Hon Steven Joyce
Minister for Small Business
Small Business Development Group appointments
Minister for Small Business Steven Joyce today announced two appointments to the Small Business Development Group.
Frances Valintine and Sharon Henderson will replace departing members Matthew Jones and Rhonda Kite.
“Ms Valintine and Ms Henderson are both outstanding business leaders who have many years’ experience in starting and
growing small businesses,” Mr Joyce says.
“Ms Valintine brings to the group her extensive knowledge of the creative and technology sectors and a long history
working in small start-ups through to large multi-nationals. Ms Henderson offers strong marketing and communications
experience and has successfully led and run profitable small, medium and large companies. Their mix of skills and
experience will complement the group.
“I thank Mr Jones and Ms Kite for their contributions to the group, which has significantly benefited from their
advice.”
The Small Business Development Group, made up of small business owners from around New Zealand, advises the Government
on issues affecting the growth and development of small businesses.
Frances Valintine is the founder of The Mind Lab (now The Mind Lab by Unitec), providing expertise in 21st-century
education technologies and collaborative teaching practices for students and practising teachers. Over the past 20
years, she has worked extensively in the creative and technology sectors, including as the Chief Executive of the Media
Design School. Ms Valintine chairs The Mind Lab by Unitec and is a board member of Education New Zealand.
Sharon Henderson is the founder and director of Federation Ltd, an independent full service communications agency which
has seen rapid growth over the past six years. She has more than 20 years of business experience, including 12 years in
executive management roles in New Zealand and Australia. She is a senior contributor to the marketing industry,
including as inaugural board chair of the New Zealand Marketing Association.
ends