Governance Structure
HONGI – Human & Organisational Networks for Global Interaction operates under a clear and transparent governance framework consistent with New Zealand best practice for non-governmental associations, while also reflecting the operational style of people-to-people friendship associations commonly found in China.
The association is overseen by a Governance Group, consisting of a Chairman and members drawn from a range of professional backgrounds, including local government, education, tourism, international exchange, and business.
Key governance principles include:
- collective leadership and shared responsibility
- consensus-based decision-making (all major decisions are made unanimously)
- clear separation between governance and programme delivery
- transparency, neutrality, and public-interest focus
Governance appointments are subject to elections held every three years, aligned with the New Zealand local government election cycle.
Governance Team
Chairman
Simon Appleton（方志杰 / Feng Zhijie）
Simon Appleton is a New Zealander with more than a decade of experience living, studying, and working in China. He holds a Master’s degree in International Relations from Renmin University of China, School of Law, and has extensive experience working with local government organisations in both New Zealand and South Korea.
Simon has worked in New Zealand local government in economic development roles, with a particular focus on international engagement, investment attraction, and trade facilitation. In 2014, recognising the gap between local governments’ desire to engage internationally and their limited internal capacity to do so, he founded Eastern Bridge Limited to provide New Zealand local governments with an outsourced international relations and foreign affairs capability.
He has worked closely with elected members and council staff across New Zealand and has provided advisory services on international relations, economic development, and governance matters. Simon speaks English, Mandarin Chinese, and Korean, and promotes a holistic approach to local government diplomacy that integrates economic cooperation, cultural exchange, youth engagement, and community connections.
Executive Board Members
Cole Atkinson
Executive Director / Education Sector Representative
Cole Atkinson has worked closely with HONGI’s leadership across Eastern Bridge Limited, Eastern Bridge Digital, and Eastern Bridge Education. He is actively involved in education programme design and development, including the creation of accredited training and pathway programmes.
Cole has played a key role in developing the China Readiness micro-credential, designed to build greater awareness among New Zealanders of Chinese language, culture, and contemporary society. He has conversational Mandarin Chinese and basic Vietnamese language skills and is strongly committed to supporting youth development and global citizenship.
Joseph Hayes
Board Member / Local Government Representative
Joseph Hayes represents the local government sector within HONGI’s governance structure. He has over 15 years’ experience working in New Zealand local government and is currently contracted to multiple local authorities.
Joseph is particularly passionate about tourism development and youth exchange. He has travelled to China on multiple occasions, both as part of official delegations and as a leader of the 2024 Volunteer Programme, and has been a key supporter in establishing and expanding HONGI’s volunteer initiatives.
James Yang
Board Member / Exchange Representative (China Liaison)
James Young represents the exchange and people-to-people engagement portfolio within HONGI’s governance group. Originally from China and now living in New Zealand for over 15 years, James has dedicated significant time and effort to supporting the development of HONGI’s China-based programmes.
James has played a central role in liaising with Chinese local governments, foreign affairs offices, and friendship associations, and has been instrumental in supporting the establishment and operation of the volunteer programme in China. He is the primary contact point for engagement with Chinese local authorities, working in close coordination with HONGI’s New Zealand-based leadership.
James is deeply committed to strengthening people-to-people connections and mutual understanding between New Zealand and China.
Galen Yang
Board Member / Tourism Sector Representative
Galen Young represents the tourism sector within HONGI’s governance structure. Originally from Shandong Province in China, Galen is now based in New Zealand and has extensive experience working with tourism organisations and international travel groups.
He has organised and supported inbound Chinese tour groups to New Zealand and has a strong understanding of the tourism sector and its role in international exchange. Galen is particularly passionate about introducing Chinese visitors to regional and rural New Zealand, incorporating authentic Māori cultural experiences through collaboration with iwi and local communities.
He is also supportive of developing opportunities for New Zealanders to travel to China, helping participants gain a deeper understanding of contemporary Chinese society beyond major cities.
Fido Chen
Board Member / Business Sector Representative
Fido Chen represents the China-based perspective within HONGI’s governance structure. He is the Managing Director of Beijing New Bridge Limited, the sister organisation to Eastern Bridge Limited in New Zealand.
With a background in investment and business development, Fido brings strong strategic planning capability and governance experience, supporting the association’s ability to operate effectively and sustainably across both New Zealand and China.
Operational Approach
HONGI operates primarily as a facilitator and coordinating body, working closely with New Zealand local governments, iwi and Māori tribal organisations, council-controlled organisations, schools, educational institutions, and community groups.
In addition to this facilitative role, HONGI also directly delivers selected exchange programmes from the New Zealand side, particularly in youth, education, and volunteer exchange, ensuring quality, continuity, and long-term relationship building.