Insight・ Advisory・ Collaboration
About Us
ON Consulting Group is an advisory bringing a New Zealand perspective with a Japanese context, providing grounded business insight, human connection, and cross-cultural perspective at the intersection of Japan and New Zealand.
We act as a trusted first advisory point for boards and management navigating entry into, or expansion within, Japan. Our role is to help organisations understand the landscape early, frame decisions well, and move forward with clarity, confidence, and cultural fluency.
Meet The Team
Catherine O'Connell
Co-Founder
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Kiwi owner of an award-winning boutique commercial law firm in Tokyo
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Champion and mentor/coach of women and men aiming for board roles and next-level career growth
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External Board Member at Fujitsu (current) and Toyota Motor Corporation (past)
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Co-Vice Chair Emerita, Australian & New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Japan (2012–2025)
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Co-host of the Jandals in Japan Podcast™ | Host of the Lawyer on Air Podcast
Board Advisor and Mentor to C-suite Executives
Jayne Nakata
Co-Founder
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Kiwi founder of the multi-award winning PodLaunch with Jayne Podcast agency
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Proud 20+ year resident and champion of Iwaki, Fukushima
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20+ years experience in Japanese education and English language teaching
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Passionate about building bridges between NZ and Japan
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Writer and cross cultural contributor for Monthly Read Iwaki
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Co-Host of the Jandals in Japan™ Podcast and host of the Transformations with Jayne Podcast
What We Do
We support organisations across both markets, including:
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New Zealand organisations seeking to enter or expand in Japan, working effectively with Japanese joint venture partners, distributors, investors, boards, and management teams, and navigating Japan’s business culture, governance norms, and regulatory environment.
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Japanese organisations engaging with New Zealand partners, boards, and stakeholders, and seeking external, bicultural insight on governance, leadership, inclusion, and organisational development.
Alongside our advisory work, the Jandals in Japan™ Podcast serves as ON Consulting Group’s platform for lived experience and shared learning. Through the podcast and related content, we disseminate the real-world stories of New Zealand businesses and leaders operating successfully in Japan - offering practical insight into what works, what doesn’t, and why.
We are also co-founders of Wahine Toa, a women’s business community connecting New Zealand and Japanese women leaders and professionals in Japan. Wahine Toa provides a trusted space for connection, peer learning, and cross-cultural exchange, supporting women to build meaningful business relationships and navigate leadership pathways across both markets.
Our approach is insight-led, collaborative, and culturally fluent. We work alongside boards and management as advisors, combining structured advisory support with real-world perspective to help organisations build trust, manage risk, and develop enduring, cross-border relationships between Japan and New Zealand.