TARANAKI - Key Persons
Arun was on the Board of the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce from April 2009 to April 2015 and Chair for four months thereafter.
Having a strong passion for the Chamber and business in Taranaki, he was a judge for the Business Excellence Awards from 2005 to 2014.
Arun's background is the merchant navy, where he spent 20 years, including six years as a Captain on large oil tankers. He then worked in senior management roles in two ports in New Zealand. Arun holds a Bachelor's degree in Commerce and a Master's degree in Business Administration.
Arun was appointed CEO in June 2017. He is committed to the Chamber delivering exceptional service to its members and partners, while working closely with the Chamber's stakeholders. You can read more about Arun's journey here
Job Titles:
- Member of the Introducing the Board
- Senior Associate at Govett Quilliam
Bea is a Senior Associate at Govett Quilliam currently based in the firm's New Plymouth office in the Corporate and Commercial Team.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Introducing the Board
Job Titles:
- Member of the Introducing the Board
- Board Member for the New Zealand Chambers' of Commence
- Chairman of the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce
Daniel is the Chair of the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce and has been on the board for nearly 10 years.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Introducing the Board
Job Titles:
- Member of the Introducing the Board
Job Titles:
- Member of the Introducing the Board
Job Titles:
- Member of the Introducing the Board
Job Titles:
- Event Manager
- Events Manager
Jo has been with the Chamber since March 2023. She has a background in marketing, tourism, conferences and events and is a strong advocate for all that Taranaki has to offer.
Job Titles:
- Marketing and Communications Coordinator
After leaving New Plymouth Boys' High School in 2016 Josh spent three years at Massey University in Palmerston North completing a bachelor's degree in Business with a major in Marketing. He then spent the next two years plying his trade at W.R. Phillips and was thrilled to join the Taranaki Chamber team in March 2022 as the Marketing and Communications Coordinator.
Julia has been with the Chamber since 2017. She ensures the smooth running of the office, providing support to all team members at both Chamber House and the Chamber Hubs in Bell Block and Hāwera.
Her key roles include facilitation of all training courses and workshops, processing Certificates of Origin and export documentation, development and updates to Chamber Policies and Procedures, Chamber Board administration and account queries.
Julia also assists with membership administration, reception and anything else when required!
Julia has a passion for the Taranaki community and enjoys seeing businesses connect and enhance the vibrant community she lives and works in.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Introducing the Board
Job Titles:
- Partnership Manager
- Member to Not for Profit Offers
- Partnership Manager for the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce
Maura is the Partnership Manager for the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce. She is responsible for growing and developing the relationships in ways that best benefit the partners and provide value to Chamber members.
Maura is responsible for forum groups including Network of Trades. A group she is passionate about is the Not-for-Profit sector, which sits under the Circulate Partnership. Here she works with business and not-for-profit to see long-term connections developed, based on relationships and core values.
Job Titles:
- Regional Coordinator for the Young Enterprise Scheme
- YES Coordinator
Megan joined the team in 2021 as the Regional Coordinator for the Young Enterprise Scheme.
The objective of YES is to grow our region's young entrepreneurs of the future and Megan's role is to organise events; encourage and support schools who offer the programme; work with valued local sponsors and facilitate learning using a wide range of dedicated business experts from across Taranaki.
Megan's background is predominantly in Digital Marketing, Tourism and Project Management, and her previous role at Venture Taranaki has given her great exposure to the local business community. Megan has a lot of personal experience with the Young Enterprise programme; she mentored a team in 2018 and also took part in the programme whilst studying at New Plymouth Girls' High School, with her team taking out regional and national top awards.
Her experience with the programme means that she is extremely passionate about getting as many Taranaki students to take part in the Enterprise Scheme as possible, as she knows how beneficial it is especially for those wanting a career in business and innovation.
Megan highly values the support of our local businesses that are involved in all aspects of this rewarding programme. If you would like to become a mentor for our YES students, please don't hesitate to get in touch with her.
Michelle has been with the Chamber since November 2015. She originally was appointed as the Coordinator for BARA (New Plymouth Business and Retail Association) and then took on additional roles with Chamber events, communications and advocacy in 2017. Michelle also facilitates the judging process for both the Top Shop and Business Excellence Awards. Her background is in Marketing and Sales - previously working for Fairfax Media and MediaWorks. Michelle is an experienced organiser of events and promotions and is passionate about helping local businesses and retailers.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Introducing the Board
Rebecca joined the Taranaki Chamber team as Membership Coordinator in January 2022. Her role is to provide information on the Chamber's benefits and to ensure that all members have the support they need to utilise the range of services and opportunities available. These services include networking, training, discounts, events, and marketing opportunities. Rebecca can assist you in making the most out of your membership and help connect you and your business to what will assist you.
Rebecca comes to the Chamber with experience in both start-up and established businesses, research and business development projects, community programs and outreach. Her background has provided Rebecca with a broad range of business skills and knowledge, gained over many years of working in diversified industries with an emphasis on future growth for businesses.
Rebecca is looking forward to connecting with the local business community, building long-term business relationships, and providing support to members.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Introducing the Board