Wētā Workshop’s Richard Taylor recognised for contribution to NZ – China Business Relationship

Wētā Workshop CEO and Chief Creative Officer Richard Taylor was honoured at the 2024  China Business Awards, winning the New Zealand China Council Award for Outstanding Contribution to the New Zealand - China Business Relationship.

The award recognises the achievements of an individual or organisation that has demonstrated long-term contribution through areas such as vision, commitment and/or success to either their organisation, industry or the overall New Zealand and China relationship.

The award was collected on behalf of Richard Taylor by Wētā Workshop CEO and Chief Operating Officer Dave Wilks at the event in Auckland, alongside Wētā Workshop Chief Executive Officer Tania Rodger.

Wētā Workshop has had a long history in China, working on a variety of projects including specialty props, replicas (including ten full-sized Lancaster Bombers), and collectible lines, as well as large-scale immersive visitor experiences.  Most recently the company scooped an international THEA award for Aura: Forest at the Edge of The Sky, a groundbreaking immersive retail experience in Hainan, and delved into the ‘future-verse’ with China’s biggest pop star Jay-Chou on the J-Verse.

Richard Taylor says, “I have spent more than 25 years working in China, building a highly respected relationship with local and central government, educational facilities, and the creative industries, and have nurtured many strong business and personal collaborations.”

He adds, “The six years I spent working as Creative Director of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum in Zhuhai, which saw us (along with our Chinese colleagues) deliver one of the world’s most unique museum buildings and fit outs, is certainly one of the great highlights of my working career.”

“I have continually strived to create meaningful cultural connections between our two countries and consider that the role I help to play, in the creative bridging between China and New Zealand, is a critically important part of my life and career,” Richard Taylor says.

For more information visit www.nzctabusinessawards.co.nz