+64 022 396 9590 simon@easternbridge.co.nz

Training for Staff & Boards

Building capability for confident international engagement

Eastern Bridge provides training for staff, executives, and boards to support informed, culturally aware, and effective international engagement — particularly in Asian contexts.

This training is designed for organisations that want to strengthen internal capability, reduce risk, and improve decision-making when engaging internationally.


At a glance

  • Designed for boards, executives, and senior staff
  • Focus on Asia-facing engagement and decision-making
  • Practical, experience-based content
  • Suitable for public sector, education, and commercial organisations
  • Delivered as workshops, briefings, or tailored sessions

Why this training matters

International engagement involves more than language or protocol. It requires an understanding of:

  • How decisions are made in different systems
  • The role of relationships, trust, and hierarchy
  • Cultural expectations around communication and negotiation
  • Common misunderstandings and risk points

Without this understanding, organisations can make costly mistakes — or miss opportunities altogether.

Eastern Bridge’s training helps organisations engage with confidence and clarity.


Who this training is for

This service is suitable for:

  • Boards of directors or trustees
  • Council elected members and senior leadership teams
  • Senior managers responsible for international engagement
  • Education providers and governance bodies
  • Organisations entering or expanding into Asian markets

Training can be adapted for mixed audiences or specific roles.


Training topics

Training is tailored to the needs of each organisation, but commonly includes:

  • Understanding Asia-facing decision-making
    How authority, hierarchy, and process differ from New Zealand contexts.
  • Relationship-based engagement
    The role of trust, long-term relationships, and mutual obligation.
  • Cultural and commercial expectations
    Communication styles, negotiation norms, and common pitfalls.
  • Risk awareness
    Political, reputational, and operational risk considerations.
  • Governance considerations
    What boards and senior leaders should know and ask before approving engagement.

Delivery format

Training can be delivered in a range of formats, including:

  • Board briefings
  • Executive workshops
  • Staff training sessions
  • Pre-delegation preparation

Sessions can be delivered in person or online, depending on requirements.


How this service is delivered

Eastern Bridge’s training is:

  • Grounded in real-world experience
  • Focused on practical understanding rather than theory
  • Adapted to organisational context and sector

We do not use generic training material. Content is developed specifically for each engagement.


Fees and scope

Training services are delivered on a fee-paid basis under a clear scope of work.

  • Fees are agreed in advance
  • Pricing depends on format, duration, and customisation
  • This service is separate from community partnership activities

Indicative pricing is discussed directly and is not published on this site.


When this service is most useful

This training is particularly valuable when organisations are:

  • Entering new international relationships
  • Approving international travel or delegations
  • Engaging with Asian partners for the first time
  • Seeking to strengthen governance oversight of international activity