Beyond Us started with an observation. Across boardrooms, community meetings and conversations around the country, people were asking the same question: what is the plan for New Zealand’s future economy?
Business leaders, community voices and young people could all see the need for a shared direction. Beyond Us was created to bring those voices together, and to build a plan for long-term prosperity that belongs to all of us.
Prosperity is about increasing the economic wellbeing of people in Aotearoa. When more Kiwis have high-paying jobs, when small and large businesses are profitable, and when families can build thriving lives here, our country is truly prosperous.
They know their long-term success depends on a strong, productive New Zealand economy. Many already care deeply about the country, and want a practical way to contribute.
These groups are already motivated to improve outcomes. We want to work alongside them, not take over, and help connect efforts into a larger movement.
People whose voices are listened to. We invite them to test our thinking, bring their own perspectives and help amplify ideas that move us forward.
Many people care about the future but feel shut out of the conversation. We want to give them a meaningful way to be heard and to act.
Craig is a finance professional based in Amberley, North Canterbury. He’s spent over two decades working at the sharp end of New Zealand’s real economy — in mining on the West Coast, across large-scale dairy and farming operations, in manufacturing, and in the infrastructure that underpins how communities actually function: water, electricity, and roads. Prior to this period, he spent time in Europe, contracting and in the consulting industry.
He’s been the money person in rooms where big decisions get made — as CFO of a billion-dollar farming portfolio and of a state-owned energy company going through one of New Zealand’s largest corporate restructurings. That means he’s seen first-hand what happens when industries decline, when capital leaves a region, and when the plan for what comes next doesn’t exist.
Craig is part of Beyond Us because he believes New Zealand needs a credible economic plan that goes beyond election cycles — one that gives young Kiwis a genuine reason to build their careers and lives here rather than leaving. He brings practical experience in the sectors where New Zealand actually earns its living, combined with the financial skills to stress-test whether a plan will work, not just sound good.
He lives in rural North Canterbury with school-age kids, so the question of whether this country will offer the next generation real opportunity isn’t abstract for him.
Aaron is a governance advisor, director, and executive leader with more than 30 years of experience across New Zealand’s transport, capital equipment, agriculture, mining, and petroleum sectors. His career has spanned executive leadership, governance, operational transformation, and large-scale multi-site businesses, with a strong focus on culture, leadership, and long-term organisational performance.
Aaron has held senior leadership roles, including CEO of Norwood and Managing Director and CEO of Keith Andrews Trucks, where he led businesses through growth, acquisitions, operational change, and strategic realignment. He is known for building accountable, values-led cultures while balancing commercial performance with people, safety, and sustainability. He currently serves as an Advisory Board Member for Fruehauf NZ Ltd and is a Steering Committee Member of the Business Leaders Health & Safety Forum. Through Aaron Smith Limited, he works with boards and leadership teams on governance, leadership development, organisational culture, and business transformation.
Aaron holds a Bachelor of Applied Management, specialising in Business Transformation and Change, and completed the EY Darden Executive Programme through the University of Virginia. Beginning his career as a trade-qualified heavy automotive engineer, he brings a practical, grounded perspective to leadership and governance.
Stephen is an executive leader and advisor based in Christchurch, New Zealand, with more than 25 years of experience across heavy industry, manufacturing, agriculture, infrastructure, mining, and large-scale operational businesses.
Trained as a civil engineer, his career has spanned senior operational leadership, business transformation, health and safety, strategic development, and complex stakeholder environments in some of New Zealand’s most important export and industrial sectors.
Stephen has held senior leadership roles in major New Zealand organisations including Ravensdown, Solid Energy, and Alliance Group, where he has led large operational teams, significant change programmes, critical risk initiatives, and business improvement strategies.
He is known for combining practical operational experience with strategic thinking, particularly in industries that sit at the heart of New Zealand’s productive economy.
Alongside his executive career, Stephen advises boards and senior leaders through Arrow Exec Advisors, supporting organisations on strategy, leadership, operational performance, critical risk management, and organisational transformation. He has also served as CEO of Safer Farms, the industry-led organisation focused on improving safety outcomes across New Zealand agriculture.
Stephen started Beyond Us because he believes New Zealand needs a more ambitious and practical long-term economic vision. He lives in Christchurch with his wife and three daughters, and cares deeply about ensuring the next generation of New Zealanders can thrive in a prosperous, confident, and future-focused country.
An underperforming economy makes life harder for many families. It contributes to unemployment and under-employment, increased reliance on welfare, and social challenges such as crime, homelessness and poor health.
Beyond Us is a catalyst, not a controlling body. Our role is to coordinate, connect and support people and organisations who want to help build a more prosperous Aotearoa.
Prosperity is built through shared responsibility. Choose how you want to contribute.
Prosperity is built through shared responsibility, across workplaces, communities and generations.
If you believe New Zealand can perform better and want our future generations to have greater opportunities, we invite your practical ideas and lived experience.
Prosperity grows where businesses perform, organisations deliver, and leaders take responsibility.
We are building a practical, long-term economic plan. If your organisation wants to contribute capability, capital or leadership, this is your opportunity to step forward.
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