CBAFF Council

 
We are the Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Federation of New Zealand Inc, that is independent of Government, which strives to develop an environment favourable for our members.
 
CBAFF is a national federation concerned to promote the interests of all its members. Everyday we assist member companies and individuals working professionally and participating in customs broking and freight forwarding, or in any way affiliated with the wider transport industry.
 
CBAFF is governed by a regional elected Council.
 

Council Executives


Rachel Madden, President

Kerry Logistics, Auckland

 

After earning a degree in International Business, Rachel began her career in logistics with a shipping line before pursuing an overseas adventure. Upon her return from the UK, where she worked for a freight forwarder, Rachel has worked in Freight Forwarding and Logistics in New Zealand since 2007. For fifteen years, she held a senior manager role at a leading E-Commerce based Freight Forwarder. In 2024, she transitioned to her current role as the New Zealand General Manager at Kerry Logistics Oceania.

Rachel brings a distinctive and insightful perspective to the industry’s challenges. Her time on the council has enabled her to contribute to initiatives such as the Your Logistics Pathway program. Passionate about enhancing the logistics profession, Rachel is committed to supporting and nurturing talent, ensuring that not only new entrants but those in the industry for some time not only thrive but also advance within the field.

 

Portfolios: Border Clearance


Katrina Jenner, Vice President

Jenners Worldwide Freight, Auckland

 

Working in this industry is definitely in Katrina's blood and it was very apparent to her early on as a child, running around their family business to where they are today. With over 25 years of working experience in freight forwarding and shipping lines, Katrina's studies and further personal development have given her a well rounded understanding of practical and business knowledge as well as many long standing connections and relationships. 

Being the General Manager of Jenners Worldwide Freight and being very hands on and involved in the day to day running of the operation as well as management and business development of the company, allows Katrina to appreciate and understand all facets of the  industry therefore finding easy practical solutions that are focused on the future. 

Being future focused, Katrina believes that we need to keep evolving and is therefore very committed to support CBAFF and the industry through all the challenges and changes that are continual in the industry. 

 

Portfolios: Air Transport


Simon Dedman

Kuehne + Nagel, Auckland

 

Simon has 20 years in the logistics industry across sales, operations, international supply chain and general management. He has been very fortunate that his logistics career has taken him from Bahrain in the Middle East to Russia, 11 years in Hong Kong and the last 2 years as Managing Director of Kuehne+Nagel New Zealand.  

People will always be the freight industry's greatest asset and discovering and developing talent within the logistics industry has never been more important in New Zealand. 

 

Portfolios: Sea Transport - ESG


Council Members


Olivia Kinnane

Pengelley's Limited, Christchurch

 

Olivia began her career at Oceanbridge Shipping as a school leaver where she quickly developed a passion for the industry.  She has worked in Freight Forwarding for 15 years in both New Zealand and Australia and is grateful for the experiences and knowledge she has gained throughout this time.   
 
Olivia's experience in the industry has allowed her to gain confidence and develop skills in relationship building, problem solving and staff development. She enjoys continually developing her skill set and challenging herself to build her career from her first operational role to her current role of International Manager at Pengellys Christchurch.

 

Portfolios: Sea Transport - Generation Future - Domestic Transport


Steve Pugh

GVI Logistics Limited, Christchurch

 

Steve has been involved in the freight forwarding industry since 1981 holding positions across all facets of the industry. He has held a position on CBAFF Executive Council for number of years advocating for Christchurch members and the wider logistics community.  
 
Steve believes that maintaining strong links with Government agencies and other industry representative bodies is key to CBAFF being a successful campaigner for our industry. CBAFF has an important role in maintaining professional standards and making this industry a viable prospect for young people with clear pathways from entry level positions to management. Steve would like to continue the work he started on the council and be involved in assisting industry in these challenging times. 

 

Portfolios: Border Clearance


Chris Edwards

GO Logistics Group Limited, Auckland

 

Since GO's inception in 2005, Chris has been driving the company's reputation as a high-performing, problem solving logistics powerhouse. As a past President of the Customs Broker’s and Freight Forwarders Federation, Chris' passion is the supply chain and leading a company that delivers value to its customers and pride to its staff, - as well as seeing Tottenham win the English Premier League at least once in his lifetime!

 

 


Gary Thorne

Hobbs Global, Auckland

 

Gary has more than 35 years experience working in both corporate and owner-operated freight entities.  His background has predominately been in the Customs Brokerage sector, and he is currently the Customs Manager for Hobbs Global Logistics Solutions Ltd.   

Over this period of time Gary has built up a strong working business relationship with all of the Border Agencies.  His freight parameters include project cargo, dangerous goods, time-dependent imports as well as general freight across New Zealand’s Border. 

Gary has been a Member of CBAFF since the early 2000’s and now wishes to take a more active part in the Federation.  

 

Portfolios: Border Clearance


Emma Walsh

Toll Group, Auckland

 

Emma currently leads the Customs Department at Toll Global Forwarding and is grateful to be in a position where she can engage with people entering the industry, opening their eyes to the vastness that is freight forwarding and the possibilities locally and internationally through training and career development .  

CBAFF is a well-respected long standing industry body and her desire to serve naturally leans towards the Customs, MPI, regulatory side with a belief in proactiveness, technology, communication, training, and development.  Emma enjoys challenging the status quo and feels as an industry we need to continuously challenge the norm, innovate and be resilient.  

 

Portfolios: Border Clearance - Training - Generation Future


Steve Tomlinson

Koru Customs, Christchurch

 

With 32 years of hands-on experience, Steve's journey began from the ground up as a customs runner, mastering every aspect of our industry. In 2007, he and his wife established Koru Customs & International Freight Limited, offering full customs and freight forwarding services nationwide.

For Steve, this industry isn't just a career, it's a deeply rewarding journey, it is also about giving back.

Steve understands the importance of maintaining personal connections and being approachable in our increasingly tech-driven world, he is dedicated to promoting our industry as a strong career path for the next generation, all while ensuring that the human touch remains at the heart of our collective success. 

 

Portfolios: Sea Transport - Border Clearance


Dean Moore

Fliway, Auckland

 

Dean has over 30 years’ experience in Freight Forwarding, Warehousing and Customs Clearance both in New Zealand and in the Netherlands. During this time, he has enjoyed working in almost all areas of the industry from Operations to Managing Director. This has given Dean a real appreciation of the industry that has been his passion for all these years. He enjoys sharing his knowledge with clients as well as new people to the industry.

"To be involved in new business or large corporates and understanding their culture and products is a real privilege that logistics uniquely offers. 

Working in this industry means there is never a dull moment, which is perfect as I enjoy keeping up with changing regulations as well learning and developing my skills with the CargoWise systems". 

 

Portfolios: Air Transport - Training - Domestic Transport