Kea New Zealand - Background and History

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Since Kea's inception, the organisation has grown from an idea into a global community that connects with nearly 25,000 professionals in 178 countries. Here are some of the milestones achieved along the way.

Aug 2001	Kea conceived at Knowledge Wave Conference and announced by Sir Stephen Tindall & Professor David Teece.
Dec 2001	Kea formalised as an Incorporated Society in New Zealand and first CEO, Mark Vivian, appointed.
Mar 2002	Kea Silicon Valley launched at UC Berkeley event.
Jun 2002	Kea UK launched.
Oct 2002	Kea New England launched.
Mar 2003	Kea Los Angeles launched.
May 2003	Kea Sydney launched.
Jun 2003	Kea Netherlands launched.
Aug 2004	Ross McConnell appointed CEO.
Oct 2004	Kea New York launched.
Dec 2004	Major Government funding secured to support improved infrastructure; website redevelopment begins.
Jun 2005	Kea China founding committee established.
Jul 2005	Online member directory and search function launched with new website.
Dec 2005	Kea Middle East launched.
Jan 2006	Major global sponsorship from HSBC secured.
Mar 2006	2006 World Class New Zealand Awards.
Mar 2006	18,000 Kiwi expatriates participate in Every One Counts, New Zealand's largest-ever census of New Zealanders overseas.
Jul 2006	Online collaboration tools launched.
Aug 2006	Kea's Global Talent Centre goes live.
Nov 2006	The Mexican Government seeks Kea's advice on building an expatriate network to assist the economic development of their country.
Mar 2007	2007 World Class New Zealand Awards.
May 2007	Kea appoints Lynn Stevens as China Regional Manager.
Jun 2007	Kea wins the High Growth Sector and Supreme Awards at the Vero Excellence in Business Support Awards.
Aug 2007	Kea appoints Ivan Moss as CEO and Connie Sprague as World Class NZ Network Manager.
Aug 2007	Launch of Kea France and Kea's first domestic chapter, Kea South Island.
Sep 2007	Anna Groot joins Kea as UK Regional Manager.
Dec 2007	Kathryn Bryant joins Kea as Australia Regional Manager.
Feb 2008	Irene Li replaces Lynn Stevens, as China Regional Manager.
Feb 2008	Kea appoints Geoff Andrews as North America Regional Manager.
Feb 2008	2008 World Class New Zealand Awards.
Mar 2008	Kea North America launched.
May 2008	Peter Elmsly joins Kea as the Global Operations Manager.
May 2008	Sue Sinclair replaces Connie Sprague, as the World Class NZ Network Manager.
Jul 2008	Kea Toronto launched.
Aug 2008	Every Vote Counts – a campaign launched to educate and encourage Kiwi expats to vote in the 2008 general election.
Sep 2008	Kea Brisbane launched.
Nov 2008	Kea Washington launched.
Feb 2009	Waitangi Day celebrations across the regions.
Feb 2009	Kea Australia viral campaign was launched.
Mar 2009	Kea Singapore launched.
Apr 2009	2009 World Class New Zealand Awards.
Apr 2009	Kea hosts Shanghai event for Prime Minister - Hon. John Key.
Apr 2009	Alexandra Middleton replaces Irene Li, as China Regional Manager.
Apr 2009	ANZAC Day celebrations acorss the regions.
May 2009	Madeleine Lethaby replaces Kathryn Bryant, as Australia Regional Manager.
Jun 2009	Kea Singapore launched due to affiliation with NZCCS.
Jul 2009	Kea Hong Kong launched due to affiliation with NZCCSHK.
Aug 2009	Kea Korea launched due to affiliation with The Kiwi Chamber.
Aug 2009	Kea Japan launched due to affiliation with ANZCCJ.
Aug 2009	Kea Thailand launched due to affiliation with NZTCC.
Sep 2009	Kea Sth Africa launched.
Sep 2009	Kea Ireland launched due to affiliation with the NZ Ireland Association.