Interview • Portraits • The Chamber
Meet the Board - Philippe Lemonnier
From Tahiti to NZ, Board Member Philippe Lemonnier shares his journey, passions, and vision for cultural and business connections.
From law in Tahiti to running a leadership development company across the Asia Pacific, Philippe Lemonnier has built a career on growth, learning, and connection. Now in New Zealand, he’s bringing his experience and passion for mentoring to the FNZCCI Board, helping strengthen ties between French and Kiwi business communities. Discover more about his journey and insights below.
Can you share a bit about your professional journey and what motivated you to join the Chamber's Board?
After 12 years as a Lawyer in Tahiti; I created my own company in 2015 dedicated to Leadership Development in the Asia Pacific region. I led that company for 10 years and developed it in a 5 persons' team with clients throughout the region. In 2018 I started looking at developing the company in NZ and found the FNZCCI as a great entry door to understand how to make business in NZ from a French Pacific angle. While COVID took down this plan, the FNZCCI prove to be an amazing partner during these tough times. Now that I'm living in NZ I'm eager to give back to the community and the Chamber.
What personal passions do you tap into through your role as FNZCCI Board Member?
I'm passionate about Leadership and Human development. I enjoy working in a culturally diverse setting and creating learning spaces for everyone to find inspiration from each other. My entrepreneurship experience has been an amazing journey that I enjoy building from to provide mentoring and support to those going through the same journey.
What opportunities do you see for increased collaboration between France and New Zealand in your industry?
The French Pacific is a unique place within a region with strong cultural identities and stories. Using the connection between the Pacific cultures and the Māori cultures are a natural thing to do and the French Pacific community can be a great platform to help develop these connections.
If you could bring one aspect of French business culture to New Zealand OR an aspect of Kiwi culture you'd love to see in France, what would it be?
I believe the French business culture could learn a lot from the "relax" and very horizontal nature of the Kiwi work culture creating more openness and spaces for everyone to contribute, relying less on formal hierarchy and more on commitment.
What is your favourite French food or wine, and where do you recommend trying it in New Zealand?
As a strong and proud Breton crêpes are my go to food but I also always enjoy some tasty Escargots de Bourgogne, all associated with "La Perpète" de Castelmaure, an amazing and surprising wine! So far I unfortunately didn't have the opportunity to find a French restaurant proposing those delicacies but the journey is just starting.
