Georgie Stylianou is the new government relations manager for Packaging New Zealand.
The former journalist, press secretary and ministerial adviser has worked for ministers under the National and Coalition governments. As a senior ministerial adviser in the coalition government, she had responsibility for the $3b Provincial Growth Fund.
More recently, she has worked on the $3bn Infrastructure Fund in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown. She also helped establish the new independent Infrastructure Commission and managed the One Billion Trees policy across the parties of government.
Harry Burkhardt, president for Packaging New Zealand, is excited about the appointment. He says, “Georgie has joined the Packaging New Zealand team to help ensure we maximise our lobbying efforts. She will ensure we talk to the right people, helping us to to a proactive rather than reactive approach.
“As we all know, our industry is experiencing significant headwinds. We want Packaging New Zealand to have a voice at the table when it comes to policy and regulation development. We also want to start offering up solutions and spreading some of the good news stories that exist across our industry.”
Exchange of ideas
Stylianou says, “Without the private sector, the governments would operate in a vacuum. While it knows that, the government can sometimes forget about the knock-on effect of its day to day decisions.
“I love helping businesses problem solve and work more collaboratively across government and other key stakeholders. I am really enjoying working with Packaging New Zealand. We have a good exchange of ideas. In addition, there is huge scope for the organisation to become a go-to voice for the sector.
“I have recently become a mother. So, I am balancing work with the demands of a six-month-old baby. The fluid requirements of this role suits me well and provides flexibility for both parties. Nobody ever seems to raise an eyebrow when I email late on a Sunday night.”
Burkhardt adds, “Georgie’s experience across government and the media will help Packaging New Zealand continue our work as a respected advocate for the packaging sector.”
