My focus on wellbeing is not just for the current success of NZ Inc., but for future generations to come.
Craig Hudson is a champion for wellbeing in business and deeply passionate about the success of scaling New Zealand businesses and what that means for Aotearoa's prosperity.
Growing up in Tauranga on a kiwifruit orchard with his mum and two sisters, Craig found school challenging but held onto a dream of becoming an All Black. He went on to have a successful professional rugby career, playing for the Crusaders during one of their most dominant eras before competing internationally in France, England, and Wales. However, the pressures of high-performance sport and imposter syndrome took their toll, and his contract was eventually terminated due to illness. Returning to New Zealand, Craig struggled with his mental health, but a role in a supportive family-owned business gave him the environment he needed to recover and thrive.
Craig’s business career took off when he and his family moved to the United Kingdom, where he joined Xero, playing a key role in expanding the company’s presence in Europe, the Middle East, and South Africa. In 2017, he returned to New Zealand as Managing Director for Xero New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, leading strategic relationships with government, financial institutions, and the small business sector. His impact extended beyond business, driving national conversations on mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. Under his leadership, Xero introduced wellbeing leave, flexible working practices, and new initiatives to support small business owners and their teams.
Most recently, Craig served as General Manager, Export Customers at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, where he continued his mission of supporting Kiwi businesses to scale and succeed globally. He remains committed to authentic leadership, culture building, and championing mental health in the workplace.
Craig has been widely recognised for his work in business and mental health advocacy, including being awarded the Walk the Talk Award at Diversity Works, being named a semi-finalist for New Zealander of the Year, and being voted The Most Inspiring Individual in Tech at the Hi-Tech Awards. He has played a crucial role in destigmatising mental health struggles in the business community, ensuring that leaders prioritise wellbeing as much as financial success.
Alongside being a role model for workplace culture and resilience, Craig is a devoted husband and father of four, always striving to bring the same level of passion and care to his family life as he does to his professional endeavours.
Talking Points
Mental Health Keynote
Craig Hudson delivers a powerful and deeply personal talk on mental health, leadership, and workplace wellbeing. Drawing from his own experiences in professional rugby and business, he shares how imposter syndrome, high-pressure environments, and personal setbacks shaped his journey. Craig highlights the importance of creating a culture of trust, purpose, and vision within organisations, showing leaders how to prioritise employee wellbeing alongside business success. His engaging and authentic storytelling leaves audiences inspired to build healthier, more resilient workplaces where people can truly thrive.
Mental Health Keynote
Craig was right on point with content. The engagement and answers during discussion were very valuable. ... keep reading New Zealand International Convention Centre
