Hon Steven Joyce

Minister for Economic Development; Minister of Science and Innovation; Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment; Associate Minister of Finance

Biography

After completing a zoology degree at Massey University, Steven started his first radio station, Energy FM, in his home town of New Plymouth, at age 21. Along with two business partners, he built up The RadioWorks over 17 years until, as a listed public company, it consisted of 22 local radio stations and four national radio networks. In 2000/2001 RadioWorks was purchased by Canadian company Canwest. Steven retired as Managing Director in April 2001 on his 38th birthday.

He chaired the National Party’s Campaign Review after the 2002 election, and then its major Strategic Review which led to a full reorganisation of the Party. He took on the role of the Party’s first General Manager, and led it through to the 2005 election. He managed the 2005 election campaign.

Steven was Chief Executive of NZAX-listed Jasons Travel Media Limited, a tourism marketing company, for two years from August 2006. He has also been a director and Chairman of Taranaki-based hospital bed manufacturing and export company Howard Wright Limited, and a consultant to National Leader John Key.

Steven chaired the National Party’s successful 2008 national election campaign and was also elected as a list MP at the same election. He was then appointed as a Minister in the new Cabinet.

Steven spends his spare time developing his lifestyle property north of Auckland, where he lives with his family.

China Business Summit Links

2012: Summit presentation