Transparency
How we work, who pays us, and who we work with
International relationships only work when people can trust them. So here’s the plain version.
Last updated: October 2026
On this page
Who we are
Eastern Bridge Limited is a small New Zealand company based in Napier, owned by Simon Appleton. We charge published rates so the work is sustainable, and we put relationship outcomes ahead of sales targets. We keep a community rate for councils, iwi and community groups so community work stays affordable.
Related organisations
| Organisation | Relationship to us |
|---|---|
| Eastern Bridge Education Ltd | A separate company and NZQA-registered training provider. Eastern Bridge is a major shareholder. It delivers its own courses. ebe.ac.nz |
| Beijing New Bridge（北京纽必捷文化传播有限公司） | Eastern Bridge holds a 30% share in Beijing New Bridge, a separate company in China. It handles arrangements and contracting in China, including host schools for the China Volunteer Programme and delegation logistics. It is never paid by, or engaged for, an overseas party we are checking for a council, and we’ll always tell you when it’s involved. |
How we’re paid
- Your first 30 minutes are free. All our prices are in New Zealand dollars and exclude GST. See all services and prices.
- Councils, iwi and CCOs usually start with Community International Relations at $900 + GST a month for 8 hours, agreed up front. An ongoing contract is $130 + GST an hour. Casual hourly work is $200 + GST an hour, the same as for businesses. Investor and partner checks for businesses are $350 + GST for a short appraisal or $1,200 + GST for a full report.
- Businesses pay $200 + GST an hour plus costs for one-off work, $160 + GST an hour for an ongoing contract, a fixed price for set packages, a monthly retainer of $1,400 + GST for 10 hours, or a China Desk retainer from $1,800 + GST a month (13 hours on Essentials). Businesses based in the district of a council that is an Eastern Bridge client get 20% off one-off hourly work and fixed packages. The discount does not apply to ongoing contract or retainer rates. Ask us if your council is a client.
- No payment from the other side. We don’t take money from an overseas party we’re checking for a council.
- Some partners pay us a referral fee or commission, for example on student fees. When that applies, we tell you in writing before you decide.
- Eastern Bridge receives dividends from its shareholding in Eastern Bridge Education.
What we’re not
We’re not a government body and we don’t speak for one. We’re not a travel agent: travel is booked through licensed partners.
The prices on this page are our standard market rates. Councils interested in working with us can ask about preferential pricing.
Hospitality and funding we receive
We record gifts, hospitality and funding from overseas governments and organisations, including support for cultural exchange centres in China.
Your information
We collect only what we need, keep it safe, and follow the Privacy Act 2020. Read our privacy policy.
Good practice
We follow published New Zealand guidance on international partnerships, including NZSIS advice for organisations working overseas. If you have a concern about our work, please tell Simon directly.