager, where she oversaw both Sales and Airport Operations.Susan joined United Airlines in Auckland, New Zealand, ten years ago and was promoted to her current role as Regional Manager during the COVID-19 pandemic. She subsequently relocated to Sydney to lead the South Pacific region through a period of significant change and recovery.
In addition to her role at United, Susan is an active contributor to the broader aviation community. She has served on the Executive Committee of the Board of Airline Representatives of Australia (BARA) for the past five years. In 2025, she was elected Chair of the Sydney Airline Operators Committee (AOC), where she has implemented key initiatives that have delivered strong results and fostered collaboration within the airline sector.
Kim Rasmussen
CEO, Tasman Cargo Airlines PTY Ltd
Kim Joined Tasman Cargo Airlines (TCA) in January 2021. At the time TCA was operating a single B767-300 Production Freighter between AKL and SYD. This has since grown to TCA now operating 3 B767-300PFs and 1 B777-200PF. AKL and CHC in NZ as well as SYD and MEL in AU are part of the network together with SIN and HKG.
Kim has had an extensive Aviation background starting with working for SAS and DHL Aviation before joining TCA in various roles. Kim has been based in Copenhagen, Cologne, Brussels, Singapore and most recently before moving to the TCA HQ at Sydney at Hong Kong.
Richard Jones
Area Head, Oceania for Cathay Pacific
Richard Jones is Area Head, Oceania for Cathay Pacific, where he leads all aspects of Cathay Pacific's business across Australia and New Zealand, with responsibility for optimising commercial performance, operational excellence, stakeholder engagement and strategic execution.
Richard joined Cathay Pacific in 1994 and has spent more than three decades in a variety of sales, marketing, customer travel and commercial leadership roles across Australia and North America, including Regional Head of Customer Travel & Lifestyle, Americas, and Regional Head of Marketing & Sales, South West Pacific. Richard previously served on the Board of the Hong Kong Australia Business Association, supporting business and trade relationships between Australia and Hong Kong. He was also a member of the IATA Australian Agency Programme Joint Council (APJC), representing airline interests and working collaboratively with travel industry partners.
A strong advocate for the role aviation plays in connecting people, cultures and economies, Richard believes travel broadens perspectives and fosters greater understanding between communities. He is committed to supporting a strong, competitive and sustainable New Zealand aviation sector that enhances the country's global connectivity and prosperity.