The NKBA Head Office team is here to provide friendly, knowledgeable support and is happy to assist with any questions, enquiries, or requirements you may have, ensuring you have access to the information and guidance you need.
Rachael Kwok
Executive Officer
Rachael has been with NKBA for the past eight years and serves as the primary contact for the association, working closely with the Executive Board to deliver its strategic goals.
Rachael oversees governance, compliance, finance, membership, partnerships, education, HR, the Excellence in Design Awards programme and marketing, ensuring NKBA operates efficiently, ethically, and in line with best practice.
Through strong stakeholder relationships and effective leadership of the Head Office team, Rachael supports the growth, reputation, and long-term sustainability of the association.
Since joining NKBA, Rachael has implemented a more diverse and effective marketing strategy, resulting in increased brand awareness, membership growth, and industry engagement. Rachael has also developed strong systems and operational processes.
With a passion for design and innovation, Rachael is committed to promoting the excellence and professionalism of NKBA and its members in the market.
Contact Rachael
Caitlin Adams
Education Manager
Caitlin joined the team in 2021 and is responsible for managing NKBA's education programme. Liaising with BCITO, NKBA tutors, and students, she ensures the smooth running of the NZ Diploma in Kitchen Design block courses and NKBA workshops. Caitlin also represents NKBA in various vocational education advisory groups.
Caitlin is passionate about continued education and is keen to expand NKBA’s course offerings into a comprehensive programme of professional development opportunities.
With a background of 15 years in the ESL sector, Caitlin has extensive experience working with adult learners in a range of teaching, administration, sales/marketing, and management roles.
Contact Caitlin if you want to learn more about NKBA courses, workshops, or scholarships.
Ally Kulpe
Events and Marketing
Ally has over 15 years' experience in event management, marketing, and sponsorship across multiple industries including food and beverage, sports, music, corporate, and media.
Skilled at communication and relationship building, Ally has planned, organised, and delivered over 80 successful events, including large scale festivals, live sporting events, charity fundraisers, and self-driven events.
Ally's exceptional organisational skills have seen her at the helm of the New Zealand Agricultural Show, the South Island Food & Wine Festival, the Electric Avenue Music Festival, and the 2024 ITM New Zealand Grand Prix, to name just a few.
Ally's main areas of responsibility at NKBA are marketing and events, and she also works alongside our partners and regional committees.
Contact Ally if you have questions about NKBA marketing or events.
Sharee Berry
Membership and Compliance
Sharee joined the team in 2023 and her responsibilities include keeping NKBA's member databases up to date, developing NKBA policies and systems, and processing membership applications.
Sharee gained her strong administration, problem-solving, and systems development skills in her previous career as an HR/Health and Safety Supervisor in the transportation, trucking, and railroad industries.
Passionate about helping people, Sharee is NKBA's first point of contact for enquiries.
Contact Sharee for queries about NKBA membership, invoicing, CPD points, and the NKBA Members Area.