100 People Behind Bay Business - 2023

2023
PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS

CONTENTS
FOREWORD
3 Alan Neben, BOP Business Publications
LOCAL IDENTITIES
4 Bob Clarkson
5 Temuera Morrison
6 Dame Lisa Carrington
ACCOUNTING AND ADVISORY
7 Fiona Welten, Baker Tilly Staples Rodway
8 Gracy Qian & Alice Scapens, Ingham Mora
10 AUTOMOTIVE
BUSINESS ADVISORS
11 Dayna Hendry, Strategic Pay
12 Freddie Bennett, Conquer Group
BUSINESS BROKERS
14 Steve Catley & Theresa Eagle, Link Business
BUSINESS MEMBER ORGANISATIONS
16 Andrew Watson, Eastern Bay Chamber
of Commerce, Joanna Hall, EMA;
Kirsten Patterson, Institute of Directors in NZ;
Bryce Heard, Rotorua Business Chamber
17 CHARITIES/NOT FOR PROFIT
18 CONSTRUCTION – COMMERCIAL
COWORKING SPACES
19 Steven Vincent, Basestation; Jade Maddox,
Bloom Co; Caitriona Anderson, The Kollective;
Angeline Williams, Shared Workspace
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
20 Dr Leon Fourie, Wintec - Toi Ohomai;
Andrea Shaw, Dale Carnegie
21 FINANCIAL SERVICES
FOOD SERVICES
22 Jason & Sharon Morrissey, Gilmours Tauranga
HORTICULTURE
24 Trevelyan’s Pack & Cool
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
25 Mignon Olivier-Green, Cucumber
LAND DEVELOPMENT
26 Nick Davies & Jake Saathof, Cheal
LAW
27 Brooke Courtney, Sharp Tudhope Lawyers
28 Richard Hoare, Sharp Tudhope Lawyers
29 James Dow, Sharp Tudhope Lawyers
LOCAL GOVERNMENT – COUNCIL
30 Tauranga City Council
31 MANUFACTURING
MARINE
32 Mark Hanna & Ben Steele, Super Yacht Coatings
MARKETING
33 Steffan Hudson, Holloway Hudson Burgess
34 Chantelle Laurent, LIT Marketing; Sally Cooke,
Tuskany Agency; Reuben Woods, Woods Agency
MEDIA
35 David Porter, BOP Business Publications;
Richard Rennie, Pete Wales, Petrina Wilson,
BOP Business News
PROPERTY – COMMERCIAL
36 Matt McHardy, PMG Funds
38 Mark Hatchman, Quayside Holdings
PROPERTY – RESIDENTIAL
40 Jason Eves, Oliver Road
41 Ben Hawan, Oliver Road
42 Cam Winter, Oliver Road
RECRUITMENT
44 Renee Hanley, Liz Kennedy, Natalie Milne, Lynda
Stewart - Ryan + Alexander Consulting
45 Kellie Hamlett, Talent ID; Holly Oppers, Talent ID
TECHNOLOGY - SOFTWARE
46 Nicole Brooky, Swipedon
TOURISM
48 Oscar Nathan, Tourism Bay of Plenty
VENUES
50 Chad Hooker, Tina Harris-Ririnui, Samantha
Wilkie, Adam Ellmers, Kristen Brown, Paul
Dunphy, Bay Venues
BOPBUSINESS
PUBLICATIONS
Publisher: Alan Neben, Phone 021 733 536, alan@bopbusinessnews.co.nz
Bay of Plenty Business Publications Limited, PO Box 155, Tauranga 3144
info@bopbusinessnews.co.nz, www.bopbusinessnews.co.nz
2 | 100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023

100 PEOPLE: AN EASY ASK
As it is anywhere, business success in the Bay of Plenty isn’t just about having the fastest
machine, the biggest building or the coolest social media posts – success is often down to the
great people behind a business; not just the managing director, or the high-flying CEO, but the
individuals in all parts of an organisation who make things happen and ensure every customer
experience is a great one.
Year Book 2022 was hugely successful,
last year featuring a record number of
businesses.
But a message came back to us loud
and clear from Year Book readers: ‘We love hearing
about the best businesses in the Bay, but we’d
really like to hear more about their people; their
back-stories and their philosophies. We’d like to
know more about where they come from and what
motivates them.’
We listened, and so the idea for ‘100 People’ was
born. As publisher, I immediately became anxious:
“Will we be able to find 100 suitable people to
profile?”
Thankfully, the answer came quickly, and the
question soon changed from, “Can we find 100
people?” to, “Who will we have to leave off the 100
list?”
The result is this magazine and e-zine – 100
PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS – 100 individuals
across 27 industries.
WHERE TO BEGIN?
Our team sat down over a coffee in a local café a
couple of month’s ago and agreed we wanted to
begin the first issue of ‘100 People’ by profiling
some well-known Bay of Plenty ‘people’ – not just
‘businesspeople’ – but individuals who whakapapa
to the Bay of Plenty and who have excelled in their
chosen fields.
We selected three individuals with specific
connections to Tauranga, Rotorua and Whakatane,
male and female, each at very different stages in
their careers and each with incredible credentials
across a range of disciplines, from sport and
entertainment to business and politics.
to shy from a challenge. Although Bob may be less
well-known to younger readers, his contribution to
the development of modern Tauranga cannot be
overstated – monumental (see page 4).
And finally, born in Rotorua, Hollywood superstar
Temuera Morrison (see page 5) – few people can
claim to have had more influence on New Zealand’s
popular television culture than the man whose
character provoked those famous words, “You’re
not in Guatemala now Doctor Ropata.”
100 PERCENT 100 PEOPLE
For the doubters amongst you, yes, there are
definitely 100 individuals featured in this issue
… you’re welcome to count them.
Although the ‘class of 2023’ is
ALL class, we know there
are easily another 100
waiting in the wings
… but let’s not be
side-tracked by 100
People 2024 just yet!
Enjoy the read.
Alan Neben,
Publisher
ANYTHING BUT ORDINARY
Hailing from Ōhope Beach , Dame Lisa Carrington,
New Zealand’s most prolific winner of Olympic
gold needs little introduction (see page 6). Dame
Lisa has provided New Zealanders of all ages with
a sense of pride: she is a great Kiwi icon who has
inspired every one of us.
One of Tauranga’s most influential (and
controversial) firebrand businesspeople of the
last 40 years, Bob Clarkson CNZM was never one
100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023 | 3

BOB CLARKSON
Influential businessman, sportsman, and politician—often controversial.
Bob Clarkson did not sit around and wait for things to come his way.
From humble beginnings, Clarkson became
a force to be reckoned with in the Bay of
Plenty. Some would say his greatest gift to
the Bay of Plenty is the Baypark Stadium
(now known as the Trustpower Baypark Stadium)
which he finished building in 2001, at a cost just shy
of $15 million of his own money. The stadium has
been home to various sports, including speedway
racing, rugby, and football. He sold the stadium to
the Tauranga council in 2007.
In 2020, Clarkson offloaded his extensive
industrial and rural property portfolio for $200
million in one of the biggest property transactions
ever in the Bay of Plenty.
THE EARLY YEARS
Born on 25 March 1939 in Gisborne, Robert
Moncrieff Clarkson was raised on his parents’ diary
farm near Gisborne. He attended Gisborne Boy’s
High School for two years before, at age fifteen, he
left school to qualify as a fitter and turner in 1958.
At first working in the family tractor business,
Clarkson later went to the Waikato where he
assisted as an engineer in carving out Kaimai
Tunnel. Eventually, he began selling and servicing
tractors in Matamata. He made the bulk of his
money importing and fitting V8 motors from the
United States. After nine years, he moved into
commercial building and construction.
PROVINCIAL HOCKEY, OLYMPICS, STOCK CAR
RACING, AND DRAGSTER TITLES
Clarkson played field hockey for the Poverty Bay
provincial team. He was standby goalkeeper for
the New Zealand team that took gold at the 1976
Montreal Summer Olympics in 1976.
His interest in cars and racing saw him become
a member of the New Zealand Stock Car Racing
Team from 1968 to 1971. He also held seven New
Zealand/Australian titles in drag racing between
1972 and 1975.
MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT
Being a long-time member of the National Party at
the time, he was recruited to contest the Tauranga
seat against Winston Peters in 2005. Peters had
held the seat for 21 years.
Bob Clarkson won the seat with a 2.02% (730
votes) lead over Winston Peters. Most notably, he
was the National Party Associate Spokesperson,
Building and Construction and Associate
Spokesperson, Housing, both from 2005 to 8
November 2008. He resigned from his political
career in 2008. In 2011 he defected to Act, but never
represented the Act Party in an election.
COURTING CONTROVERSY
Clarkson’s outspoken nature has often invited
controversy. Winston Peters accused Clarkson of
spending more than is allowed on his campaign.
However, the high court found in Clarkson’s favour.
Although some of his comments, both in
parliament and various interviews, offended
various groups he has never been one to shy away
from saying what he thought, even if it did result in
him sometimes ending up in ‘hot water’.
He wanted to develop a multi-million-dollar
residential community (2000-odd houses with 500
‘discounted’ to be affordable homes for Tauranga
families) alongside the Wairoa River, but was
held up by rezoning and consenting issues which
eventually forced him to let the ambitious plan go.
CNZM
Bob Clarkson was appointed a Companion of
the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to
Philanthropy, Industrial Properties, and the Sports
Stadium 2003.
4 | 100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023

TEMUERA MORRISON
Question: What does a
doctor, a violent drunk, a
stormtrooper, and a space
traveling bounty hunter have
in common?
Answer: Temuera Morrison,
award winning actor and
singer, originally from
Rotorua.
FROM ROTORUA TO HOLLYWOOD
Temuera Derek Morrison was born in Rotorua
in 1960 to Hana Morrison and musician Laurie
Morrison (Sir Howard Morrison’s brother). He grew
up in Ohakune and graduated from the Massey
University with a degree in drama. He trained in
drama under the New Zealand Special Performing
Arts Training Scheme.
An 11-year-old Temuera Morrison was given his
first role in a British TV series Rangi’s Catch after
being spotted performing for tourists in Rotorua.
The series, seen in New Zealand cinemas as a
shortened movie version, was filmed by expat Kiwi
director Michael Forlong.
It was the start of an impressive list of local and
international roles ranging from comedy to dark
drama. His film titles include Never Say Die, Barb
Wire, Little White Lies, Speed 2: Cruise Control,
Vertical limit, Crooked Earth, The Beautiful Country,
The Green Lantern, and Aquaman to name but a
few. Later this year he will appear in The Flash and
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.
Temuera Morrison became a household name
when he portrayed Dr. Hone Ropata on Shortland
Street, but he gained critical acclaim internationally
as Jake “The Muss” Heke in Once Were Warriors in
1994, a role he reprised in the 1999 sequel What
becomes of the Broken Hearted?
STAR WARS
Morrison appeared as the bounty hunter Jango
Fett in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones
(2002); he also provided the voice for Jango Fett
clones. Since then, he has portrayed Jango Fett
in four more movies in the Stars Wars Franchise.
He rerecorded the lines of Boba Fett (Jango Fett’s
son for the remastered 2004 DVD collection of the
original Stars Wars trilogy.
Boba Fett became a bigger role than his father,
in fact he got his own Disney+ series called The
Book of Boba Fett, with Morrison portraying the
titular character. Morrison joked, “I worked hard on
the physical side…some of these fans were calling
me Boba Fat.”
STAGE AND SONG
In addition to his film and television work, Morrison
has starred in stage productions of Hamlet, Othello,
and King Lear, as well as several contemporary
plays. Morrison is also a successful singer and
songwriter, having released two albums.
AWARDS
Although nominated for awards several times, his
role as Jake Heke earned him a Best Actor Award at
the 1994 New Zealand Film and TV Awards.
He was also appointed a Member of the New
Zealand Order of Merit, for services to drama, in the
1996 Queen’s Birthday Honours.
Morrison is considered one of New Zealand’s
most accomplished actors and has been praised
for his versatility and commitment to his craft. He
currently lives in New Zealand and divides his time
filming here, in Australia, and in the United States.
100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023 | 5

PHOTO JO CAIRD, UNDER ARMOUR NZ
DAME LISA CARRINGTON
Dame Lisa Carrington, world champion
kayaker and New Zealand’s most decorated
Olympian of all time, played netball growing
up and dreamed of being a Silver Fern.
She is a six-time Olympic medallist, having
won five gold medals and one bronze in three
consecutive Olympics. In addition, she has
collected 14 gold, 5 silver, and 2 bronze World
championship medals. She also won the Lonsdale
Cup three times.
PADDLING TO THE OLYMPICS
Carrington, from Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki and Ngāti
Porou and European descent, was born on 23 June
1989 in Tauranga and raised in Ōhope Beach. She
attended Whakatane High School and Massey
University in Albany. She has a Bachelor of Arts
degree, majoring in Politics and Māori Studies, as
well as a Graduate Diploma in Psychology, and is
studying for a Masters in Psychology.
A typical Kiwi kid, Dame Lisa played netball in
winter and surf-lifesaving in summer. She was good
at netball and won national surf life-saving medals.
“I wanted to be a Silver Fern,” Carrington told Sport
New Zealand during an interview. “If you play a
sport, you want to be the best.”
Her first experience of rowing was paddling a
surf ski. Her mother Glynnis told Sport Illustrated,
how much time the young Lisa spent in the waves
practicing on her surf ski. “It was just that drive to
be out there and practice.” The practice paid off
when she won a national surf ski race at age 16.
Her father, Pat, encouraged her to try canoeing.
He signed her up for a kayaking camp on a lake
near Ōhope. One of the coaches, four-time gold
medallist Ian Fergusson, later said she was a
natural. The future Olympian entered the national
championships in Auckland later that same year
(2007)—borrowing a kayak from a fellow racer.
Dame Lisa won her first Olympic gold in the K1
– 200m Women’s event at the London Olympics in
2012. Since then she added gold to her Olympic tally
for this event at both the Rio Olympics (2016) and
the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. She also won Olympic
gold for K1 – 500m Women (2020) and K2 – 500m
Women in 2020.
HONOURS, AWARDS, AND A DAMEHOOD
Described by Sports Illustrated as “quietly humble,
yet furiously driven”, she was made a Member of
the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2013 and Dame
Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for
services to canoe racing, in 2022.
She was named Halberg Sportswoman of the
year 5 times (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022), Halberg
Sportswoman of the Decade: 2021, and received
the Halberg Supreme Award in 2016 and 2022.
In 2021 she was named the most influential
Māori Sports Personality of the past 30 years.
Previously she was awarded Māori Sportswoman of
the Year 6 times and Overall Māori Sportsperson of
the Year 6 times.
Dame Lisa currently lives in Auckland with her
husband Michael and their dog, Colin.
6 | 100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023

ACCOUNTING AND ADVISORY
| PEOPLE
FIONA WELTEN
director, Baker Tilly Staples Rodway
Quality questions get rewarding results.
When Fiona Welten was a
schoolgirl, she wanted
to become a lawyer or an
accountant. A stint as an
assistant hairdresser tipped her towards
the latter. She’d been hired to sweep,
wash hair and make tea, but ended
up doing the bookwork, relishing the
chance to help “run” the business.
Now she’s been an accountant for 32
years with Baker Tilly Staples Rodway
Tauranga and its predecessors. She’s
a Business Advisory Services director,
who’s also raised children, paved the way
for other working mums, and established
business relationships across the Bay of
Plenty.
She’s captivated by the variety in her
career and loves hearing clients talk
about their lives and work so that she
can help tailor paths to their goals.
Along the way she’s been inspired
by others and brought those learnings
into her own approach: Things like the
importance of leading with kindness
and a level head, cultivating a fun yet
motivated work environment, and not
sweating the small stuff.
With the latter, she advises
“delving into the reasons for your
feelings because sometimes what
you’re concentrating on is only a
manifestation… It’s why I like to keep
asking questions, because then you
get to the real problem and have more
meaningful conversations”.
Her colleagues say her biggest
strengths are strategic thinking, getting
to the heart of issues, and simplifying
them for others. “Her most endearing
thing is her laugh,” says fellow director
Ian Renner.
That positivity helps her take life in
her stride. A keen entertainer who loves
cooking new and innovative meals, on
rare occasions when they don’t go well,
she serves an extra drink for guests and
breezes on through. Outside of that,
she loves reading, and on a fine day, you
might see her on her e-bike or at sea
with her husband.
100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023 | 7

ACCOUNTING & ADVISORY | PEOPLE
INGHAM MORA
introducing GRACY QIAN AND ALICE SCAPENS
Bay of Plenty’s largest independent accounting practice, Ingham Mora, put forward two of their
most exciting young associates as personalities for this year’s 100 People. Alice Scapens and Gracy
Qian each have a wealth of experience and fascinating personal stories they are pleased to share.
GRACY QIAN
associate
Ingham Mora associate Gracy Qian has overcome
numerous challenges over the last 21 years
through sheer determination and hard work.
She travelled from China and lived alone
in New Zealand from a young age, studying and
graduating with first class honours, then building
a successful professional accounting career
here – it has been a journey marked by numerous
achievements.
“Having lived and studied in Christchurch after
relocating from Beijing 21 years ago, by comparison
I found Tauranga incredibly open and inviting,” she
says. “I love working with business owners in the
Bay of Plenty – they are warm and knowledgeable
and many of them have become like family to me
over the last 13 years.”
Gracy joined Ingham Mora in August 2022 and
says she is enjoying the team culture and getting
to know her colleagues. “I am also really enjoying
building relationships with the small medium
enterprise (SME) owners. Many are ‘Mum and Dad’
family business owner-operators, which means we
can build more intimate working relationships than
is usual in the corporate sector.”
Gracy is a chartered accountant who holds a
Bachelor of Commerce with first class honours.
She joined Ingham Mora from a ‘big four’ accounting
firm where she had worked her way up over 12
years. She enjoys working with startup business
owners, helping with business structure and
strategy planning matters and adding value to their
businesses.
Most of her clients are family-owned businesses
in retail, horticulture, trade, hospitality and
property investment.
Having been born in Beijing, she can speak
fluent Mandarin. This enables her to translate
and communicate technical and non-technical
messages in Mandarin.
When asked, “What have been your
most significant professional and personal
achievements?”, Gracy is philosophical: “My
entire life has been a progression of significant
achievements,” she says.
“My greatest single achievement is becoming
the person I am today.”
And as far as future achievements may go,
“Ultimately, I’d like to one day make partner at
Ingham Mora. I’d like to help grow the business in
a way that ensures the staff and the clients are
happy,” she says.
On the subject of future long-term personal
8 | 100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023

achievements, “That’s easy - I’d like to have a
family reunion and sponsor Mum and Dad to come
to New Zealand.”
A personal goal that everyone who knows
Gracy agrees she has well and truly earned.
ALICE SCAPENS
associate
“I Alice Scapens.
love the Bay, and I particularly love the
weather in the Bay – except ‘this’ summer
of course,” jokes Ingham Mora associate
Alice has been with Ingham Mora since 2014.
Tauranga born and bred, she left the region to
study, then went on to work in tourism in Rotorua
before returning to Tauranga for further study
and work. The self-confessed boating and fishing
fanatic is convinced there’s no better place for her
and her family than Tauranga Moana.
Alice admits that with the pressure of a
professional accounting career she is grateful
her wife Tracy willingly takes on a lot of the ‘heavy
lifting’ when it comes to the care of their two
young children.
At risk of being labelled a geek, she readily
admits that she loves the software and the
‘fabulous’ tools available in the modern business
and accounting environment.
“I thrive on extracting good information
and generating quality business data to help
businesses help themselves.
“I like to be looking forward, helping to shape
good outcomes for the future using the best
available tools rather than just looking back.”
She is excited that cloud-based accounting
software is helping put more power in the hands
of business owners; for Alice this means she can
have higher-level input and more impact on her
clients’ business performance as a result - “That’s
a win all round,” she says.
Another pet passion of Alice’s is her work
for not-for-profit sector. She has worked for
numerous not-for-profit groups over the years
and finds it extremely satisfying to be part of
helping them do what they do.
“It feels good to share my expertise for the
benefit of the wider community,” she says.
Alice is a specialist in Xero, tax planning,
business advisory services, and cashflow and
budgeting – she provides her clients with more
than just traditional compliance needs.
“I like to think I offer expert business advice
that can help my clients thrive in business and in
life in general. Every business owner is looking for
different outcomes. I enjoy partnering with my
clients to help them achieve their goals, whether
those goals be rapid business growth, or simply
more time at the beach with their family.”
Alice is keen to grow her base of clients
further. “I’ve worked my way up from student/
accountant, intermediate, team-leader and then
to associate - ultimately I’d love to be able to grow
and give more in a partner role one day.”
Share your business journey with us - call today.
100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023 | 9

AUTOMOTIVE | PEOPLE
ROGER
MATTHEWS
Group Fleet Liaison Manager,
Farmer AutoVillage
After almost 30 years as Farmer
Nissan new car sales manager Roger
has handed over the reins to Martin
Nunes as Dealer Principal of Farmer
Nissan, Roger has now taken up the
new role of Fleet Liaison manager for
the group three days a week. Roger
will be the key contact for Farmer
Autovillage’s fleet customers both
existing and future. Contact Roger for
any fleet requirements.
STEVEN VINCENT
Founder, GoTo Car Share
Steven has been an advocate of the
sharing economy for most of his
working life. GoTo Car Share is an
extension of that philosophy and was
created to bring innovation and disrupt
the way businesses utilise a “corporate
fleet” and how we travel within a
thriving city.
GAVIN SEBIRE
General Manager,
Ingham-Sears
Leading the team at Ingham-Sears –
the authorised Mercedes-Benz retailer
for the Bay of Plenty region – Gavin
has a wealth of experience in the
premium automotive industry and
a strong background in the finance
sector. When he’s not at work, you can
find the approachable family man out
walking his gorgeous dog, Ziggy, on
local beaches.
MIKE RANSTEAD
Branch Manager, Lexus of
Tauranga
Why do I love the automotive
industry? It’s simple, I get to quite
simply share my enthusiasm for it
with our customers, and providing a
level of customer service that befits
the Lexus brand. My wife Shelley
and myself spend our leisure out in
our amazing countryside, camping,
cycling, hiking, kayaking or paddle
boarding.
BRAD MCKENZIE
CEO, Nicholson Autos
Brad started in automotive at 17
through a Gateway Programme at
his local high school. He has worked
in parts, service, finance, and sales
before becoming one of New Zealand’s
youngest Dealer Principals at 26.
Despite his success in business and
sport, Brad’s proudest achievement is
his family; sharing three children with
his wife, Amie.
KIM WOODLAND
Service Supervisor, Pacific
Toyota – Tauranga Branch
Kim is one of Pacific Toyota’s friendly
faces in the Service department. If
you have visited us, you are likely to
have seen her warm smile and helpful
nature. Outside of her job Kim values
family time and enjoys being a mum
to her young daughter. In July Kim will
celebrate 10 years with Pacific Toyota.
10 | 100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023

BUSINESS ADVISORS | PEOPLE
DAYNA HENDRY
consultant, strategic pay
One thing that is abundantly clear when talking to
Strategic Pay’s Dayna Hendry – she is passionate about
the field of remuneration.
When she’s not facilitating
‘hands-on’ business
team training with client
organisations, Dayna
Hendry is often ‘head-down’ analysing
national and international remuneration
data, specific industry trends, skill
shortages and reward packages.
“These are changing times,” she says.
“Creativity is absolutely a key
ingredient when responding to wage
pressures now. So I make sure our
clients are exceptionally well-informed
and aware of the realities, expectations,
and options available in the current
environment, ” she says.
BUSY DAYS AND CHANGING TIMES
“There is a lot of uncertainty at present,
especially with inflationary movements.
People are regularly asking me, ‘are wage
movements equivalent to inflation?’
“And then there is the political
dimension, with the likes of increases to
minimum wage levels - business people
want advice and guidance on how to
navigate these things.”
Staff shortages in many industries
have exacerbated the pressure on
employers. Dayna has been with
Strategic Pay’s northern consulting
team based in Tauranga for two years.
She has lived in Tauranga since she was
a teenager, with a brief career stint in
Auckland, so while not born in the Bay,
she definitely considers herself a ‘Bay
local’.
She holds a Bachelor of Business,
majoring in Human Resource
Management.
Dayna spent five years in generalist
human resources (HR) roles in local
government and tertiary education
before joining Strategic Pay.
Her extensive remuneration
experience includes job evaluation,
benchmarking and planning and
implementation of organisational-wide
remuneration solutions.
She believes her own experience as a
generalist HR business partner for public
sector organisations has been invaluable
in providing a broad ‘economy-wide’
overview of the remuneration sector.
PUBLIC SECTOR EXPERIENCE A BONUS
“It’s been quite a shift moving to the
specialist remuneration field from large
public sector organisation roles – at
Strategic Pay we’re leaner with a wide
cross-section of client organisations,”
she notes.
Strategic Pay is a specialist
nationwide firm providing innovative
solutions to organisations for
their strategic remuneration,
performance development and
performance improvement needs.
The 100 percent New Zealand-owned
company has expertise in all key
market sectors – private, public and
not-for profit. They help improve
organisations’ overall performance by
ensuring employee effort, remuneration
and rewards are closely aligned with
business objectives.
The company works alongside
businesses to provide compelling
“I MAKE SURE
OUR CLIENTS ARE
EXCEPTIONALLY WELL-
INFORMED AND AWARE OF THE
REALITIES, EXPECTATIONS, AND
OPTIONS AVAILABLE IN THE
CURRENT ENVIRONMENT.”
propositions that attract, retain and
motivate the best people.
Remote working, particularly in the IT
sector, is one example Dayna points to
as evidence of a change in thinking for
businesses.
“This represents a real change
in culture for many mainstream
businesses. I work remotely – I believe
I’m a good example of how the ‘remote
working revolution’ can be a real benefit
to both workers and employers.
“Sure, remote working won’t work for
every business and every employee, but
it certainly can offer real benefits for the
right ones.”
Although balancing her personal and
professional life has its challenges – she
has twelve-year-old twin daughters –
Dayna is philosophical: “The advantages
of my remote working situation mean I
can perform better professionally and be
a better Mum – that’s a win:win!”
In her spare time, you’ll find Dayna’s
family wakeboarding in summer and
skiing in winter – but you can be sure,
creative remuneration ideas will never
be far from her mind.
100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023 | 11

BUSINESS ADVISORS | PEOPLE
FREDDIE BENNETT
Managing Director, CONQUER Group
“EVERY ACCOUNTANT
DESERVES THE FREEDOM
TO FULFIL THEIR POTENTIAL.
I HELP MAKE THAT HAPPEN.
WE FOCUS ON TRANSFORMING
KNOWLEDGE, MINDSET
AND HABITS SO THE SALES
UPLIFT, THE CONFIDENCE, THE
PRODUCTIVITY, THE CAPACITY,
RESILIENCE AND RETENTION
ALL HAPPENS AS AN OUTCOME
OF WHAT WE DELIVER.”
Guinness World Record Holder, bestselling author, global podcast host, Ironman and
ultramarathon winner who has run across the Sahara Desert. Freddie Bennett is conquering
his toughest challenge yet: Saving the accounting industry.
Freddie learned about decision-making when a
drug dealer held a loaded gun to his head and
pulled the trigger.
He learned about resilience when he went
from being a stressed, unfit, overweight senior
manager at a ‘big4’ accounting firm, to running
300km across the scorching Sahara Desert,
completing the world’s toughest footrace.
He learned about stepping out of his comfort
zone when, two years ago, he moved his rapidly
growing business from the UK to New Zealand
– where he had no contacts, no clients…and no
option but to make it work.
And over years of trial and error, practice,
failure and mastery, Freddie learned the
secret to solving a near-impossible problem …
transforming accountants into confident, trusted,
entrepreneurial business advisors who (whisper it)
love to sell and deliver for their clients.
“I’M AN ACCOUNTANT, NOT A SALESMAN!”
Five years ago, Freddie was in the UK, eying up a
partnership position at a global accounting firm.
He’d spent over 15 years helping businesses
like PwC, KPMG, Accenture, Coca-Cola, Microsoft,
Virgin Atlantic, Heineken, HP generate over $200
million additional client revenue.
On the surface, life looked great. Inside,
however, Freddie was falling apart. He was
stressed, depressed, overweight, drinking heavily…
and felt there was no way out.
“I was sick and tired of not fulfilling my potential”,
he explains. “I knew I had a lot to offer my business
and my clients, but I just wasn’t making it happen.
I wasn’t confident in client meetings. I had real
trouble setting boundaries and saying ‘no’…which
meant I was giving my time away for free or facing
awkward invoicing conversations. I never had
enough capacity to deliver - always busy, constantly
spinning plates and fighting fires…but never truly
achieving.”
Freddie’s toughest challenge, however, involved
sales and marketing.
“I hated sales”, he laughed. “Even the mention of
the word would make me shiver with awkwardness.
Selling was slimy, and sleazy … something from
12 | 100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023

a used-car dealership. I didn’t feel confident. I
wasn’t outgoing or entrepreneurial or born with this
natural ability to convince, negotiate, or sell. My
bosses were frustrated. I was depressed.”
Then a chance conversation with a board
member of his firm changed everything.
“He said, ‘I’m an accountant, not a salesman’”,
Freddie recalls.
“That sparked something in my mind. I thought:
what if we could disrupt that assumption? What
if we could create talented accountants and
client managers who loved to sell, AND could
take ownership of their roles so they were never
hamstrung by capacity shortages or skills gaps ever
again?”
The task felt impossible. Thankfully, impossible’
is what Freddie does best. So he launched his
business, CONQUER, to empower accountants to
conquer their mindset, skillset and habits so they
could win the sales game.
SELLING THE SECRETS
Freddie became a man on a mission.
He travelled the world searching for not just
cutting-edge sales and marketing techniques,
but also to develop his own mastery learning from
world class experts in psychology, neuroscience,
high-performance sport, the advertising industry
and even Hollywood. Then he took this knowledge
and applied his accounting industry expertise.
The result? The world’s leading sales,
communication and mindset programme designed
specifically for accounting firms.
Freddie’s promise is simple: He gives
accountants the skills, mindset and habits to
generate a minimum additional $20,000 advisory
revenue per month … plus the resource capacity
to deliver the work. His success has led to working
with clients across New Zealand, endorsements
from industry bodies and cutting-edge Kiwi
companies such as The Gap. This meteoric rise has
led some industry insiders to make the bold claim:
Freddie Bennett is the saviour of the accounting
industry.
So what’s the secret?
Freddie explains; “accounting and advisory sales
is a complex mixture of art and science.”
Accounting firms could give their team access
to the most expensive, generic sales, marketing
and communications training, the most prestigious
platforms, portals and seminars, but … if they still
think like accountants, if they still tell themselves,
“this won’t work for me”, if they still use a timid,
unconfident, victim mindset to engage clients, if
they just sit in generic training sessions without
any long-term support or accountability, …they
will never change. And neither will their accounting
firm.
“So we don’t just transform the way accountants
sell, communicate, market and engage with clients,
we transform the way they THINK.”
They can see things others can’t see, connect
the dots, create their own compelling advisory
offers and challenge their clients in such a way
that these businesses are approaching them for
advisory work, not the other way around.
Once an accounting team has this power, they
can generate client revenue on demand, and go
from ‘good’ to ‘great’ in their lives, careers and
across their firm.
As a result, his clients have a unique skillset and
mindset that can’t be copied or matched by any
other business, and that also stands the test of
time in an constantly evolving accounting industry.
But is it too good to be true?
ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE
When asked if he really is ‘the saviour of the
accounting industry’, Freddie laughs and shakes his
head. “‘Saviour’ sounds a bit too self-indulgent for
the accounting world. ‘Freedom fighter’ might be
closer to the mark.
“Every accountant deserves the freedom to fulfil
their potential. I help make that happen. We focus
on transforming knowledge, mindset and habits so
the sales uplift, the confidence, the productivity,
the capacity, resilience and retention all happens as
an outcome of what we deliver.”
What makes Freddie unique is that in a world
of empty promises, cookie-cutter motivational
phrases and generic training courses, he steps into
a world of discomfort to prove anything is possible.
Listed in the Guinness Book of World Records
(he’s officially the fastest fisherman on the planet,
for running a marathon in gumboots), running 100
miles non-stop in the Tarawera ultramarathon,
crossing the Sahara desert, a bestselling book, the
launch of the world’s #1 podcast for the accounting
industry, ‘Make it Count’ - Freddie’s actions dispel
the myth that accountants can’t do whatever they
put their minds to. So what’s next?
Simple: Freddie is going to empower 10,000
accountants to transform the way they think,
behave, sell and deliver.
…and embark on a 300km run across the
North Pole next year, just to prove his point. As, he
reminds us: “If you want the things you’ve never had
before…then you must do the things you’ve never
done before”
www.conqueryourmedia.com
freddie@conqueryourmedia.com
100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023 | 13

BUSINESS BROKING | PEOPLE
STEVE CATLEY
broker, link business
Steve Catley understands the complexities of preparing a business
for sale. Committed to excellence, when you’re working with
Steve, you can feel assured that your business in the best hands!
“MY APPROACH TO
BUSINESS WAS BOTH
DEVELOPED AND NURTURED
IN MY EARLY DAYS AT BP. IT
IS SOMETHING THAT HAS HELD
ME IN GREAT STEAD.”
A
proud Bay of Plenty local, Steve spent
26 years at BP in a variety of roles
including operations, storage & handling
and nationwide fuel distribution. One
of Steve’s many career highlights was managing
Wiri Oil Services (an industry-owned storage and
distribution centre) which processes almost two
billion litres of fuel each year.
After leaving BP Oil, Steve bought into a
Tauranga manufacturing company, later taking
up full ownership. Over his 17 years of
ownership, Steve developed the
operation into a $1M+ business
before successfully selling it
through LINK in 2018.
Impressed with how his
LINK broker managed the sale
process, Steve subsequently
joined LINK as a business
broker himself. He has twice
received company-wide
recognition and was recognised
for excellence in 2022 when
he achieved LINK’s
Chairmans Club
status, an
accolade
only
awarded to the top business brokers within LINK’s
wide network.
One of the constants over Steve’s career is his
love of motor racing. He is an avid fan of Formula
One (F1), Indy Car and Australian V8 Supercars.
Steve has attended a number of Grand Prix events
in Australia and the Indy 500 in the USA. He also
regularly serves as Support/Pit Crew for a friend
who often participates in local race meets.
Another constant throughout Steve’s career
is his approach to business and to life. Steve
is detailed and process-focused, calm under
pressure and professional. “My approach to
business was both developed and nurtured in my
early days at BP. It is something that has held me
in great stead; especially now when I’m brokering
the purchase and sale of multi-million-dollar
businesses,” Steve says.
Steve combines his steady manner with strong
interpersonal and communication skills, guiding
business owners in the sale of their business, an
experience that many have not previously had.
“Those who have used Steve Catley to sell
their business all emphasise his professionalism,
his communication skills, the clear method and
his friendly approach taken throughout the sale
process,” says Steve Matthews, LINK’s NZ Business
Development Manager .
Having both prepared his own business for sale
and brokered a large number of sales as a LINK
business broker, Steve certainly understands the
complexities and processes involved in the sale of
a high value business.
This knowledge, combined with his steady
methodical personality, natural professionalism,
reassuring manner and personal communication
skills typically proves invaluable when it comes to
achieving the best results.
Craig McCulloch of Prime Strategies Group
says, “I have now recommended Steve three times
when clients of mine have decided to sell their
businesses. My advice both to my clients and to
others looking to sell their high value business
is simple – contact Steve Catley!”
14 | 100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023

THERESA EAGLE
broker, link business
Theresa Eagle of LINK Bay of Plenty is regarded as one of the top business brokers not
only in New Zealand, but internationally too. However, you’d only realise the depth of
her success if you sifted through her impressive stack of accolades. When you engage
with her, she’s humble, professional & committed to delivering the best possible results
regardless of the business, client, or value.
A
20-year career in hands-on business
management and ownership eventually
led Theresa to LINK Business Brokers
following the sale of her business.
Since her strong arrival into the world of
brokering, she has garnered a reputation for
excellence which is reflected in her enviable
upwards trajectory. Her method towards doing
business is simple, but certainly effective:
transparency, reliability and a pragmatic approach!
Theresa’s business ownership experience has
given her first-hand knowledge and genuine insight
not often afforded so authentically to prospective
buyers and sellers.
“I know what it’s like to be in the position that my
clients are in. I bring a lived perspective that buyers
“I KNOW WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE IN THE POSITION
THAT MY CLIENTS ARE IN. I BRING A LIVED
PERSPECTIVE THAT BUYERS AND SELLERS CAN
APPRECIATE AND FIND COMFORT IN. THAT SHARED
EXPERIENCE BRINGS ANOTHER DIMENSION TO MY ROLE.”
and sellers can appreciate and find comfort in.
That shared experience brings another dimension
to my role,” says Eagle.
Don’t bother trying to box Theresa in, her skills
shine across several industries and you’ll swiftly
learn that there’s much more to her than meets
the eye. Possessing a unique skillset, Theresa’s
stand-out abilities include her knack for numbers,
understanding motivations and maintaining longterm
relationships with clients 3-5 years before
selling.
Dedicated to simplifying what is categorically a
difficult process, Theresa consistently puts those
who work with her at ease.
“There’s no room for nonsense in this industry,”
Theresa says.
“Buying or selling a business is the biggest
transaction imaginable, so clients respond well to
forthrightness. I’ve always been that way, so it was
natural for me to approach business through that
same perspective and I’m fortunate that it’s been
well-received by my clients.
“It’s afforded me with the opportunity to
work with a lot of great people doing
what I love to do,” she says.
Viewing her home’s business
landscape through a passionate
lens, Theresa says, “businesses
are the lifeblood of the Bay
of Plenty, so to be involved in
keeping the region healthy and
active is incredibly exciting. That
aspect is rewarding for me not just
as a broker, but as a proud local
too.”
Theresa’s apt last name
suggests maybe she was
destined to be a business
broker. Keeping an eagle eye on
all parts of the process, from
the appraisal to handover,
her clients cannot fault
her sharp attention to
detail and commitment to
navigating a seamless deal
for buyers and sellers.
With a big-picture outlook
on business and life, it’s no
wonder that the hundreds
of clients who’ve entrusted
Theresa Eagle to guide them
through a major milestone
feel nothing but absolute
confidence in her capable
hands.
Take Take control control of your of your future.
Buy Buy your your own own business.
0800 225 999
0800 225 999
LINKBUSINESS.CO.NZ
100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023 | 15

BUSINESS MEMBER ORGANISATIONS | PEOPLE
ANDREW WATSON
gM, eastern bay chamber of commerce
The Eastern Bay Chamber
of Commerce provides local
businesses with the support,
advocacy and opportunities they
need to thrive.
Based in Whakatāne but
serving the entire region, we
are a small but enthusiastic
team, committed to helping
our member businesses to
grow, benefitting the entire
community. Andrew Watson is
the General Manager and has been leading the team since
mid-2022 but has been a member since arriving in the region
several years ago.
Andrew brings to the Chamber a strong background
leading IT service teams having led IT support businesses
within Fujitsu, Unisys, and AT&T as well as eight years as the IT
Operations Manager for a NZ based Insurance Company. More
recently, he was the Manager, Driver and Operator Training for
Toi EDA, the Eastern Bay of Plenty Economic Development
Agency, where his role was to promote driver training and
support locals into sustainable employment within our region.
It is this passion for helping others that has led to Andrew
taking on the role within the Chamber.
www.ebopchamber.co.nz
KIRSTEN PATTERSON
chief executive, institute of Directors in NZ
Kirsten leads New Zealand’s
professional body for governance,
the Institute of Directors (IoD).
The IoD is at the heart of New
Zealand’s governance community.
It supports directors to add value
to their organisations and wider
communities, and prepares them
to positively transform the future.
She is a qualified lawyer, a
Chartered Member of the IoD
and a Distinguished Fellow of the
Human Resources Institute of New Zealand.
Her governance roles include:
• co-deputy Chair, Global Network of Directors Institutes (GNDI)
• chair, Brian Picot Ethical Leadership advisory board
• trustee, Voices of Hope
• board member, XRAP Advisory Panel, External Reporting
Board (XRB)
• ambassador, Wellington Homeless Women’s Trust.
A strong advocate of diversity, Kirsten was a founding
member of Global Women’s “Champions for Change”, a group of
senior executives and directors who commit to diversity in the
workplace, and a founding member of WiSPA, an organisation
promoting women in sport.
www.iod.org.nz
JOANNA HALL
senior policy advisor, ema
A Tauranga local, I’ve been based
here working for the EMA for
over five years. I first headed up
ExportNZ, then worked as BOP
Regional Manager, and I now work
in our policy team where we look
at issues affecting businesses
in the Bay and the wider EMA
region.
For many local businesses,
their productivity has been
hugely impacted by the current
skills and talent shortages.
We launched a Skills Shortage Survey in partnership with
Malcolm Pacific Immigration to begin 2023. The survey data
provided us with fantastic insights into how businesses in
the region are looking to solve their skills gaps, whether it
be through upskilling current staff, utilising immigration, or
considering new talent pipelines e.g., youth engagement or
apprentices.
The data from our survey along with your feedback will
enable us to continue shaping our policy positions and allow
us to advocate for change on your behalf with Government.
Please get in touch if you’d like to see how the EMA can
support your business.
www.ema.co.nz
BRYCE HEARD
ceo, rotorua business chamber
During the 1980s through to
2005, Bryce was well known as
a forest industry leader. He held
positions as chief executive of
Tasman Forestry and Forest
Research (now Scion) during
these years. He also presided
over the NZ Forest Owners
Association for several years in
the 1990’s.
Throughout the whole time
Bryce has been an active farmer
running stud deer for 30 years. In 2017 he and wife Karen
converted to stud Herefords which they still farm.
These days Bryce runs the Rotorua Chamber of Commerce
and says he is happy to “give a bit back” to the city that he has
called home for almost 40 years.
He is passionate about Rotorua and passionate about
business. Bryce says “nothing gives me more pleasure than
see courageous and entrepreneurial people starting up their
own businesses.
As far as the chamber is concerned, we do not have
competitors – only partners and potential partners. There is
more than enough work for everyone.
www.rotoruachamber.co.nz
16 | 100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023

CHARITIES / NOT FOR PROFIT | PEOPLE
LORI LUKE
CEO, Acorn Foundation
Lori and her family moved to NZ
from the US in 2009 and are dual
citizens. She graduated from
Stanford University. Besides her role
with Acorn, Lori is Deputy Chair of
Community Foundations New Zealand
and is on the Board of TEDx Tauranga.
She loves working alongside donors
and organisations to build a vibrant
community.
KELCY TARATOA
NgĀ Toi MĀori Navigator,
Creative Bay of Plenty
Kelcy (Ngāi Te Rangi) supports
Māori artists and creatives, provides
strategic advice on the direction and
development of the Ngā Toi Māori
sector, advocates on behalf of ringatoi
and provides specialist knowledge
to support funding, investment and
strategic planning decisions. He
also delivers capability development
workshops and guides non-Māori and
Māori in spaces of engagement.
AYLA DELLAWAY
Te Puke Programme
Co-ordinator, Graeme Dingle
Foundation Western Bay of
Plenty
Ayla Dellaway is also a graduate of
our Project K programme who was
recently recognised for her ability to
overcome her childhood, become a
wonderful human and mother and
also contribute significantly to those
in need at our National Excellence
Awards. When she isn’t helping others
Ayla enjoys cooking for friends and
family, sailing and watersports.
NINA LE LIEVRE
CEO, Enterprise Angels
Nina started her career in Investment
Banking and now thrives in the
fast paced environment of Angel
Investing. She’s spent the last 10
years connecting entrepreneurs with
investors and believes startups are the
key to making positive change happen.
Founders solve gnarly problems in
unique ways with vision, drive and
agility, helping our planet prosper.
SAMMY WARU
Office Manager, Good
Neighbour Aotearoa Trust
Sammy enjoys life with husband
Michael and baby Quincy. A happy
smiling face that welcomes and hosts
our visitors and volunteers each
day. A passionate, creative, people
person, Sammy loves home decor
and family. Thinks outside the box,
she enjoys finding ways to awhi people
with generosity, compassion and
kindness.
BILL MURPHY
Executive Director/Founder,
Purpose Capital
Making a difference is what drives
Bill. Former General Manager of NZHI
(Bluelab), one of the initiators of
Priority One, and founder of Enterprise
Angels which has invested nearly
$60M in over 115 young New Zealand
companies. Purpose Capital is a $22M
impact investment fund investing
to drive urgently needed social and
environmental change.
100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023 | 17

CONSTRUCTION – COMMERCIAL | PEOPLE
DREW BEEKIE
Director, CBC Construction
Following a 22-year career in
commercial construction in the UK,
Drew moved to New Zealand and cofounded
CBC (part of Classic Group)
in 2006. CBC has completed some of
Tauranga’s most iconic buildings and is
known for delivering what is promised.
Most weekends Drew will be eating
out, on a golf course, or the lake.
DANIEL WATKINS
Director, Classic Collectives
With 17 years in the property sector
in both New Zealand and the United
Kingdom, Daniel has a wealth of
knowledge and is well versed in all
aspects of the property lifecycle,
from acquisition, lease negotiation,
project management and property
management. Dan spends his
weekends outdoors with his young
family, fishing, golfing, and mountain
biking.
ROGER BAILEY
Managing Director,
Grime Off Now Tauranga
Eight years ago, Roger established
Grime Off Now in the Bay. With Roger’s
engineering background combined
with an enthusiasm for innovation, the
Grime Off team are encouraged to use
the smartest techniques to achieve
outstanding commercial property
wash maintenance results. Outside of
work Roger can be found developing
his avocado orchard in rural Welcome
Bay.
JAKE MCDELL
Commercial Manager BOP,
Fosters
Moving back to the Bay in 2021, I was
drawn to joining an organisation that
contributed to a better community.
Fosters aligned with so many of
my values, particularly honesty and
integrity. Growing in skillset and
leadership capabilities, I find coming
to work each day is both enjoyable and
inspirational.
GREG JOHNSTON
General Manager/Director,
Marra Construction
35 years in the building industry
has allowed me to work on
numerous projects and to create
special relationships with various
stakeholders in the construction
sector. It can be a challenging industry
therefore time out is getting away with
my wife Heather camping, mountain
biking and spending special moments
with our two daughters.
SCOTT ADAMS
Chairperson,
Urban Task Force
A founding member of UTF, Scott
strongly believes in advocating for
positive growth and collaboration to
enable Tauranga to grow and develop
into a city we all are proud to live, work
and play in. Scott willingly commits his
time to our region’s collective property
and business voice, UTF, for the
greater good of our community.
18 | 100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023

COWORKING SPACES | PEOPLE
STEVEN VINCENT
CO-FOUNDER, BASESTATION
Steven Vincent, co-founder of
Basestation was coworking long
before coworking was a thing. He
operated his original office in a
“coworking” setting in 1999 - even
though he didn’t know that term
yet! The concept allowed him
to get his business started; no
lease, no overheads, and good
connections and advice from the
people he was sharing the space
with. In 2014 Basestation opened
its doors to the entrepreneurial community.
Fast forward nine years and the concept of coworking is
now synonymous with Tauranga’s most established dedicated
coworking space. Basestation is a place that continues to
bring people together to share resources such as hot desks,
meetings and office space, as well as a large event facility.
The physical space has grown in scale over the years, but
what remains unchanged is the community ethos. Steven is
proud that people and relationships form the heart of what
Basestation is all about.
Basestation fosters the entrepreneurial mindset and
welcomes individuals, teams, and companies to experience
the benefits that a coworking environment offers.
www.basestation.nz
CAITRIONA ANDERSON
manager, the kollective
The Kollective opened in 2018
and since then, I’ve been part
of the operations team of our
unique coworking space that
supports the success of notfor-profit
organisations.
Originally from Ireland, mum
of three teens, and passionate
about music, most of my
previous career was as a singer.
Like lots of creatives, I’ve made
a few lattes in my time too!
I became The Kollective manager in January 2022.
Every day brings something new, which is just the way I
like it. I love seeing people happy in their workplace. For
me it’s about creating a safe space and culture to allow our
members to connect with others and thrive in their vital
community roles.
We offer different memberships and meeting spaces for
1-120 people as well as technology solutions, and events to
help you build connections and capability.
Our space is beautiful with views over the vibrant
Historic Village and green space. Our vibe is friendly and
helpful and there is always food! Get in touch if you’d like to
know more.
www.thekollective.org.nz
JADE MADDOX
director, bloom co
A year after the Christchurch
earthquakes, Jade Maddox
moved to Tauranga, embarking
on a period of personal and
professional growth which
culminated in the development of
her co-working business, Bloom
Co, three years ago.
“I’ve never looked back,”
Jade says. “The Tauranga
business community is so
welcoming, and with the influx of
entrepreneurs, this is a fabulous place to live and work.”
Jade’s passion for supporting people in business stems from
her early career in executive recruitment and HR. Now, as a
Tauranga Business Chamber board member, she sees first-hand
the impact that doing good business is having in our community.
“It’s bought me such joy to create a workspace where people
organically connect and thrive in their businesses” says Jade.
Bloom Co provides private offices, meeting rooms and hot
desks for business owners and independent practitioners to
use casually or regularly. Jade has created an atmosphere
unlike anything else locally, designed and furnished to present
a happy sense of calm and warmth. It’s no surprise that people
rave about it when they walk in.
www.bloomco.nz
ANGELINE WILLIAMS
venue & COmmunity manager, shared workspaces
Angeline Williams is a
seasoned hospitality and event
professional with over 30 years
of experience in the industry.
Throughout her career,
she has worked in various
roles across New Zealand and
Australia and has always found
the fastpaced and dynamic
nature of the sector appealing. In
her current role as a member of
the team at Shared Workspaces
in Tauranga, Angeline has the opportunity to interact with
tenants, members, and event attendees on a daily basis.
She is dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive
environment where everyone feels comfortable and valued.
Angeline is known for her ability to think outside the box
and offer practical solutions to any problems that may arise.
She is a natural problem solver and is always willing to
lend a helping hand. In addition to her work with tenants
and members, With her extensive experience and warm,
approachable demeanour, Angeline is a true asset to the
Shared Workspaces team and a shining example of the kind
and dedicated faces behind the success of Tauranga’s coworking
spaces.
www.shared.nz
100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023 | 19

DECEMBER 2022 VOLUME 6: ISSUE 12
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WWW.BOPBUSINESSNEWS.CO.NZ
FACEBOOK.COM/BAYOFPLENTYBUSINESSNEWS
1. Andrew Wilson, Rotorua NZ. 2. Kellie Hamlett, Talent ID. 3. Brett O’Riley, EMA. 4. Dr Julian Elder, Scion. 5. Mark Wassung, Design Engine Architects. 6. Ron Hooper, Whakatane Mill. 7. Mike Ranstead, Lexus of Tauranga.
8. Rachel Woods, +MORE. 9. Wiremu Matthews, Kānuka Wellbeing & Leadership. 10. Nick Kerr, Debt Free NZ. 11. Michael Shaw, Dale Carnegie BOP Waikato. 12. Kate Ashcroft, Copeland Ashcroft. 13. Peter Hawes, Milford
Tauranga. 14. Mike Bell, Stratus Blue. 15. Dan Mathieson, Zespri. 16. Greg Stringer, Cooney Lees Morgan. 17. Michael Sievwright, Trimax Mowing Systems. 18. Andrea Scatchard, Deloitte. 19. Steven Matthews, LINK
Business Brokers. 20. Scott McKenzie, PMG. 21. Bridget Snelling, Xero. 22. Simon Short, Property Brokers. 23. Sam Uffindell, MP for Tauranga. 24. Chad Hooker, Bay Venues. 25. Stewart Vaughan, Winstone Wallboards.
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0800 BAYPARK (229 727)
events@bayvenues.co.nz
81 Truman Lane, Mt Maunganui
www.trustpowerbaypark.co.nz
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24/11/2022 2:53:35 PM
EDUCATION AND TRAINING | PEOPLE
DR LEON FOURIE
business division lead, wintec – toi ohomai
Dr Leon Fourie is passionate
about seeing people reaching
their educational goals. With
a wealth of knowledge and
experience in tertiary education
management, Leon has
recently expanded his role of
Chief Executive of Toi Ohomai
to become the Wintec and
Toi Ohomai Business Division
Lead for Te Pūkenga, the New
Zealand Institute of Skills and
Technology.
Te Pūkenga is the unification of Institutes of Technology
and Polytechnics and Industry Training Organisations across
Aotearoa, forming the largest vocational and applied education
provider in New Zealand. Bringing together on-line, on-campus
and in-work learning into a single network of provisioning.
Leon is known for his deep commitment to the Bay of Plenty
and now Waikato and acknowledges his role has a definitive
impact on the success of the people in these areas. He is
excited by what Te Pūkenga will deliver in terms of reducing
barriers to education. When he is not working you could bump
into Leon as he walks his dog, Charlie, on Pāpāmoa beach or
when he is out on the ocean catching a feed.
www.toiohomai.ac.nz
ANDREA SHAW
franchisee & training director, dale carnegie
Andrea Shaw is the franchisee
and training director of Dale
Carnegie BOP Waikato.
Dale Carnegie was established
in 1912 and has operated in New
Zealand since the early 60’s with
Andrea and her husband Michael
starting the BOP and Waikato
business in 1997.
Andrea grew up in the far
north and spent her free time
riding and playing polocrosse,
representing Northland. She completed a Horticultural
Science degree at Massey, worked for Telecom and Ubix
before the Dale Carnegie opportunity arrived.
Andrea quickly became certified in all the Dale Carnegie
curriculums and became a certified digital online trainer just
prior to Covid. Andrea is one of only 35 “Carnegie Masters”
responsible for the quality and certification of 3000 trainers
around the world.
“It has been a busy time in business, while raising my
daughter and finding time for my passion of riding.
If a participant is excited about their personal and
professional transformation, but can’t remember that much
about me, then I have done my job!”
www.bopwaikato.dalecarnegie.com
STAY EDUCATED IN BUSINESS WITH
BAY OF PLENTY BUSINESS PUBLICATIONS
EXCLUSIVE
BOP BUSINESS LEADERS SHARE THEIR
VIEWS ON THE STATE OF OUR INDUSTRIES
In this final 2022 edition we wrap-up by
reaching out to industry leaders across the
Bay of Plenty and asking them how they feel
businesses have coped with the challenges
of 2022. They outline their expectations for
the new year ahead – the prospects and
the challenges – and in this issue they also
talk about how they expect businesses to be
performing a year from now.
Their comments feature in
Thought Leaders 2022, pages 10-34.
YEAR
BOOK
CELEBRATING BAY BUSINESS | 2023
SUSTAINABILITY EDITION
AIR | LAND | SEA
2023
PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS
C o n f e r e n c e s | M e e t i n g s | E x h i b i t i o n s | E n t e r t a i n m e n t
THE VOICE OF BUSINESS IN THE BAY
www.bopbusinessnews.co.nz
20 | 100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023

FINANCIAL SERVICES | PEOPLE
AARON MOORES
Investment Adviser, Craigs
Investment Partners
Aaron joined Craigs Investment
Partners over 10 years ago and is
proud to call Tauranga home. He spent
a number of years based in the UK
as a Financial Consultant for Lloyds
Bank and enjoys giving back to the
community, serving on the Tauranga
Primary Board of Trustees and being a
trustee for a local not for profit Trust.
ANDY
WILLOUGHBY
Financial Adviser, Haven
Advisers
I’m a husband to Abbi and father
to Beau. I became an Adviser six
years ago when my wife had open
heart surgery whilst pregnant with
Beau. This opened my eyes to the
importance of good financial advice
and I was motivated to make a
difference to others. I specialise in
Personal Insurance and KiwiSaver.
NICK HOSKING
Commercial Growth
Manager, Kiwibank
A Tauranga and Bay of Plenty local and
father of two young children with an
interest in surfing, mountain biking,
American muscle cars and eating out, I
love the region for all it has to offer. As
a Senior Commercial banker for almost
a decade with homegrown Kiwibank,
I love helping businesses across the
region finance their ambitions.
GLEN STRANG
Owner, MTF Finance Mount
Maunganui
Glen has owned MTF Finance Mt
Maunganui for 7 years and has more
than 26 years’ experience in Finance.
Being locally owned, clients can
enjoy discussing individual projects
and proposals with someone who
understands, cares and listens. When
not in the office there’s a good chance
he’s on a course, Mt Maunganui (off
Golf Rd) usually.
DAVID HILL
Owner, NZ Home Loans –
Tauranga
I have been helping families achieve
financial freedom for 11 years.
Passionately Kiwi and working locally.
When I’m not working, you can find me
on the golf course or on the side-lines
cheering on my daughter’s football
team! Proud to sponsor Judea Junior
Rugby plus I’m on the men’s golf
committee at Tauranga Golf Club .
TRISTAN
HEWETT
OWNER, DIRECTOR, FINANCIAL
ADVISeR, Rapson Loans and
Finance Limited
Rapson Loans and Finance offer a full
range of financial services including
lending, life and income protection.
I have 20+ years financial services
experience, am a Bay of Plenty local
residing in Tauranga with my family.
I love a beer, cricket and a round of
golf. I’d welcome helping you with your
financial/lending needs.
100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023 | 21

FOOD SERVICES | PEOPLE
JASON & SHARON
MORRISSEY
STORE OWNERS, GILMOURS TAURANGA
Gilmours Tauranga is a local Foodservice wholesale business supporting the wider Bay of Plenty
area with a beautiful purpose-built store in Tauriko and a fleet of 18 trucks delivering to the
wider BOP region. Gilmours Tauranga has been owned and operated for the past eight years by
a dedicated and hardworking local couple, Jason and Sharon Morrissey.
Jason and Sharon have deep roots in the
community, with some of their children
attending local schools and now working for
local businesses in Mount Maunganui.
For Jason and Sharon, being a part of the
community’s success is what makes their business
so special.
“We love our region, community, beaches, and the
hospitality options” they say. A true family business,
hospitality and Foodservice is part of their DNA.
Jason has over 20 years’ experience in the food
industry starting as a chef and then sales manager
of a hospitality equipment supplier. While at that
supplier he discovered the opportunities Foodstuffs
could offer. His Foodstuffs journey to ownership
began by working and learning in supermarkets
around the country and at Foodstuffs Support
Centre. Jason was accepted into the Foodstuffs
Owner/Operator program and in 2015 had the
opportunity to own the Tauranga store and territory.
Sharon brings years of experience from a
background in hospitality and strong skills in
customer services and marketing. Growing up their
children have also worked at Gilmours in various roles
“IT’S NOT SIMPLY A CASH ‘N CARRY STORE BUT
A LARGE-SCALE LOGISTICS OPERATION WITH
APPROXIMATELY 80% OF BUSINESS BEING PICKED,
PACKED AND DELIVERED OUT TO THE WINDER BAY OF
PLENTY REGION.”
from deliveries to picking/packing and manning the
checkouts.
Gilmours Tauranga is one of seven, independently
owned and operated stores nationwide but is run
as a local business that is dedicated to serving the
community and supporting local charities. Tauranga’s
reach covers Coromandel, Tauranga, Rotorua, Taupo,
Western Bay of Plenty to Wairoa making it the second
largest territory under the Gilmours umbrella.
Today, Jason and Sharon employ around 130
people from sales reps and delivery drivers to entry
level in-store grocery roles. Sharon says, “It’s not
simply a Cash ‘n Carry store but a large-scale logistics
operation with approximately 80% of business
being picked, packed and delivered out to the wider
Bay of Plenty region”. Servicing their whole region
is important to Jason and Sharon, and they are
dedicated to giving back to the community working
closely with local charities like Good Neighbour and
Tauranga Foodbank.
With a hardworking and devoted team, the
business is committed to providing Foodservice
businesses a complete offer as a one stop shop. They
offer a variety of fresh produce, meats, seafood,
dairy, plant-based products, alcohol, and non-food
items, catering to the needs of businesses in the
Tauranga and Bay of Plenty area.
Experience is key in this business and Gilmours
Tauranga offers exactly that. Service manager
Bryan Hutchison, affectionately known as Hutch, has
made a name for himself in as the leader of Gilmours
Tauranga’s largest team, the service department.
22 | 100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023

“WE LOVE OUR REGION, COMMUNITY, BEACHES,
AND THE HOSPITALITY OPTIONS.”
Hutch started in 2016 when he made the move from
the hustle and bustle of Auckland to Tauranga for
a more relaxed lifestyle. With this move he quickly
became part of the Gilmours family, “he is a legend in
our store,” says Sharon.
Starting out as a driver, Hutch moved into
several different roles then back into a leadership
role heading up the service department. With his
outstanding leadership skills, Hutch transformed the
department, which is solely focused on delivering
exceptional service to Gilmours’ customers. Hutch
truly embodies the values of Gilmours, always being
customer-driven and executing with excellence.
As the store/operations manager, Chris Stark is on
a mission. He has been working his way up the ranks
in the food and grocery industry, with the goal of one
day owning his own store. His journey started working
in supermarkets as an after-school job in Gisborne,
allowing him to learn every aspect of this industry
from the ground up. Chris has taken the reins of
Gilmours Tauranga, ensuring that everything runs
smoothly and efficiently. He is constantly looking for
ways to improve processes and make the shopping
experience for customers (both online and in-store)
best in class. His attention to detail and commitment
to excellence have made him an integral part of the
team.
The Morrissey’s and the Gilmours Tauranga
team always strive and are committed to being the
Foodservice Partner customers can trust, offering
excellent service and having what their customers
need. As a team they have worked hard to build a
successful business that serves the community.
“We all understand the customer is the lifeblood
of our business, and we strive to ensure that each
customer is satisfied. Whether it is through personal
visits, timely delivery, or expert advice.”
Whether you are a hospital or retirement
village, a bar restaurant or café, a school, or small
business, Gilmours Tauranga are ready to provide
you with exceptional service and expert advice. If
you are looking for a food and beverage partner that
understands your business and will help you succeed,
talk to the team at Gilmours Tauranga.
Bryan Hutchison
Chris Stark
Gilmours Tauranga
Local people proudly supporting local business
Gilmours Tauranga | 31 Taurikura Drive, Tauriko | 0800 270 414
Join the club to shop with us today - no annual fee
www.gilmours.co.nz
100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023 | 23

HORTICULTURE | PEOPLE
TREVELYAN’S PACK & COOL
the technical and avocado grower services team
Avocados. The staple of the
utopian diet, a symbol of
modern decadence and a
social media sensation.
Our Kiwi love affair with
avocados shows no signs
of letting up. Loaded with
potassium, protein and
vitamins, it is a staple in most homes and
on café menus - probably why it’s one
of the first items we see in the produce
aisles of the supermarket. But, if you
aren’t an avocado grower, you won’t have
seen the rollercoaster of daily life that
orchardists have faced in recent years.
Covid-19 impacted pretty much all of us
in one shape or another, but as climate
change threatens typical weather
patterns, it’s becoming increasingly
more difficult to grow avocados and
satisfy consumer demand.
The Technical and Grower Services
Teams at Trevelyan’s are an eclectic and
talented group of avocado specialists
that boasts between them an impressive
number of agricultural degrees and vast
hands-on experience in the industry
(Laura was Bay of Plenty’s Young Grower
of the Year, 2022).
The team works tirelessly on orchards
and in the lab, discussing theories and
research with other industry leaders and
regularly visiting each of their growers.
Support and guidance are shared by
way of numerous regional educational
workshops, discussion groups, avocado
improvement seminars, weekly
technical tips and deep-dive analyses.
From that initial handshake greeting on
the orchard, the working relationships
between Trevelyan’s representatives and
growers is built on great communication
and deep respect.
Trevelyan’s Head of Avocados, Dan
Birnie, and Avocado Technical Manager,
Left to right: Dr Jonathan Cutting, Katherine Smith, Laura Shultz, Anne Partridge and
Daniel Birnie.
Dr Jonathan Cutting, are constantly
researching, experimenting, and
challenging each other and their team, to
think outside the box. No two orchards
are the same, but with the team’s
breadth and depth of knowledge, they
always find a best-fit solution.
Dr Jonathan Cutting has a focus on
regenerative orchard principles, simply
understanding and working with nature.
His advice is simple, ‘’The next few years
can provide growers with increased
profitability, as long as we embrace
new approaches, technologies and
production systems and adapt to what
nature can sometimes throw at us’’.
Jonathan has also been driving the
movement to high-density plantingusing
smaller trees per hectare. Quality
issues can be tackled quickly, production
costs are dramatically reduced, and fruit
to market is increased so that growers’
financial positions are improved.
Dan believes it all bubbles down
to one word – ‘connection’. ‘’We want
our growers to feel connected to the
Trevelyan’s team and see us as an
extension of their business. We run
events across New Zealand because
we want to connect growers within
regions and build their local knowledge.
We also want them to feel connected
to their land, so that they can cultivate
high-quality fruit. If you have a good
connection, you have trust.’’
The next time you see avocados in
the supermarket or consider an avocado
delivery subscription, like BayFarms,
before you even consider the price,
take a moment to remember it takes
a connected group of people to bring
you each of these avocados. It’s thanks
to these committed folk that you enjoy
the delights of smashed avocado,
guacamole and more. Life without
avocado’s would be a lesser experience
for us all.
Thanks team.
24 | 100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY | PEOPLE
MIGNON OLIVIER-GREEN
head of talent solutions, cucumber
At Cucumber, Mignon and her team value people and strive to understand what’s important to
them in their careers. They aim to provide connected, supported and valued partnerships with
their associates; committed to providing solutions for achieving that win-win outcome.
Meet Mignon, the passionate and driven
woman who heads up Talent Solutions
at Cucumber, a Digital Transformation
& Technology company with offices in
Tauranga and Hamilton.
With close to 10 years’ experience in digital
recruitment, Mignon has a deep love for IT
recruitment and the impact it can have on both
individuals and businesses.
At Cucumber, Mignon and her team look after
the company’s own recruitment needs. She
also works closely with many businesses and
assists them by providing digital talent leveraging
Cucumber’s existing team or by providing contract
or permanent digital professionals across a range
of roles (Developers, Testers, BI Consultants,
Business Analysts, Project Managers etc).
What drew Mignon to Cucumber was the
company’s genuine commitment to making a
positive impact through their work for the good of
both Cucumber’s team and clients. This focus along
with Cucumber’s fun and energising culture and
vow to support women in tech, perfectly aligned
with Mignon’s own personal goals and values.
“MIGNON WORKS CLOSELY WITH CLIENTS TO
ENSURE THAT THEY HAVE ACCESS TO THE DIGITAL
EXPERTISE THEY NEED WHEN THEY NEED IT”
In today’s society, the employment landscape
has changed, and Mignon understands the
importance of creating a win-win outcome for both
employees and employers. The modern worker
wants more than just a pay check and desires a
fulfilling and meaningful career with opportunities
for professional development and flexible working
arrangements. Similarly, the modern employer
wants skilled and motivated professionals whose
values align with theirs.
Mignon and her team value people and strive
to understand what is important to them in
their careers. They aim to provide connected,
supported, and valued partnerships with their
associates, and are committed to providing
solutions for achieving that win-win outcome.
What makes Cucumber different from a
recruitment company is that it is first and foremost
a technology company so they know how to assess
technical competency and are able to leverage the
technical leadership skills within the business to
help vet technical competency and provide ongoing
oversight and support to associates and clients.
So whether you are an organisation looking for
digital talent (short or long term) or a professional
seeking a fulfilling and meaningful career, Mignon
at Cucumber Talent Solutions can provide you with
solutions to succeed in today’s every changing
world.
100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023 | 25

LAND DEVELOPMENT | PEOPLE
NICK
DAVIES
director, cheal
At Cheal we welcome,
encourage, and celebrate the
growth of our people. This
in turn drives changes to our
leadership.
JAKE
SAATHOF
regional manager, bay of plenty, cheal
Jake Saathof
and Nick Davies
Cheal Consultants Limited
purchased Canmap Hawley in
2014. Shortly after Nick Davies
was appointed the Bay of Plenty
Regional Manager based in Rotorua.
During Nick’s tenure as Regional Manager
he added significant value to the
company through growing the capability
and capacity of his staff. Personally, he
gets a kick from seeing professionals
take opportunities presented to them
as they journey through their careers.
His knowledge and leadership style were
something Cheal was eager to leverage.
As of April 2023, Nick will move
into the position of director where his
skills and expertise will help guide the
company into the future. With Nick’s
career steaming ahead, an opening was
created for a new Regional Manager in
Rotorua. In filling this space, it made
sense for Cheal to stick with the recipe
they knew, growing and nurturing their
own people.
Cheal is pleased to announce Jake
Saathof as the new Bay of Plenty
Regional Manager. Jake is a keen and
engaging civil engineer and valued team
member. Jake’s strong work ethic and
encouraging leadership style are why
he was a clear choice to step into the
Regional Manager role.
Jake’s journey with Cheal started in
2018 when he took a civil engineering
position. In 2020 he was given the
opportunity to take on the mantle of
Rotorua Engineering Manager and in
late October 2022 that of Bay of Plenty
Regional Manager. Since accepting his
latest role, he has led from the front. He
prioritises his team and clients, knowing
these are the keys to success. You could
say Jake runs a ‘tight ship’ but not in
the way you might assume. He gives
clear directives with the confidence
that his team can provide a high level of
client satisfaction without the need for
micromanagement.
As a Chartered Civil Engineer and the
Bay of Plenty Regional Manager, Jake’s
ability to cross between the two roles
is dynamic, from muddy work boots
to pressed dress shirt. Jake regularly
makes himself available on-site to
collaborate with contractors, maintains
frequent one on one meeting time with
his team members to ensure they are
achieving their goals and makes it a
priority to maintain regular face to face
contact with clients.
Jake and Nick’s respective
promotions have not happened by
chance. Cheal believes in nurturing and
developing future leaders. A process
that is well thought through and broken
down into actionable steps. They operate
a high trust employment model where
staff are given maximum flexibility and
autonomy to do their best work in a
dynamic team.
We welcome you to get in touch.
Cheal is here to make your project run
smoothly. And with Jake and Nick at the
helm you can guarantee a high level of
personalised professionalism.
ww
engineers | surveyors | planners
Proudly supporting the Bay of Plenty community since 1940.
P: +64 7 349 8470
26 | 100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023

LAW | PEOPLE
BROOKE COURTNEY
partner, sharp tudhope lawYers
“Proud to be part of Tauranga’s oldest business in NZ’s fast-growing city.”
Despite being relatively new to the Bay of
Plenty - Brooke and her husband have lived
in Tauranga for nine years and counting –
Brooke is passionate about this region and
her community.
“In the nine years I have been in Tauranga, the
landscape has changed dramatically – in that time,
the Eastern Link Road has been constructed,
Papamoa has doubled in size, the Lakes and
Tauriko Crossing have been completed and the
Tauriko Industrial Park continues to grow, being
the largest industrial park in Australasia.
“The Tauranga CBD is also going through a
huge period of transformation. As a property
lawyer, it is exciting to see our city grow
and very rewarding to assist clients with
the complexities that arise out of that
development.”
With over 17 years’ experience in
the law, Brooke joined Sharp Tudhope
in 2014 and has been a Partner of
the firm since 2016. In her work,
Brooke brings a practical approach
to legal matters, aiming to achieve
the most commercially appropriate
solutions for her clients to achieve
their goals.
“When I first moved to
Tauranga, I was involved in the
legal work related to the Westpac
centre on Cameron Road. I
remember going to site for the
opening of the new building and
got a real kick seeing a project,
which started as a concept on
paper, become a reality. It takes
people with vision to create a city
“AS A PROPERTY LAWYER, IT IS
EXCITING TO SEE OUR CITY GROW
AND VERY REWARDING TO ASSIST
CLIENTS WITH THE COMPLEXITIES THAT
ARISE OUT OF THAT DEVELOPMENT.”
that is amazing to live in.”
Brooke has experience across
all aspects of property law, with a
focus on commercial property,
leasing, developments, and
trust law. In Brooke’s view,
property is fundamental to the
success of the New Zealand
economy.
Sharp Tudhope are an
active community supporter
and have been a key business
in the Bay for more than 125
years. Brooke plays her part
in supporting the community
in her role as Vice-Chair on
the Downtown Tauranga
Board to support the growth
of the city centre.
Brooke has also held other
volunteer roles as President of
the Bay of Plenty Property Council
for three years, Legal Standard
Committee Member and also as
trustee of various charitable trusts.
Trust is built
over time.
125 years of it.
www.sharptudhope.co.nz
100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023 | 27

LAW | PEOPLE
RICHARD HOARE
partner, sharp tudhope lawYers
“This is our home. We’re deeply committed to Tauranga and
our region. Both the firm and Tauranga need to continue to
flourish, and we have a fundamental part to play in that”.
Richard built his experience in
Wellington and Melbourne before
joining Sharp Tudhope in 2017,
becoming a partner within the
first year of being with the firm.
Since arriving in Tauranga, Richard
has leveraged his first-class experience
to establish himself as a leading
lawyer in the mid-market mergers
and acquisitions field and as a lawyer
of choice to Tauranga’s start-up
community.
Richard was recognised in NZ
Lawyer’s inaugural ‘Rising Stars’ list in
2020, a list recognising up and coming
stars in the legal profession who are
committed to making a difference.
Richard specialises in mergers and
acquisitions and since 2018 has led midmarket
M&A deals with an aggregate
deal value in excess of $350m.
In addition to Richard’s legal work,
he is an active supporter of Tauranga’s
early stage and growth company scene.
Richard currently chairs the Board of
EA GP Limited, the General Partner
for several angel investment funds
established by Enterprise Angels.
In the community, Richard has
helped establish and now provides
pro-bono legal and advisory services to
Stem Wana Trust, which promotes and
delivers the Tauranga STEM Festival and
operates the Tinkd Makerspace.
Within Sharp Tudhope, Richard has
been active in promoting growth at the
firm, building depth and expertise by
recruiting four new senior lawyers (one
Partner and three senior associates) in
the last 24 months, each with top tier
credentials. Richard has also promoted
and is actively involved in the firm’s
graduate recruitment programme.
Richard’s goal is to build on the
firm’s 125 year plus history and ensure
it remains well positioned to serve
its people, clients, and the broader
community for a long time yet.
28 | 100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023

LAW | PEOPLE
JAMES DOW
partner, sharp tudhope lawYers
“We are proud of our trusted relationships with our clients,
our deep connections with this community and our active
involvement in the economic development of this region.”
James is an experienced lawyer
in the corporate and commercial
fields and also in the projects
space and advises clients on a
broad range of matters.
James brings a wealth of expertise to
the Bay of Plenty having worked at top
tier law firms in Auckland and a global
law firm in London prior to making the
move to Tauranga with his young family
in 2021. He has advised on several of
New Zealand’s leading transactions,
especially in the infrastructure space.
Sharp Tudhope has the most
experienced team of corporate and
commercial lawyers in the Bay of Plenty
and have been assisting businesses to
succeed and grow for more than 125
years.
“We have a great team of high-calibre,
experienced corporate and commercial
lawyers and we are looking to continue
to build. Ultimately, it is our people that
sets us apart. Our team’s unrivalled
knowledge and commitment to personal
service is why generations of businesses
choose to work with us.”
James has hit the ground running
since joining Sharp Tudhope and forging
strong relationships with clients with his
pragmatic and commercial approach to
legal issues.
With over 15 years in the profession,
James’ experience spans across many
sectors and a wide variety of clients
from large corporate and financial
institutions through to small-medium
sized enterprises and closely held family
businesses.
James is particularly passionate
about helping business thrive in the
region and is currently a board member
of the Tauranga Business Chamber.
“The Bay of Plenty is a hub of
thriving businesses and industries in
a region that continues to experience
huge growth. This makes for a very
exciting place to work and help clients
flourish.”
Outside of work, James enjoys
water sports, hockey, golf, and
spending time with his young family.
“WE HAVE A GREAT TEAM OF HIGH-CALIBRE, EXPERIENCED
CORPORATE AND COMMERCIAL LAWYERS AND WE ARE
LOOKING TO CONTINUE TO BUILD. ULTIMATELY, IT IS OUR PEOPLE
THAT SETS US APART.”
100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023 | 29

LOCAL GOVERNMENT – COUNCIL | PEOPLE
TAURANGA CITY COUNCIL
The team responsible for managing a $6.5 billion business
By any standards, Tauranga City
Council is a significant enterprise.
It holds some $6.5 billion of assets
on behalf of the community and
with total annual revenue approaching
$500 million, the council dwarfs most
businesses in the region.
Managing that business requires
highly-specialised skills and Chief
Executive Marty Grenfell has assembled
an executive team with the capabilities
and experience needed to consistently
deliver quality outcomes for the fastgrowing
city, and the wider sub-region.
“The local government sector is
arguably as important in most people’s
lives as central Government, which is
why it’s critically important that we have
the right leadership, both in governance
and council operations,” Marty says.
“After all, we not only provide vital water
and wastewater services, but maintain
the city’s roading network, build and
maintain community facilities used by
thousands of people every day, develop
and implement strategies to cater for our
growing city’s needs and look after a raft
of regulatory functions which contribute
to a safer and healthier community.”
Marty says Tauranga Moana is
fortunate to have the services of four
Commissioners who understand the
governance role, have the right mix of
professional experience and acumen and
are committed to laying the foundations
for the city of the future. “The long-term
plans they are putting in place have wide
community backing and will provide a
The Tauranga City Council
executive team (from left):
Gareth Wallis, Sarah Omundsen,
Christine Jones, Alistair McNeil,
Nic Johansson, Barbara Dempsey,
Marty Grenfell and Paul Davidson.
solid base for our next elected council
to work from following the July 2024
election.”
Marty’s leadership team consists
of seven General Managers covering
the finance, infrastructure, strategy
& growth, community services,
corporate services, regulatory and city
development portfolios.
Chief Financial Officer Paul Davidson
has held senior management positions in
New Zealand and Australia over the last
30-plus years. Apart from overseeing
the Council’s financial activities, he
works closely with other growth councils
and central Government on alternative
ways to fund the infrastructure which
maintains our lifestyle and addresses
housing supply and affordability issues.
General Manager: Strategy, Growth
and Governance Christine Jones has
worked in senior local government
management roles since 2001 and has
lead responsibility for the integrated
planning of our city’s future and growth
(including funding, land use and
infrastructure). She has been involved
in the SmartGrowth project over many
years.
Originally from Sweden, General
Manager: Infrastructure Nic Johansson
worked on civil engineering projects
across four continents before moving
to New Zealand and taking-on a range
of senior management roles more than
20 years ago. His Infrastructure group
looks after the city’s water supply and
networks, sustainability and waste,
transportation and infrastructure
delivery.
General Manager: City Development
and Partnerships Gareth Wallis has
worked in local government leadership
roles for more than 20 years and is a
Director of Bay Venues Limited and
the AIMS Games. His strong focus on
community relationships is a natural fit
for his new responsibilities in delivering
one of the largest city centre and
community amenity transformational
projects NZ has seen.
Barbara Dempsey, General Manager:
Community Services, is also a vastlyexperienced
local government senior
manager whose role covers libraries,
customer services, contact centre,
community development, the Historic
Village, Baycourt, venues and events,
arts and culture, spaces and places,
property and civil defence emergency
management portfolios.
Corporate Services General
Manager Alastair McNeil has an
international background in insurance
and professional services and brings a
customer-centric focus to his role, with
an emphasis on agility and openness. His
portfolios include community relations,
human resources, digital services and
legal, risk & procurement activities.
Sarah Omundsen joined the Council
last year in the General Manager:
Regulatory and Compliance role.
Her background includes senior
management positions with the
Bay of Plenty Regional Council,
which gave her in-depth knowledge
of Tauranga’s environment. She is
responsible for the Council’s building
services, environmental planning and
environmental regulation activities.
Together, these committed
executives bring a resolute
determination to delivering the Council’s
Long-term Plan commitments and
ensuring Tauranga remains a great place
to live, work, learn and play.
30 | 100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023

MANUFACTURING | PEOPLE
KATE DAVIES
Business Manager for
Industrial Products,
Ballance Agri-Nutrients
Since 2021 Kate has been working
at Ballance, an experienced sales
and marketing professional from
Christchurch. Lives on a Tauranga
lifestyle block with her young family.
Kate’s focus is to supply industrial
products to a range of businesses
(urea and GoClear). Kate has excellent
relationship building skills and a
proven track record in business
development.
JAMIE LUNAM
General Manager,
Jenkins Freshpac Systems
A passionate ambassador of NZ Inc,
Jamie is in his sweet spot leading the
national Jenkins team in their role to
help NZ grown horticultural produce
fly off shelves all over the world with
their packaging and automation
solutions. Jamie is the king of DIY on
his lifestyle block in Oropi with his wife
and three children.
PETER SWAN
GM Sales & Marketing,
Page Macrae Engineering
I’m passionate about creating
engineering solutions that make the
world a better place and have been at
Page Macrae for 23 years.
Recently returning from a cancer
battle, I competed again at the NZ
Cycling Masters in 2023. I also love
cricket, I am a NZ Level 3 coach with
long term involvement with BOP
Cricket and Te Puke CC.
NIGEL BAKER
General Manager,
Tasman Aluminium
Nigel has been the backbone of
Tasman Aluminium for over 30 years.
He ensures that the knowledge and
workmanship at Tasman Aluminium is
industry leading. When not behind his
desk overseeing the smooth running
of the factory and installation teams,
Nigel can be found behind the wheel of
one of his beloved Ford Mustangs.
BRUNO OLLER
DirectoR, The Snag Co
Bruno is a chef with over 15 years’
experience in the hospitality industry
and runs daily operations of sausage
making business – The Snag Co.
Originally from Brazil, Bruno started
The Snag Co business in Mount
Maunganui to be able to share his
artisan products made with beautiful
New Zealand ingredients to his
customers and friends.
CALEB
GRAVESON
NZ Sales and Customer
Service Manager, Trimax
Newly appointed to the role in
January 2023, Caleb is responsible for
managing the Trimax NZ Sales team
as well as the NZ Parts and Service
team. Caleb is a passionate golfer and
can often be found at a local course
or exploring local parks and reserves
with family.
100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023 | 31

MARINE | PEOPLE
SUPER YACHT COATINGS
far more than superyachts
Although the company specialises in superyachts, local marine industry specialist Super Yacht
Coatings has many more strings to its bow than superyachts. The company also has a strong
presence in the pleasure and commercial marine sectors; the local 30-70 foot launch and yacht
market for example is a busy sector for them.
From their world-class operations
HQ located in the Bay,
complimented by their Auckland
division, Super Yacht Coatings
manages projects worldwide. We spoke
to two of their key people, Mark Hanna
and Ben Steele, and discovered a winning
blend of craftsmanship and passion.
MARK HANNA
Director
Mark’s career in the marine industry has
spanned more than 20 years, beginning in
2003 as a painter and fairer with Southern
Ocean Marine in Tauranga.
Travelling extensively around the
world, he has developed an impressive
industry knowledge – tips and tricks of the
trade he now enjoys passing on to his own
team at Super Yacht Coatings, a company
he and business partner Regan Woodward
established in 2011.
“Our New Zealand marine industry is
world-class, and we are extremely proud
to be part of it”, says Mark.
Asked about the key to his success,
his answer comes quickly: “I constantly
challenge myself to improve and achieve
more. Every boat comes with its own
unique challenges, and we always aim
to deliver the best work, using the most
up-to-date, high-quality products, in the
most efficient ways. In this business you
are always learning and adapting.”
Working from their impressive,
purpose-built facility in Tauranga’s
Sulphur Point, Mark reflects on how far he
has come in his 20 years in the industry:
“With this facility, and the team we have
built, both here and in Auckland, I feel
a real sense of pride in what we have
achieved.”
But for someone constantly striving for
perfection, this is no time to slow down.
“There is more to do; better to come.
The future looks busy - we’ll keep working
hard to make it happen.”
BEN STEELE
Director
Ben left the corporate world behind to join
Super Yacht Coatings as general manager
in 2018. “I haven’t looked back since the
day I arrived,” he says with a smile.
Ben coordinates the business
operations, manages client relationships
and having bought a stake in the company,
now sits as a director, implementing the
strategic vision for the business alongside
Mark and Regan.
“I believe in this company, and the
bright future ahead. I’m proud and excited
to be a part of it.”
Ben sees the development of the
50m purpose-built facility on Tauranga’s
harbour as one of the most significant
steps in the company’s evolution.
“Having this superb facility here in
Tauranga has put the city on the map
for large yacht and boat refits when
previously the only options would have
been Auckland, or maybe Whangarei. This
shed has opened up so much opportunity
for the company; we are constantly
working to harness its full potential.”
He says the team’s ability to work
quickly at a high standard has drawn
strong interest from the commercial
sector, where ‘time on the water’ is
essential to boats earning their keep. The
company’s commercial business, Gorilla
Commercial Coatings, is busy servicing
the local commercial marine industry.
Looking ‘at home’ at the helm of Super
Yacht Coatings, alongside Mark, Ben has
no regrets in swapping the corporate
world for the marine industry.
“Boats and boating have always been
a passion of mine. Seeing boats of all
shapes and sizes coming through our
doors has made me appreciate the skill
and workmanship that goes into them.
We are one small part of a hugely talented
marine industry in New Zealand. And we
love what we do.”
Dustless Vapour Blasting
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international standard of finish to the local market.
From Luxury yachts to Work boats, we’ve got you covered.
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info@superyachtcoatings.com
www.superyachtcoatings.com
32 | 100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023

MARKETING | PEOPLE
STEFFAN HUDSON
director, holloway hudson burgess
Growing sales and profits takes a balanced mix of
smart marketing and effective selling.
Over the last 15, years Steffan
Hudson has helped hundreds
of businesses across New
Zealand and Australia
massively increase sales by taking a
common-sense approach to marketing
and then backing that up with strong
sales systems.
While Holloway Hudson Burgess may
have started as a traditional marketing
and advertising agency, they have
morphed into a specialist consultancy
service that helps businesses re-define
their sales process to maximise sales
conversion and profitability.
“We’ve spent decades helping
businesses implement smart marketing
initiatives, but the truth is, real growth
requires an effective sales approach.
You can’t just throw money at
advertising and hope for more sales,
you must back it up with a proven sales
approach and strong sales systems.
When we started helping businesses
bridge the gap between marketing and
sales, we began to see massive results,”
explains Steffan.
Alongside his business partners
Gareth Burgess and Mark Holloway,
Steffan has become an expert sales
trainer and is particularly passionate
about helping sales teams to develop
the tools required to design, implement,
monitor and fine-tune a high performing
sales funnel. “These days there are so
many awesome tools out there which
can automate much of the heavy lifting
in your sales process and give you real
time data so you can see what’s working
and what isn’t. Modern CRMs are now
affordable for all businesses and can
really help you skyrocket your sales if
used well”.
Steffan’s unique approach to sales
training and system design has seen
him travel the world as a guest speaker
at sales events for many industries
including construction, luxury goods,
forestry and more.
Do your answers to the following 5 questions
give you confidence that your business is
ready for a market downturn?
1. Do you have at least five reliable lead
generation systems to feed your sales
funnel?
2. Are your salespeople maximising sales
conversion potential?
3. Are you extracting the greatest value
out of your current client base?
4. Are you actively fuelling referrals?
5. Are you selling for profit?
Get free help to grow your sales
Unless your answers were favourable to ALL FIVE
questions, then you are guaranteed to benefit from a
discussion with us. In this FREE Sales and Marketing
Diagnostic we promise to give you useful strategies to
improve the sales-fitness of your business (whether or
not you ever end up working with us). Now, you might
be saying, “I’ve heard it all before” and maybe you have,
however it will only take 1.5hrs of your time to find out!
You can thrive even in a down market!
Contact us for a FREE Sales and Marketing Diagnostic!
www.holloways.co.nz | 07 579 3645
100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023 | 33

MARKETING | PEOPLE
CHANTELLE LAURENT
Strategy & Content Geek, LIT Marketing
Business owner, mother, wife,
windsurfer (TWIClub co-founder
& instructor), vinyl DJ, yogi,
friend and all round collaborator
of anything fun, Chantelle’s LIT
brand and business aren’t just
reflected in her pink mohawk.
Established in 2007, Lit Marketing
is also the creative channel
through which Chantelle shares
her energy and talent for all things
marketing. “My business is to help
other people’s business be famous,” explains Chantelle. “I see
myself as the ultimate wingwoman, with marketing being the
main field of expertise I bring to the table.”
Chantelle is the outsource marketing manager for a
diverse portfolio of businesses in the Bay of Plenty region.
She pulls together her marketing team for each client based
on their needs and the projects at hand. Running everything
from their day-to-day social media programmes right
through to photoshoots, launch campaigns and events.
“My clients are the ones who keep me excited about
what I do! I love the challenges in their different businesses,
coming up with new ideas and seeing the awesome results
we achieve through marketing!”
www.litmarketing.co.nz
SALLY COOKE
FOUNDER, TUSKANY AGENCY
Sally Cooke established
Tuskany Agency over 25 years
ago to “set a new standard in
advertising agencies.” Born
and raised in Otago she began
her career as a journalist
and television and radio
broadcaster. Sally made the
move to the Bay of Plenty in
the early 90’s and after the ‘Big
OE’ through Europe and Africa
she returned to the Bay, set up
Tuskany Agency, and has called Tauranga home ever since.
Sally believes in developing meaningful relationships
and works strategically, efficiently, adeptly and innovatively
to help brands communicate more effectively with their
clients. Often sitting at the strategic table with brands to
unlock better marketing and brand tactics to grow stronger
businesses, Tuskany has a reputation for unique and
compelling campaigns that enable businesses to grow their
market share.
Sally believes in making a difference in everything she
does and is passionate about having a positive impact on the
clients and projects she and the Tuskany team work on and
contributing to the region she lives in and loves.
www.tuskany.co.nz
YEAR
BOOK 2023
SUSTAINABILITY EDITION
AIR | LAND | SEA
DON’T
MISS
OUT!
Publishing
June 2023
YEAR
BOOK
CELEBRATING BAY BUSINESS | 2023
SUSTAINABILITY EDITION
AIR | LAND | SEA
BE PART OF YEAR BOOK 2023
SUSTAINABILITY EDITION
– AIR | LAND | SEA
Email: pete@bopbusinessnews.co.nz
www.bopbusinessnews.co.nz/year-book
REUBEN WOODS
founder, woods agency
Reuben Woods is the founder,
director, and mastermind behind
one of the most successful
creative agencies in Aotearoa.
As a keen surfer, Reuben lives
by the mantra ‘If in doubt, paddle
out’, and finds some of his
best ideas happen in the quiet
moments between waves.
His father was an influential
figure in the publishing industry,
shaping Reuben’s love for the
power of storytelling. Reuben’s own career took flight
after moving to the UK to work as a creative for some of
the world’s leading advertising agencies, including TBWA,
Saatchi & Saatchi, and Cunning Stunts.
With New Zealand’s oceans calling, Reuben returned
home (after a mammoth surf expedition around the Pacific)
and set out to establish a nationally-recognised brand
agency.
Since founding WOODS in 2004, Reuben has established
himself as a thought leader in brand and marketing, helping
drive success for dozens of businesses in the Bay and
beyond, while ‘keeping it real’.
www.woodsagency.nz
34 | 100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023

MEDIA | PEOPLE
DAVID PORTER
editor, bop business publications
David Porter is a long-term
editor of the Bay of Plenty
Business News and contributes
regular opinion columns and
features to the paper.
He returned to New Zealand
in 2010 after spending much
of his career as a foreign
correspondent, editor and writer
throughout Asia, and in Europe.
His roles include advising
senior executives and former
government members on communications issues.
He spent the major part of his career based in Hong Kong,
working throughout virtually every country in the Asian region,
and is well acquainted with the challenges facing New Zealand
exporters.
He has also become very familiar with the constraints
and the opportunities Tauranga-based business are facing,
especially as they deal with the consequences and recovery
from Covid-19.
www.bopbusinessnews.co.nz
RICHARD RENNIE
journalist, bOP business news
Bay of Plenty Business News
contributing journalist Richard
Rennie has spent the past 17
years writing, analysing and
commentating on the primary
sector, also being a regular
contributing journalist for NZ
Farmers Weekly.
After moving to the Bay of
Plenty 16 years ago Richard
has built a strong following for
his insightful, informative and
accurate pieces focusing on areas as varied as foreign land
ownership, forestry, kiwifruit, agri-technology and pastoral
farming. More recently he has helped Bay of Plenty Business
News expand its coverage of the vital primary processing,
technology and logistics sectors that play such a significant
part in the Bay’s economy.
With a degree in agricultural economics and marketing
from Lincoln University and considerable business experience
he feels as at home on an orchard or farm as in the company
boardroom. He shares the region’s strong ties to the Waikato,
and his previous experience owning a restaurant and dairy
farming there mean he appreciates the regions’ strengths. In
winters he prefers living on this side of the Kaimai Range.
www.bopbusinessnews.co.nz
PETE WALES
business director, BOP business news
During almost a decade living
in New Zealand, the majority
of that time working for Bay of
Plenty Business News, my job
has afforded me the opportunity
to meet an amazing number
of people from many different
industries and all walks of life.
Coming from my hometown
of Sydney, Australia was quite
a challenge for me, requiring a
great deal of effort to network,
push forward, and understand not only the business
landscape but the dynamism of the Bay of Plenty Business
region. If you’re new to the region, you need to put the
work in, and I’m very grateful to the people in the Bay of
Plenty business community who have afforded me a warm
welcome.
It’s only through these connections, over time, that we’ve
been able to produce the inaugural, 100 People Behind Bay
Business, 2023. Publications like 100 People don’t materialise
overnight, they need time for relationships to be formed,
trust given, and the assurance that personal reputations will
be promoted and handled carefully.
Enjoy 100 People Magazine, 2023 – a labour of love.
www.bopbusinessnews.co.nz
PETRINA WILSON
digital services manager, bop business news
After years of in retail, fashion
and marketing in New Zealand
and Australia, Bay of Plenty
Business News’ digital services
manager Petrina Wilson went
back to her roots in 2011: “My
family had always been heavily
involved in publishing and I
wanted to carry on that tradition
with a focus on the digital
opportunities the industry had
to offer.”
While living in Dubai at the time of the first Covid-19
lockdown she reached out to her connections at Bay of Plenty
Business News ... that was the day the BBN team decided to
go ‘all-out’ on digital.
“A tight team approach has made my work fine-tuning our
web content and building an impressive digital subscriber
base for our EDM, blogs and social campaigns really effective,
and actually very exciting.”
“BBNs digital presence really is pumping now - definitely
one of the most effective local business channels in the
country,” she says.
“One thing in particular has made the huge growth in our
digital platform really take-off - great content!”
www.bopbusinessnews.co.nz
100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023 | 35

PROPERTY – COMMERCIAL | PEOPLE
MATT McHARDY
GENERAL MANAGER, INVESTOR RELATIONShips, PMG FUNDS
Matt McHardy, PMG Funds’ GM of Investor Relationships shares his thoughts on
investing and navigating turbulent times, sharing the growth story of PMG over his seven
years with the organisation.
One of the first things you’ll notice about
Matt McHardy is his calm, reassuring
demeanour. Which certainly helps when
financial chat of late has been akin to
panic at the disco.
Talking through his role at PMG, it’s clear he’s an
expert in his field; easily traversing complexities
of the economy, breaking it down to be easily
understood and articulating why this topsy turvy
period is nothing for investors to fear. In fact, he
says that rather than fear a pessimistic outlook we
should be preparing for the opportunities that will
come with it.
Downturns, he shares, are a natural part of
economic cycles.
“New Zealand has had seven recessions over the
“AS AN ORGANISATION, WE’RE CONSTANTLY
ENSURING THAT OUR FUNDS ARE AS ROBUST
AS THEY CAN POSSIBLY BE TO DELIVER REGULAR
AND SUSTAINABLE RETURNS TO OUR CLIENTS. THIS
MEANS REGULARLY REVIEWING THE PORTFOLIO ASSET
ALLOCATION, OUR LEVELS OF GEARING AND OUR
INTEREST RATE HEDGING STRATEGY.”
raising activities that fund portfolio growth and
ultimately offer stronger, more resilient returns to
investors.
“Since then, the organisation has continued
to mature. We’ve implemented solid governance
structures and process, obtained a managed
investment scheme licence and developed marketleading
investment products for the unlisted
property funds sector – all while remaining faithful
to a commitment to put our investors and tenants
at the centre of everything we do.”
Seven years on, with over $900 million of assets
under management and more than 4,000 investors,
Matt’s experience and expertise continues to
play a huge part in PMG’s success.
“As we move into a new economic
environment, it’s crucial that we
stay close to our investors, now
more than ever. There’s no doubt
investor confidence has taken a
hit over the last 12 months; but
equally we know it’s important for
investors to understand where the
opportunities are.”
Like most financial experts, Matt
is keeping a close eye on economic
markers like official cash rates,
employment figures,
inflation
rates and
past 50 years. During those recessions, property
and share prices have fallen, but they’ve rebounded
every time. Often the fastest gains come during
that rebound, but unfortunately, it’s almost
impossible to predict exactly when it will happen.
“That’s why good financial advisers are
so insistent that you keep investing across a
diversified range of asset classes, over the long
run. When the market turns, which can happen
suddenly, you’re therefore positioned to make the
most of a buoyant recovery.”
EXCELLENCE DRIVES GROWTH
For evidence, Matt points to the growth of PMG
Funds, which he joined in 2015 from BNZ, when the
organisation owned only a handful of investment
properties and he was its fifth employee.
“PMG was looking to establish what is now its
Investor Relationships team to drive the capital
36 | 100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023

corresponding monetary policy across the globe
but he and his team are equally focused on
keeping across what is happening in the lives of
their investors and tenants. Matt says that PMG’s
investment strategy is to be actively investing
at all points of the cycle, as by the time values
rebound the best opportunities might already be
missed.
“Most of our investors understand that
property is a tangible asset and performs well
over long periods of time, so they are comfortable
to keep investing throughout various cycles
and back us as an active real estate manager to
reliably deliver income and increased value over
time.”
“As an organisation, we’re constantly ensuring
that our funds are as robust as they can possibly
be to deliver regular and sustainable returns to
our clients. This means regularly reviewing the
portfolio asset allocation, our levels of gearing
and our interest rate hedging strategy.”
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
When asked what he sees is important for
investments over the next six months, Matt says
investors should be across small details, which
can make all the difference.
“It’s easy to look at return rates on term
deposits and think they look attractive at the
moment. What investors may miss out on though,
and why I believe in the attractiveness of property
within a diversified investment portfolio, is that it
offers the dual benefits of optimised cash returns
through tax efficiencies and depreciation, as
well as capital growth, which have historically
provided investors with far better total returns
over time.”
While the recent cyclone New Zealand
experienced may prolong high inflation for longer
than anticipated, Matt says there are some
interesting positive trends within commercial
property that are likely to continue into 2023.
“Premium office space and industrial space
in particular continue to be in high demand.
These are due respectively to a ‘flight to quality’,
with office building tenants seeking premium
amenities like end-of-trip facilities – think bike
storage and shower facilities – as a means to
attract and retain employees; and for industrial,
a lack of available space for new development in
strategically convenient New Zealand locations
which is leading to strong demand for existing
well-located facilities and therefore rental
growth.
Being both property and fund managers
means Matt and the PMG team are able to pass on
a full range of property insights to PMG’s investors
and our professional partners.
“Our clients are also reassured by the fact that
at PMG and our staff are also personally invested
in our funds,” says Matt.
“This shows our commitment to what we
do and also allows us to share in the success
alongside our customers.”
We’ve been using our
property and investment
nous to help Kiwis get
ahead for over 30 years.
Providing four successive
generations of investors with
cashflow through regular returns
and a pathway to financial freedom
through long-term capital growth.
Talk to us today about how we
can help you get more from
your investment dollar.
0800 219 476
pmgfunds.co.nz
100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023 | 37

PROPERTY – COMMERCIAL | PEOPLE
MARK HATCHMAN
development manager, quayside holdings
Mark Hatchman is a man of many talents – a dynamic, community-driven Development
Manager for Quayside Holdings, family man and resident joker. Depending upon the day, he
may or may not be the guy you want on your golf team, but you definitely want him in your
clay-bird shooting posse!
While Mark has a penchant for lifting a
room with a well-timed joke or being
the life of the party, his values are
driven by making a better life for his
children and the community he lives in. It is these
values that he brings as he leads Quayside’s largest
development project, the Rangiuru Business Park.
RANGIURU BUSINESS PARK
The Rangiuru Business Park is an 18-year vision
in the making. Now into its second season of
earthworks, Mark is looking forward to the release
of Stage 1A titles of the industrial park in late 2024
as we build on our vision of having a truly modern,
connected and high-quality industrial park on our
doorstep servicing the greater Bay of Plenty Region
– being close to the Port of Tauranga via road and
rail, part of the Golden Triangle, less than an hour
to Rotorua and only a 45 min drive to other major
Eastern Bay of Plenty communities.
WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE
Always quick to a self-deprecating story, Mark’s
sense of humour belies his wealth of experience
in large-scale and smaller projects over more
than one continent, developments that have been
Quayside Properties Ltd proudly presents,
as lead investor, the Rangiuru Business
Park. Our focus is on delivering a modern,
high-quality industrial park with a
connected vision – both to multi-modal
transport networks (road, rail, sea) as well
as to our community.
Providing highly sought after industrial
land, the 148-hectare Rangiuru Business
Park also offers quality options for
relocation or expansion. Offering larger
parcels of land, the Rangiuru Business Park
has a range of land packages available for
sale as well as leasing options.
Stage 1A titles will be released
in 2024 so get in touch now.
Mark Hatchman
Development Manager
enquiries@rangiuru.co.nz
38 | 100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023

“WHILE COMMERCIAL
OUTCOMES ARE
IMPORTANT, MARK STRONGLY
ALIGNS TO QUAYSIDE’S OWN
VALUES THAT ‘WE DO WORK
WE’RE PROUD TO STAND BY’,
PROVIDING RESULTS THAT ARE
MORE THAN JUST ABOUT THE
BOTTOM LINE.
enjoyed by millions of people.
Mark grew up in Hamilton, taking off to the deep
south to complete his Degree in Civil Engineering
as a recipient of the Downer Engineering
Scholarship. He started his time as a graduate
engineer at the Huntly Power Station before leaping
over the Tasman to West Australia, working on a
large-scale mining project.
With a bit of money in his pocket, he then
enjoyed a long stint travelling through South and
Central America and ended up in London, where he
plied his trade on various large-scale construction
roles.
Then came the London Olympics – he may
not have been invited as an athlete, but his civil
engineering skills were in high demand – ending
up as a Project Manager, leading a large team to
deliver on Olympic infrastructures with a hard
deadline.
Flip to a FIFO role in Papua New Guinea
developing a pipeline with strong community
engagement, and Construction Manager in the Bay
for a local contractor, the breadth and depth of
Mark’s experience that he brings to the wider Bay of
Plenty cannot be underestimated.
SHARED VISION
For the Rangiuru Business Park, Mark is leading
the engagement with Tapuika (mana whenua of
the land) and other iwi to ensure we execute our
vision together – both in terms of social outcomes,
environmental goals, cultural master plan and
commercial opportunities.
The wetlands will be an outstanding example of
this collaboration – with 50 hectares of stormwater
ponds, the Park has aspirations to deliver a wetland
reserve with approximately 400,000 nursery plants
(a venture with Tapuika), firmly stamping a vision of
quality and commitment for the Rangiuru Business
Park from all angles – environmental, social and
cultural.
Mark strives to create outcomes that are not
only beneficial for all parties, but sustainablefocused.
Mark completed his Master of
Engineering Science (Project Management) in 2017
with a focus on sustainability and property.
While commercial outcomes are important,
Mark strongly aligns to Quayside’s own values that
‘we do work we’re proud to stand by’, providing
results that are more than just about the bottom
line. These values are driven by being Dad to two
small tamariki.
Mark loves a music concert, a beer, mountain
biking and hanging out with the kids at the beach.
He is also one of the main culprits of Quayside’s
mountain of coffee beans we get through each
week - every hui deserves a coffee to accompany
it, according to Mark!
Mark says, of working and living in the Bay,
“Being part of a significant project for the Bay of
Plenty, where my family and I live, and where the
prospects for positive outcomes for the community
are substantial, strongly aligns with my values.
Working with Quayside provides me an opportunity
to work in a culture where outcomes are more than
just the bottom-line.”
100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023 | 39

PROPERTY – RESIDENTIAL | PEOPLE
JASON EVES
sales director, oliver road | luxury real estate
A lifetime of adventure and careers abroad has seen this Tauranga local return to a
family-focused Bay of Plenty lifestyle and a professional role that offers challenge,
reward, and an outlet for excellence.
Jason’s father Max Eves started Eves Real
Estate in Tauranga back in the late 1960s,
however Jason’s path to a career in local real
estate was not exactly straightforward.
In earlier adult life, Jason qualified and
practiced as a veterinary surgeon in NZ, Australia,
UK and abroad, including for the Wildlife Rescue
Rehabilitation and Sanctuary Division of the IFAW
(International Fund for Animal Welfare).
A highlight of this time was him leading IFAW’s
response team on the ground during the rescue
of more than 50 big cats and other endangered
animals from the Baghdad Zoo during the 2003
American invasion. This emotionally challenging,
highly impactful rescue operation is the subject
of the 2007 book Babylon’s Ark, written by South
African conservationist Lawrence
Anthony.
Following his years
practising in the veterinary
field, Jason moved into
the highly competitive
pharma sales arena. As
national sales manager
for multi-national
pharmaceutical company
Pfizer, he reported directly
to the CEO of Animal
Health and ran
seven territory
managers and
key accounts
throughout the
country.
More
recently, after
what was
intended only
to be a gap year
working on
super yachts
with his nowwife,
Abigail,
Jason spent 10
years working
as operations manager for an ultra-high net worth
individual in North America. This diverse role saw
him advising on, negotiating and managing the
acquisition and disposal of countless aircraft,
yachts, vehicles and other luxury goods.
Among other projects in the early years of this
period, Jason managed the redevelopment of his
employer’s 770-acre island in British Columbia
(including establishing an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus
golf course). Later, he converted the stable block
of what was previously John Cleese’s ranch in
Southern California into a two hundred-milliondollar
private car garage.
Following their time in North America, a
decision to return to New Zealand was largely
centred around Jason and Abigail’s daughter
Harper who was born in California. She is now seven
years old and enjoying the same school playground
that Jason did back in the 70’s. They also wanted
the lifestyle that New Zealand, more specifically
“JASON HAS DEVELOPED A PHENOMENAL
WORK ETHIC, OPERATES WITH ABSOLUTE
INTEGRITY, AND DELIVERS NOTHING SHORT OF
EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE AND OUTCOMES TO THE
CLIENTS OF OLIVER ROAD.
Tauranga, could provide for their family, and were
excited by the opportunity to properly reconnect
with family and friends who had remained in, or had
also returned to, the Bay of Plenty.
Jason’s depth and breadth of experience in
negotiating luxury property and other high-value
goods is unlikely to be matched by another agent in
New Zealand.
Throughout his distinct international careers
and the experiences each have afforded him, he
has developed a phenomenal work ethic, operates
with absolute integrity, and delivers nothing short
of exceptional service and outcomes to the clients
of Oliver Road.
40 | 100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023

BEN HAWAN
sales associate, oliver road | luxury real estate
In 2018, Ben entered the luxury real estate industry and from day one, he set out building
relationships and solving problems in a meaningful and personally rewarding way.
Growing up in the Irish and Scottish
countryside, Ben developed a love of
rural life and from a young age was
intrigued by the unique and wide variety
of homes and lifestyles chosen by friends, family
and others within these communities.
Following a move to New Zealand at age
25, he was initially drawn into corporate life in
Wellington City, a career that included roles across
engineering, information technology, and project
management in the finance/banking sector. Whilst
varied, these roles all shared one thing in common
– a focus on solving problems and navigating the
“FOLLOWING THE BIRTH OF BEN AND HIS WIFE
DARA’S BABY GIRL ‘WINTER’, A MOVE NORTH IN
SEEK OF SUN, SAND, AND WORKING WITH A COMPANY
THAT BEN HAD ALWAYS ADMIRED – BECAME A REALITY.
requirements and expectations of key stakeholders
in any given project or task at hand. This skillset
is invaluable in the corporate world, however Ben
felt an unwavering pull back to the land, back into
peoples’ homes, and a desire to apply himself to
helping people and families (vs stakeholders and
companies) navigate change.
In 2018, Ben entered the luxury real estate
industry and from day one, he set out building
relationships and solving problems in a meaningful
and personally rewarding way. His curiosity and
interest in property really came alive and over
the following years, by any measure he excelled -
working alongside astute buyers, and representing
the sellers of some of Wellington’s most admired
residences under the Sotheby’s brand.
Following the birth of Ben and his wife Dara’s
baby girl ‘Winter’, a move north in seek of sun, sand,
and working with a company that Ben had always
admired - became a reality. Joining Oliver Road in
2022, Ben hasn’t looked back. His experience and
ethical approach to life and business have proven
to exceed all expectations of the company’s clients
and team, and his family couldn’t be happier to now
call the beautiful Bay of Plenty “home”.
Without question, Ben’s success in the real
estate industry thus far can be attributed to his
natural interpersonal skill in combination with an
ability to understand, simplify, and appropriately
convey the often complex nature of luxury
properties. He understands that selling high-value
homes in this high-stakes market segment can be
a lengthier and more challenging process which,
above all else, requires unwavering commitment
from the agent.
Becoming an expert on every property he is
trusted with is a must. Throughout the acquisition
of a home at this level, buyers should expect
a respectful, responsive service underpinned
by information they can rely on coming from
an agent they can trust. Commitment to these
principles converts to well informed buyers who
feel confident in moving
forward through a
clear due diligence
process, a less painful
negotiation, and
ultimately becoming
the new owners of
an exceptional home
represented by Oliver
Road.
100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023 | 41

PROPERTY – RESIDENTIAL | PEOPLE
CAM WINTER
founder & creative director, oliver road | luxury real estate
A thought-leader, Cam is pioneering a new era of client-focused, marketing-first real estate
firms. He is deeply passionate about delivering a world-class, specialist service to Oliver Road’s
clients, and most importantly – producing results that consistently exceed expectations.
Cam grew up in the Bay of Plenty and
from a very young age it was obvious
his path could lead to a career in sales
and marketing. From a somewhat
unsuccessful introduction to the industry at age 4
– when he tried to sell a stray cat to the neighbour –
through to an incident at age 14, when, much to the
confusion of all involved, he sold $1,600 worth of
ski gear to a customer, despite not working at the
shop they were in, this innate passion has grown
and matured, and is evident in all things he has
applied himself to in adult life.
In the late 2000s, a productive impatience
saw Cam drop out of his university study and dive
head-first into the world of business. At age 18,
this took the form of his first company - Focus
Marketing. In partnership with another likeminded
young entrepreneur, Cam built this
successful company from the ground
up - establishing a client base which
included Rodney Wayne and Pitstop,
along with other nationwide
brands.
Featured on TVNZ’s Breakfast
and Lonely Planet, another
start-up that Cam front-footed
was Stay2011.com. This website
pre-dated AirBnb’s presence in
New Zealand, and was
the answer to
the question
many had on
their minds
approaching
the 2011
Rugby World
Cup “How
do we rent
a couch, a
room, or
our entire
house to
capitalise
on the
huge
impending influx of overseas visitors?”
Following these earlier endeavours in the sales
and marketing arena, in 2010 (just two years after
the GFC) Cam entered the real estate industry and
has never looked back.
Over the past twelve years, Cam has sold more
than 500 properties and since founding Oliver Road
in 2017 has worked exclusively with the owners of
unique, high value Bay of Plenty homes.
Joined by Jason Eves in 2019 and Ben Hawan
in 2022. Together, and with invaluable support
from their business team, they have established
a formidable track-record and reputation in the
market.
“CAM SIMPLY DOESN’T SETTLE FOR SECOND
BEST AND BELIEVES THOSE SELLING A UNIQUE,
HIGH-VALUE BAY OF PLENTY HOME SHOULDN’T
EITHER. OVER THE PAST TWELVE YEARS, CAM HAS
SOLD MORE THAN 500 PROPERTIES AND SINCE 2018
HAS WORKED EXCLUSIVELY WITH THE OWNERS OF
UNIQUE, HIGH VALUE BAY OF PLENTY HOMES.
In 2019, Cam met Isis – an interior designer and
project manager in the property industry – and in
2021 they welcomed their first child ‘Fox’ into the
world. Having recently turned two, Fox is already
proving to be a formidable negotiator and giving
Cam a run for his money!
A thought-leader, Cam is pioneering a new era
of client-focused, marketing-first real estate firms.
He is deeply passionate about delivering a worldclass,
specialist service to Oliver Road’s clients,
and most importantly – producing results that
consistently exceed expectations.
Awarded Best Real Estate Agent (New Zealand
& Asia Pacific Regions) in the 2021 International
Property Awards, Cam simply doesn’t settle for
second best and believes those selling a unique,
high-value Bay of Plenty home shouldn’t either.
42 | 100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023

O L I V E R R O A D |
Oliver Road is a celebration and marketplace of Bay of Plenty’s most unique, high-value homes.
Representing a select few properties at any given time, we are committed to delivering a worldclass
service; one that includes a comprehensive valuation, advice on pre-market improvements,
luxury furnishing, commercial-grade photography, broad-reaching exposure to an international
audience, and expert handling of buyer enquiry and negotiation.
Selling with Oliver Road means partnering with a tight-knit team of highly experienced, passionate
professionals who operate at all times with absolute integrity and dedication to our clients.
Buying from Oliver Road means an experience of comfort and confidence, working with respectful
and knowledgeable agents to acquire one of Bay of Plenty’s most sought-after addresses.
If you’ve come to expect mediocre service and lack of product knowledge from this industry,
we invite you to take the road less traveled.
Take a seat at our table and experience the difference.
Expect better - by any measure.
Jason Eves
Sales Director
Oliver Road | Luxury Real Estate
jason@oliverroad.co.nz
027 587 5509
Ben Hawan
Sales Associate
Oliver Road | Luxury Real Estate
ben@oliverroad.co.nz
021 174 7305
Cam Winter
Creative Director
Oliver Road | Luxury Real Estate
cameron@oliverroad.co.nz
021 800 889
100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023 | 43

RECRUITMENT | PEOPLE
RENEE HANLEY
senior recruitment consultant, Ryan + Alexander consulting
For the past 20 years Renee
has lived and breathed the fast
paced world of recruitment.
Having started with a boutique
recruitment agency Madison
Recruitment in its early years,
Renee worked across various
sectors during this time, and
delivered many high volume
projects, which also included
some technical recruitment.
Making the switch to internal
recruitment, Renee then spent a few years with Downer
Engineering as a Senior Recruitment Business Partner,
where she led a team within Infrastructure Services, sourcing
technical talent across New Zealand.
After Renee and her husband moved their young family to
Tauranga in 2018, Renee returned to her roots of agency
recruitment and re-connected with some old colleagues
from the early 2000’s Bernadette and Kiri. She jumped at the
chance to join the team at Ryan + Alexander, as a generalist
senior recruiter across a broad range of industries. Outside of
work, Renee can usually be found watching her children play
sport, chilling at the beach or enjoying a wine and delicious
food with friends and family.
www.ryanandalexander.co.nz
NATALIE MILNE
Executive consultant, Ryan + Alexander consulting
With proven experience across
multiple business sectors,
Natalie brings an extensive
understanding of organisational
requirements. This includes
working with some of the most
iconic New Zealand companies
and global supply chains.
Living in Tauranga since 2006,
Natalie and her husband have
raised their two girls here. Natalie
has also worked in Auckland,
throughout regional New Zealand and into Europe, Asia,
Australia and the US.
Her broad commercial experience has seen her manage
portfolios across marketing, project management, corporate
social responsibility, customer and regulatory assurance
programs, quality management, and people and culture.
Natalie says “My passion for recruitment has grown
throughout my career. I have recruited for my own teams
and business units, and also in my roles leading Human
Resources Teams. I understand how important it is to get it
right, and have a particular strength in understanding both the
business needs and fit required for both the candidate and the
organisation they will work for”.
www.ryanandalexander.co.nz
LIZ KENNEDY
Executive consultant, Ryan + Alexander consulting
Liz’s career in recruitment began
on her OE in London 20 years
ago. Upon returning to New
Zealand, she joined a global
recruitment agency, based
in Auckland in the Finance
Permanent division.
Working on Senior permanent
roles within the greater Auckland
area set her in good stead to
make the next move in her career
in-house, as Talent Acquisition
Manager for ANZ. Here she was responsible for Executive
recruitment and supported and managed a team of Talent
Acquisition Specialists.
Returning to the workforce two years ago, now based
in Tauranga, Liz joined the team at Ryan + Alexander. She
works primarily in the Senior/Executive space alongside
Bernadette and Natalie and recruits roles across a variety of
industries.
Liz says “Ryan + Alexander have offered me a great
opportunity to return to work in a part-time capacity which
works well with my young family. I am loving working with the
friendly people and successful businesses in the sunny Bay of
Plenty and I look forward to working with more of you.”
www.ryanandalexander.co.nz
LYNDA STEWART
consultant, Ryan + Alexander consulting
Lynda settled in the Bay of
Plenty in 2013 with her family
after years spent living in
Auckland, Wellington and
abroad.
She loves the juxtaposition
of working in a professional
environment with the relaxed
beachside lifestyle. Joining
the team at Ryan + Alexander
in 2018, Lynda manages our
client’s temporary, and contract
recruitment needs. She also wrote and oversees our
in-house career outplacement program, coaching
candidates through change one to one.
With a corporate background in leadership, coaching
and training Lynda uses her skill-set to work with
candidates and clients alike, applying a supportive and
collaborative approach.
With a real love of connecting with others, Lynda thrives
in the fast-paced temp space of our business, matching
candidates and clients with best fit always at front of mind.
www.ryanandalexander.co.nz
44 | 100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023

RECRUITMENT | PEOPLE
KELLIE HAMLETT
director, talent id
A Rotorua local, Kellie would have
loved to have crafted a career
around riding and training horses,
however HR and Recruitment led
the way and horses still remain
a big part of her life, but as an
expensive hobby.
Starting Talent ID Recruitment
back in 2007, was a real leap into
the unknown, but almost 16 years
later Kellie still has a real passion
for helping people into careers
they love and delivering outstanding results to clients.
Talent ID has helped literally thousands of candidates into
roles over this time.
‘It gives me a great sense of accomplishment seeing the
businesses that we work with grow and prosper through
the placement of quality people. The same can be said for
the candidates that we work with. We’ve built some really
meaningful relationships over that time with both businesses
and candidates – it’s a real partnership approach”.
Kellie is known as the region’s go-to person for
recruitment, with a great team of professionals working
alongside her, the team at Talent ID can assist with all your
recruitment needs.
WE WANT
YOU!
TO BE PART OF 100
PEOPLE MAGAZINE 2024
2024
PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS
www.talentid.co.nz
HOLLY OPPERS
recruitment specialist, talent id
Holly has spent over 20 years
working within the travel
industry, making the move into
HR seamlessly in 2021 with
Talent ID. She hasn’t looked
back!
Holly specialises in the
recruitment of both temporary
and permanent placements in
a variety of professional roles.
You’ll find her super friendly
and knowledgeable to deal with
and committed to placing candidates into roles, that are that
essential fit.
As a mum of three active kids, she tries to maintain work
life balance, valuing her time with her family and friends. It’s
not uncommon to find she has signed herself up to all sorts of
crazy adventures. As never one to shy away from a challenge,
she has just competed in an adventure race and is signed up
for a marathon in May.
Holly has been extremely successful at Talent ID with
Kellie and the team. Building some great relationships with
candidates and clients alike, Holly and the team at Talent ID
can assist with all your recruitment needs.
www.talentid.co.nz
Book your profile now
in the 2024 edition
Publishing March 2024
don’t miss out
RECRUITING
NOW!
For more information go to:
www.bopbusinessnews.co.nz/
media-kit-100-people-behind-bay-business/
100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023 | 45

TECHNOLOGY – SOFTWARE | PEOPLE
NICOLE BROOKY
head of global sales, swipedon
Nicole Brooky, Head of Global Sales at SwipedOn, grew up in
Wellington before spending five years in London where her
sales career flourished and was named #1 UK SaaS Sales Leader
in 2019. When the pandemic hit in 2020, Nicole moved back to
Aotearoa to be closer to family.
Since then, Nicole joined SwipedOn as the
Head of Global Sales, bought her first home
and became a mother. We spoke to Nicole
to find out how life in London compares to
Tauranga, and the all-important subject of how to
balance a career with motherhood.
CAN YOU GIVE US A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF YOUR
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND?
In my early career I did a bit of everything -
hospitality, events, sales and customer service.
When I moved to London I joined Receipt Bank
(Dext) as an early SaaS startup and was a part of
their hyper-growth through three funding rounds.
As the company grew, I quickly progressed from
business development through numerous sales
leadership roles. Early in 2019 I was appointed
the General Manager for the U.K, responsible for
leading a team of 40 across marketing, sales and
customer success.
HOW DOES TAURANGA COMPARE TO LONDON?
It’s very different. London is competitive and there
is a fast-paced, ‘growth at all costs’ mindset that
often causes burnout. The businesses here have a
different priority which leans on work life balance
and valuing people in and outside of work. It can be
quite a culture shock and took a while to adjust to!
Life is complicated.
Your workplace sign in shouldn’t be.
Find out more at www.swipedon.com
46 | 100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023

London is the epitome of city living, which I
absolutely loved while there, but being back in NZ
is very comforting, and Tauranga provides the
perfect mix of beach and city life. You still have
good restaurants and bars, but you can go for a
walk along the beach no matter where you are - and
that’s simply not something you can do in London.
WITHIN TWO YEARS OF RETURNING TO NZ,
YOU BOUGHT A HOUSE AND HAD A BABY.
HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR CAREER WITH
MOTHERHOOD?
Ha! Good question… I feel like I’m still figuring it
out. Even when my son was a newborn I found
myself craving that mental stimulation. That was
a big reason I returned to work so early - I enjoy
having that professional element in my life and
think it’s important to still do things that challenge
and excite you, even while being a new mum.
You’ve got to show up for yourself – in whatever
form that may be. For some people it could be
creativity and art, for some it might be fitness, but
it shouldn’t be about choosing, it’s about ‘how do
I be a better version of myself to show up for my
kids?’. Having family, friends and work that support
you is important too, and surrounding yourself with
people who encourage your goals.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO THE PEOPLE OUT
THERE WHO MIGHT DISAGREE THAT YOU CAN
HAVE A SUCCESSFUL CAREER AND BE A GREAT
MUM?
Before I became a mother all I ever heard was that
you need to choose - kids or your career. It’s such
a stigma that needs to be broken down and I feel it
often detracts career driven women from having
kids because we’re told you can’t do both. I was
determined to show people you can if you want to.
HOW DO YOU COPE WITH THE MUM GUILT OF
COMING TO WORK FULL TIME?
It was hard initially but I’ve always wanted my kids
to be independent and confident in themselves,
and we chose a daycare where we knew he would
be safe and loved just like he would be at home.
Knowing that he constantly has new experiences,
gets to play with different toys, and engages with a
wide range of kids is a proud moment rather than
feeling like I’ve failed him. I also make sure the time
I spend with my son is focused quality time, which
helps me to be completely present and not feel like
I am trading one for the other.
WHAT’S THE SECRET TO SUCCESS WITH
BALANCING A CAREER WITH MOTHERHOOD?
Do something you love. If you love what you do, it
doesn’t feel like a chore. I don’t think the balance
will ever be easy, but having passion and purpose
in your career helps with that balance and removes
the idea that work is the draining part of your week.
This energy will be seen by my kids and hopefully
passed onto how they view work and their career in
the future.
AND FINALLY… WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST
ABOUT WORKING AT SWIPEDON?
It has to be the work life balance along with valuing
the people within the organisation.
100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023 | 47

TOURISM | PEOPLE
OSCAR NATHAN
TUMUAKI | general manager, tourism bay of plenty
The need to be adaptive and resilient has been drummed into all of us during the events of
the past few years. New Zealand’s tourism sector is no exception. Its share of the international
travel market rebounded nicely as soon as the country’s strict Covid-related border closure
finally eased, but Tourism Bay of Plenty general manager Oscar Nathan is understandably
cautious about other headwinds his sector is continuing to face.
Oscar Nathan has been drawing upon
his 25 years of tourism experience as
he leads the Coastal Bay of Plenty and
his talented 18-member team through
these tumultuous times. Oscar’s always keen
to make a difference and excels at facilitating
collaborations between stakeholders to make
things happen. He remains focused on being a
staunch protagonist for the unrealised potential
that tourism can bring to New Zealand’s regional
economies and sectors.
He first joined Tourism Bay of Plenty as a board
director in March 2020, just a few months after
the tragic eruption on Whakaari | White Island and
while New Zealand was coming to grips with the
first stages of the Covid-19 pandemic. He was later
appointed as the organisation’s general manager in
July 2021.
Oscar had previously served in a number of toplevel
roles elsewhere, including as general manager
at neighbouring tourism organisation Destination
Rotorua (now RotoruaNZ), chief executive at
Tamaki Māori Village (now Te Pā Tū), and acting
chief executive at Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA).
He’s also held numerous advisory and governance
roles within tourism, hospitality, education, and
business.
Tourism Bay of Plenty is a councilcontrolled
organisation, fulfilling a joint role
as a Regional Tourism Organisation (RTO)
and Destination Management Organisation
(DMO). The former indicates its roots
as a marketing agency, while the latter
demonstrates a more recent shift in focus
and a new purpose: To connect and enrich
people and place through tourism.
and the Western Bay of Plenty. The Tourism Bay
of Plenty team is now fully focused on instigating,
supporting, and amplifying its core Place DNA®
projects across four key areas: Horticultural
Provenance, Ocean and Beaches, Māori Culture,
and Natural Landscapes.
There’s an undeniable emphasis on
collaboration with local councils, communities, and
businesses to maximise opportunities and
ensure vital input, consideration
and representation is
sought from all relevant
stakeholders. It’s little
surprise that Oscar’s
top five Gallup strengths
(strategic, communication,
futuristic, self-assurance,
and developer) are coming
to the fore in these ongoing
collaborations.
KEY STRATEGIES
A key strategy that has significantly influenced
Tourism Bay of Plenty’s mahi over the past few
years has been Te Hā Tāpoi | The Love of Tourism,
the insightful Destination Management Plan (DMP)
it released in 2019. The plan prescribes a much
stronger community and regenerative lens for
visitor sector activities across the Coastal
Bay of Plenty - stretching from Waihī Beach
to Ōhope, including Whakatāne, Tauranga
48 | 100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023

Investing in sustainable tourism practices
and infrastructure will not only help the sector
to mitigate any negative environmental impacts
it needs to manage; it should also attract the
attention of the ever-growing number of ecoconscious
travellers.
COLLECTIVE PROJECTS
Muirs Tours enables visitors to Maketū to prepare and savour
their own freshly caught seafood.
MANAGING DISRUPTORS
At the same time, he’s having to manage three
disruptors within tourism: the ongoing impacts
of climate change and what it means for tourism
operators, activities, and events; the rising cost of
living and its effect on consumers’ discretionary
spending; and the recalibration of tourism in
general as destinations around the globe work
to rebuild capacity to meet demand, and the
associated difficulties of accessing the right levels
of labour, capital and transportation.
To address the first issue, Oscar’s been
overseeing his team’s launch of The Green Room
| Te Rūma Kākāriki – an innovative 12-week
programme which is assisting visitor sector
businesses and organisations to pursue zero
carbon and regenerative strategies.
The breadth and depth of Māori culture and the
various iwi and hapū who live in the region is
also a key focus for Tourism Bay of Plenty. An
increasing number of international travellers are
searching for authentic indigenous destinations
and experiences, which can be a win for business
operators and small communities that are willing to
explore the economic and social opportunities this
presents, Oscar says.
This ties nicely into another major project
that Oscar’s team is continuing to develop - the
annual Flavours of Plenty Festival, held in autumn,
celebrating the region’s horticultural provenance
and its burgeoning foodie and hospitality sector.
Oscar’s also enjoying the opportunity to be
involved in the planning and revitalisation of the
Tauranga central business district, and in particular
the Te Manawataki o Te Papa civic precinct. He
believes it will add a higher level of sophistication
to the city, catering for locals and visitors alike as
Tauranga steadily edges towards becoming the
fourth largest city in New Zealand.
“I GENUINELY RELISH WHAT I DO, AND I ENJOY THE
OPPORTUNITIES THAT COME WITH NEW PROJECTS,
SECTOR DISRUPTION, INNOVATION, AND TECHNOLOGY.
A KEY LEARNING FOR ME, OVER MY CAREER, IS THE
SELF-REALISATION THAT AT TIMES I CAN CHARGE OFF
ON A MISSION AND DIRECTION. THAT’S WHY THIS WELL-
KNOWN WHAKATAUKĪ HOLDS SUCH MEANING FOR ME:
EHARA TAKU TOA I TE TOA TAKITAHI, ENGARI HE TOA
TAKITINI. MY STRENGTH IS NOT AS AN INDIVIDUAL,
BUT AS A TEAM.”
Our purpose is to connect and enrich
people and place through tourism.
TOURISM BAY OF PLENTY
IS POWERED BY
100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023 | 49

VENUES | PEOPLE
BAY VENUES
connecting our communities through exceptional experiences
Community connection is key. It is as important as it has ever been here in Tauranga. We
are one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s fastest growing cities; our population continues to
soar; our neighbourhoods continue to expand. Bay Venues has an important role to play
when it comes to community connection.
The 24 public facilities we manage on behalf
of Tauranga City Council – aquatic centres,
indoor sports venues, gyms, community
halls – are places where people can meet
and interact, share moments and milestones,
and experience a sense of belonging. There is
increasing demand to upgrade our ageing facilities
to ensure they meet the needs of the community.
Our purpose as an organisation is to create
exceptional experiences in each of these facilities
every single day that will bring people together and
encourage them to return. This purpose guides
our newly formed executive team as they weave
together all areas of Bay Venues and work towards
our vision of being The Best Venues for the Bay. The
common thread is always community connection.
CHAD HOOKER
chief executive
Our 24 venues across Tauranga host nearly two
million visits a year and we want every one of those
visits to be exceptional. That requires a huge
team effort. Our general managers work closely
together to ensure Bay Venues and all of our people
operate as one cohesive unit; all departments
complementing each other; all departments
driven by the same purpose – to connect our
communities. For 11 years I was the Director of
Operations at H3, Hamilton City Council’s event and
venue division. Before that, I managed shopping
centres for more than a decade. Our Bay Venues
executive team has that same mix of community
and commercial experience and together we are
firmly focused on this organisation being a great
host and connector for our rapidly growing city.
TINA HARRIS-
RIRINUI
general manager: operations
Operations is the heartbeat of Bay Venues. It
consists of events, aquatics, sport and fitness,
and community centres and halls. I have worked in
the sport and leisure industry my entire career, I
am incredibly passionate about it, and I have seen
first-hand how our facilities and the people within
them contribute to the fabric of our communities.
These facilities are places where people can
come for sport and recreation, to socialise,
revitalise, relax, learn, enjoy, exercise, hone their
skills, be looked after, compete, eat, and develop
friendships. Attending events can offer a range of
benefits, such as the opportunity to connect with
like-minded individuals, expand one’s knowledge or
skill set, experience new perspectives and ideas,
gain inspiration and motivation, celebrate, have
fun and enjoy social interactions. Our Bay Venues
operations team runs a diverse range of facilities,
activities, and events that are available to both our
communities and visitors to the city, to participate
in and be entertained by.
SAMANTHA WILKIE
general manager: customer experience
The customer journey might start with a click. Or
a call. Or maybe a walk through the door at one
of our venues. Customer experience in 2023 is
marketing an activity or event, booking lessons,
communicating updates and serving customers
across multiple platforms, all while making sure
it is an exceptional and integrated experience
throughout. Over the phone, in person, and
online. With almost 20 years in the marketing and
communications industry, both internationally
and locally, and with a strong background in digital
technology, I am leading a customer service team
that is focused on providing exceptional customer
experiences at all venues at all times. These
experiences help to connect our communities and
leave a lasting impression.
ADAM ELLMERS
general manager: finance & commercial
Bay Venues is currently undertaking a significant
digital transformation journey, enabling us to
operate more efficiently, as well as improve
understanding of our business and the needs of our
communities. A large part of my role is identifying
where we need to invest in our business support.
I come from a commercial finance background
and have seen the benefit of investing in digital
50 | 100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023

The Bay Venues executive
team, from left to right,
Samantha Wilkie, Chad
Hooker, Adam Ellmers,
Kristen Brown, Paul
Dunphy, and Tina
Harris-Ririnui.
capability to enable us to connect better with
customers. Within Bay Venues’ remit, we also
operate some more commercially focused areas
such as Bay Catering, Bay Audio Visual and
BayStation. This enables us to provide a complete
offering for customers booking events in our
facilities, while at the same time generating a
financial return that can be invested back into our
community facilities.
KRISTEN BROWN
general manager: People & capability
My team is focused on a few priority areas over
the next year but the biggest one is creating a
learning and development programme that creates
leaders who lead from every seat. If we do that
well, each and every customer will be delighted
with their experience. And when I say customer, I’m
talking about every person who walks through the
doors of our facilities, as well as every Bay Venues
employee who works alongside us. The people and
capability team serve both. Community connection
starts at home, after all, and exceptional customer
experiences are only possible when you have
happy, valued employees. I’ve worked in the HR
space for a variety of different organisations and
big commercial entities over the years, across
a range of sectors and industries. What floored
me when I started at Bay Venues was the size of
our heart. It was evident from the outset that our
people are here to make a genuine difference to the
communities in which they live, and I’m really proud
to be a part of that.
PAUL DUNPHY
general manager: facilities
We want all of our facilities to be the best they
can be. Our facilities are filled with members of
the community every single day and our focus is
making them places for our people to feel safe and
connected. Maintaining and improving our assets
is our key responsibility. We are doing a good job if
no one notices the work we do because everyone’s
experience is smooth. This includes the running
of large venues such as Baywave, Mount Hot Pools
and Trustpower Baypark, as well as enabling our
clients that are hosting events and activities, and
customers visiting our facilities. We also look
after the organisation’s response to sustainability,
accessibility, and security – putting a clear focus
on this across the city to ensure our facilities are
for everyone. With my background and experience
in local government, both overseas and locally at
Tauranga City Council, I am leading the Bay Venues
team that is working closely alongside the council
to adapt, improve and, in some cases, completely
rebuild and transform the public facilities that our
growing city will need over the next 10 years and
beyond.
100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023 | 51

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52 | 100 – PEOPLE BEHIND BAY BUSINESS | 2023