About Us – Ali Dahche

About

My Journey

A Journey Shaped by Experience, Purpose & Community

Every stage of my journey has contributed to the leader I am today. From humble beginnings and international business experience to returning home and serving the community, each chapter has been driven by hard work, continuous learning, and a commitment to creating lasting value.

My Early Years

My story began in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, where I was born and spent my early childhood. I attended kindergarten and primary school there, growing up in a family where hard work, responsibility, and strong values were at the centre of everything we did.

I was raised by a hardworking father who taught me the importance of dedication, providing for your family, and making the most of every opportunity. My mother, a full-time homemaker, created a loving and supportive home that gave us a strong foundation. Growing up with an older brother and a younger brother, I learned the importance of family, respect, and looking after one another.

In 1995, my family made the life-changing decision to move to New Zealand. Like many families starting a new chapter in a new country, we arrived with determination, ambition, and a willingness to work hard. New Zealand gave us the opportunity to build a future, and I have always believed that opportunity comes with responsibility — the responsibility to contribute and give back.

Growing up in East Auckland, I experienced firsthand the values that make New Zealand special: a country where people from different backgrounds can work hard, create opportunities, and build a better future.

I attended Howick College, where I was proud to represent the school as a member of the First XV rugby team. Being part of a team taught me valuable lessons about leadership, discipline, resilience, and the importance of working together towards a common goal. I was also involved as a Whānau Leader, supporting fellow students and helping build a stronger sense of belonging within the school community.

After completing my schooling, I continued my education in business and hospitality. I hold a Bachelor of Business Administration and qualifications in Hospitality Management, giving me the knowledge and skills to understand leadership, management, and the importance of creating successful organisations.

While studying, I gained valuable real-world experience through my first job at KFC Botany and later working at SkyCity. These early roles taught me the importance of customer service, teamwork, discipline, and treating every person with respect — lessons that continue to guide me in business and community leadership today.

Those early years shaped my belief that leadership is not about titles; it is about responsibility, service, and creating opportunities for others. From my family’s sacrifices, to my education, to building businesses and serving my community, the values have remained the same: work hard, stay humble, and always give back.

My journey from Abu Dhabi to East Auckland is a reminder of what is possible when people have the opportunity, determination, and freedom to succeed.

My UAE Chapter — Building International Leadership Experience

In 2005, I made the decision to leave New Zealand and take on a new challenge in the United Arab Emirates. It was a significant step in my journey — one driven by ambition, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to building my career through hard work, discipline, and international experience.

My UAE journey began in Dubai, where I worked as a Restaurant Manager in a five-star hotel. This experience gave me a strong foundation in world-class hospitality, customer service, operational excellence, and the importance of delivering outstanding experiences in a highly competitive environment.

I later moved to Abu Dhabi, where I progressed into senior leadership roles across hospitality, catering, facilities management, and business operations. During this time, I worked with organisations including National Catering Company (NCC), NBB Group, Zuama Group, AssetFuture, and Solmed Alliance.

At National Catering Company (NCC), one of the UAE’s leading integrated support services providers, I worked as an Operations Manager, managing complex operations across sectors including oil and gas, defence, healthcare, education, remote sites, and corporate services. This experience developed my ability to lead diverse teams, manage large-scale operations, maintain high safety and quality standards, and deliver reliable services in demanding environments.

With Nirmal Sethia, British-Indian entrepreneur, founder of Newby Teas, renowned philanthropist, and one of the UK’s wealthiest businessmen. His success in luxury tea, global real estate, and charitable giving has made him an internationally respected business leader

With Dr B. R. Shetty, entrepreneur, founder of NMC Health and UAE Exchange, and former owner of Travelex through Finablr. He played a major role in developing the UAE’s healthcare and financial services sectors.

Catching up with Rudolfs Brēmanis, former Ambassador of Latvia to the UAE and now a Councillor for Riga City. It was a pleasure to reconnect and discuss leadership, international relations, and opportunities for the future.

With His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and a senior member of the Abu Dhabi Royal Family.

With Sheikh Mohammed bin Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Emirati businessman, member of the Abu Dhabi ruling family, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dhabi Holdings.

diploments

Great catch-up with distinguished leaders and diplomats. From left to right: Mohammed Al Moaatba, Chairman of the Jordanian Businessmen Council; Ali Dahche; H.E. Jumaa Al Abadi, Ambassador of Jordan; Aseel, Director of Sales at Jordanian Airways; and H.E. Usama Al Nafaa, Ambassador of Hungary. A valuable opportunity to connect with leaders across business, aviation, and international relations.

Ahmed Al Nuwais, UAE entrepreneur, i

A great meeting with Ahmed Al Nuwais, UAE entrepreneur, investor, and Founder & CEO of Annex Investment Company. A valuable opportunity to connect with a leader driving innovation, investment, and growth across the UAE’s dynamic business landscape

Paula Yacoubian

Paula Yacoubian, Lebanese journalist, television presenter, women’s rights advocate, and former Member of Parliament. Recognised internationally for her leadership in advancing diversity, inclusion, and democratic reform, she has been a strong voice for transparency, accountability, and women’s empowerment in Lebanon.

business leaders.

Proud to be alongside two respected business leaders. On my left, Saeed Al Hamli, former CEO of Etisalat Egypt. On my right, Ahmed Halmi, President of Bright-stone and Advisor to H.E. Jamal Anwar Sadat. A valuable opportunity to connect with leaders driving innovation, investment, and regional growth across the Middle East.

Working alongside my team on asset optimisation and degradation assessments—focusing on data-driven decision-making, lifecycle planning, and practical strategies to improve asset performance, reliability, and long-term value.

ali

In 2021 Honoured to be recognised in FM Middle East‘s Power 30, ranked No. 25 among the region’s leading facilities management professionals. A proud milestone that reflects years of dedication, leadership, and a commitment to excellence in the industry.

I later took on executive leadership responsibilities with NBB Group, gaining experience across facilities management, catering, travel, tourism, and hospitality services. This broadened my understanding of integrated business solutions, customer-focused operations, and managing multiple service areas.

As General Manager – Operations with Zuama Group, a leading food service and hospitality solutions provider in the Gulf region, I was responsible for driving operational performance across areas including commercial kitchens, food service solutions, hotel supply, food trading, catering, and facilities management. This role strengthened my skills in strategic planning, business development, financial management, and leading teams to achieve results.

I continued to expand my expertise as Operations Manager – Middle East with AssetFuture, focusing on asset management, property services, facilities planning, maintenance strategies, and creating long-term value through efficient management of infrastructure and assets.

I also served as a Board Member with Diva Events, gaining further experience in luxury hospitality, corporate events, lifestyle services, and delivering high-quality experiences for clients.

Later, as Managing Director of Solmed Alliance, I led a facilities management and life support organisation delivering integrated support services across the Middle East. The organisation provided catering, accommodation, maintenance, cleaning, logistics, and health and safety solutions for clients operating in challenging environments.

Our work supported industries where reliability, safety, and operational excellence were essential, including oil and gas, mining, defence, healthcare, education, construction, and hospitality. This role strengthened my ability to lead complex operations, manage diverse teams, and deliver consistent outcomes under pressure.

Throughout my UAE career, I had the privilege of building relationships with business leaders, investors, senior executives, public figures, and prominent personalities from across the region’s business and cultural communities. These experiences provided valuable insight into leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, and the importance of building strong relationships based on trust and respect.

Working in the UAE’s international environment exposed me to different cultures, industries, and ways of thinking. It reinforced the importance of ambition, opportunity, and creating environments where people and businesses can succeed.

My international experience was recognised through industry acknowledgement as one of the leading executives in the Middle East’s facilities management and industrial catering sector.

The UAE chapter of my life was more than a career journey — it was where I developed the leadership skills, resilience, and operational experience that continue to guide me today.

The lessons I gained overseas continue to shape my approach to leadership: accountability, innovation, responsible management, and creating opportunities for people to achieve their potential.

EARLY YEARS

Raised with strong family values, I learned the importance of integrity, resilience, and dedication from an early age. These principles continue to guide every decision I make.

International Career

Spending over 18 years in the UAE, I led hospitality businesses, managed diverse teams, and gained valuable expertise in operations, leadership, and business growth.

Returning Home

Returning to New Zealand marked a new chapter focused on building businesses, supporting local initiatives, and contributing to the future of East Auckland.

Leading Forward

Today, I combine business leadership with community service and public advocacy—working to strengthen local businesses, support community organisations, and help shape a better future for everyone.

Returning Home — Bringing Experience Back to the Community That Raised Me

After more than 17 years building an international career in the United Arab Emirates, I made the decision to come home to New Zealand at the end of 2022.

I returned with years of experience leading teams, managing complex operations, and building businesses across hospitality, facilities management, and international markets. I had worked in some of the most competitive environments in the world, learning the importance of strong leadership, accountability, and delivering results.

But returning home also reminded me of something important — experience alone does not guarantee opportunity. Despite my qualifications, my international background, and the career I had built overseas, finding the right pathway back into New Zealand was not as simple as I expected.

That moment gave me a choice: wait for someone else to create an opportunity, or create one myself.

I chose to build.

I chose to put my roots back down in Botany — the place I call home. East Auckland is where my New Zealand story began. It is where I grew up, where my values were shaped, where my friendships were built, and where I have always felt a deep connection to the community around me.

I believe New Zealand is an extraordinary country with incredible potential. But potential only becomes reality when people are given the opportunity to succeed.

I want to see a New Zealand where our young people do not feel they have to leave overseas to build a future. A country where they can get great jobs, start businesses, own homes, raise families, and believe that their best opportunities can be found right here.

That belief inspired me to establish AMG Hospitality, becoming the owner of the iconic Porterhouse Grill in East Auckland and building hospitality ventures that create opportunities, support local employment, and contribute to the community I love.

Running a business has given me firsthand experience of the challenges facing everyday New Zealanders — the pressures on employers, the rising costs faced by families, and the importance of creating an environment where people who work hard can get ahead.

I have also remained committed to serving my community. I was proud to serve as a Board Member of Somerville Intermediate, contributing to the governance of a local school and supporting the next generation of East Auckland.

In 2025, I decided to take my commitment to the next level by joining ACT and standing as an ACT Local candidate for the Howick Ward. That experience strengthened my belief that communities need representatives who listen, understand local issues, and focus on practical solutions.

Today, I am standing as the ACT candidate for Botany because I believe East Auckland deserves strong representation, fresh ideas, and a relentless focus on unlocking opportunity.

My journey has taken me from Abu Dhabi, to East Auckland, to the Middle East, and back home again. Every chapter has taught me the same lesson: opportunity changes lives.

My family was given an opportunity when we made New Zealand our home. I have spent my life working hard to make the most of that opportunity.

Now, I want to help create more opportunities for the next generation.

I came home because I believe in New Zealand.

I came home because I believe in East Auckland.

And I came home because I believe our best days are still ahead.

Building Today — Creating a Future Worth Staying For

Building a better future starts with getting the basics right.

Government and councils have an important role to play — not by standing in the way of people’s ambition, but by creating the conditions where individuals, families, and businesses can succeed.

Today, my focus is on building a New Zealand where people have the confidence to dream bigger, work harder, and achieve more.

That means cutting unnecessary red tape, reducing bureaucracy, and making it easier for people to start businesses, create jobs, and invest in their communities. When people who work hard and take risks are supported, everyone benefits.

It also means making sure our communities are safe. Families should feel confident that their children can grow up, study, pursue their dreams, and build successful careers in the country they call home.

I want to see a New Zealand where our young people do not feel they need to leave overseas to find opportunity. A country where they can gain skills, find meaningful work, start businesses, buy homes, and raise their families here.

Because our greatest asset is not just our natural resources — it is our people.

When we unlock the potential of hardworking New Zealanders, we create stronger communities, a stronger economy, and a stronger future.

My focus is simple: practical solutions, responsible leadership, and creating an environment where people are empowered to succeed.

Together, we can build a New Zealand where opportunity is within reach, where ambition is encouraged, and where the next generation can proudly say:

“My future is here.”

MY Story

From Vision to Leadership, Built on Experience and Service

Every journey begins with a purpose. Mine started with strong family values, a commitment to hard work, and a belief that real success is measured by the positive impact we create for others.

Over the years, I built an international career leading hospitality businesses across the UAE, gaining valuable experience in business operations, team leadership, customer service, and strategic growth. Those years taught me that lasting success comes from integrity, collaboration, and putting people first.

Returning to New Zealand gave me the opportunity to combine global experience with a deep passion for serving my local community. Today, I continue to grow successful businesses, support local initiatives through community involvement, and advocate for practical solutions that strengthen East Auckland.

Whether in business, community service, or public leadership, my goal remains the same—to create opportunities, build stronger connections, and leave a positive legacy for future generations.

My Values

The Principles That Guide Every Decision

My approach to business, community leadership, and public service is built on a strong foundation of values. These principles shape every decision I make, every relationship I build, and every opportunity I pursue to create a lasting, positive impact.

Integrity

Honesty, transparency, and accountability are at the heart of my leadership. I believe trust is earned through actions, consistency, and keeping every commitment.

Community

Strong communities are built through collaboration, compassion, and genuine service. I am committed to supporting local families, businesses, and organisations that make East Auckland thrive.

Leadership

Leadership is about inspiring others, making informed decisions, and creating opportunities for growth while remaining approachable and accountable.

Excellence

Whether in business or public service, I believe in continuous improvement, delivering quality outcomes, and exceeding expectations through dedication and hard work.

Service

Success is most rewarding when it benefits others. I am committed to giving back, listening to the community, and working towards practical solutions that improve everyday lives.