We support the people shaping Aotearoa’s future.
For over 20 years, Creative HQ has supported over 35,000 people, turning bold ideas into real-world impact
We’re New Zealand’s leading startup hub, building high-growth businesses around Aotearoa and the world – and helping government and corporate leaders harness startup principles to innovate, grow, and create lasting impact.
What makes us different
We maximise our impact through three powerful points of difference:
A powerful network
We are the only startup hub in Aotearoa working across startup, government, corporate and international ecosystems — allowing us to connect the dots where others can’t.
Capability-building approach
We don’t just do innovation for others. Our immersive learning programmes empower founders, teams and public sector leaders to develop their own capabilities — so they can innovate with confidence, long after we’ve stepped back.
A high-performance team
Our team brings unmatched energy, discipline and humility. With high energy and an appetite for learning, we are always evolving to better serve those we support.
Meet the team
Catherine Jones
Chief Executive
Brett Holland
Chief Innovation Officer
Dr Colin Kennedy
Chief Growth Officer
Grant Banner
Chief Financial Officer
Colm Kearney
GM Startups and Tech Sector
Nedra Fu
GM School of Innovation
Jonnie Haddon
GM Government Innovation
Chloe Narain
Head of Marketing
Rebecca Grace
People and Practice Lead
Taani Reihana
Sales Associate
Chris O’Neill
Senior Innovation Specialist
Holly Beals
Senior Innovation Specialist
Tan Huynh
Senior Innovation Specialist
Claudia Rees
Senior Innovation Specialist
Amanda Bennett
Innovation Director at Innovate Moreton Bay
Jennifer Jevons
Design and Content Specialist
Robyn McAllister
Event and Programme Manager
Katie Whelan
Marketing and Content Specialist
We’re always on the lookout for curious, driven people who want to grow, learn and help shape the future with us.
A thriving innovation community
We’re proud to be the connector for founders, funders, mentors, corporates, government, CRIs and universities. Our community may be smaller and younger than other global hubs, but our impact speaks volumes. We punch above our weight, and we’re proud of it.
Our board of directors
Tracy Bridges
Paul Retimanu
Jill Hatchwell
David Wilks
Jo Healey
Janet Holborow
Karl Tiefenbacher
Our brand ambassadors
Brooke Roberts
Sharesies
Leighton Roberts
Sharesies
Sonya Williams
Sharesies
James Fuller
Hnry
Brianne West
Incrediballs
Jamie Beaton
Crimson Education
Explore partnerships
Big ideas need the right partners. If you’re excited by what we do and want to be part of driving real impact, we’d love to hear from you.