A new service which will match would-be exporters with offshore Kiwi experts is the next big step for Kea, the Kiwi Expat Association.

Kea, a network chaired by Warehouse founder Stephen Tindall, has appointed Wellington educational consultant Sue Watson as its new chief executive, replacing Ross McConnell, who will continue on its board.

Dr Watson said she would be implementing Kea's new global strategy to formally leverage its 30,000-strong membership to help the export sector.

"We're developing a whole range of products that will help export-ready New Zealand companies, particularly in the SME sector, to connect with Kiwi expats who have capability, capital and connections, quite simply, to help them grow their business in offshore markets."

The "first cab off the rank" was a service to match small-to-medium companies with Kiwis who specifically meet their needs.

She said rather than lamenting the "brain drain" of Kiwis overseas, Kea wanted to use Kiwis "right where they are".

"Rather than seeing it as a problem we're reframing it as an opportunity." 

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Source: www.stuff.co.nz