Waikato Chamber of Commerce

Wayne Walford - Chief Executive Officer Wayne is pleased to be part of the Team at the Chamber , who have recently moved to the Business Floor, Wintec House, Corner Nisbet and Anglesea Streets. He is enthusiastic about meeting Members, Sponsors and friends of the Waikato Chamber. He has enjoyed many years in Tauranga, Mount Maunganui but is keen to take up full time residency in Hamilton. ‘Hamilton has a positive buzz and a vibrancy that other places lack right now’, says Wayne. He is keen to gain a greater understanding of the issues and concerns of members so the services provided by the Chamber under the National Business Vitality Strategy are appropriate and add value for members in Business and Industry throughout the mighty Waikato. Wayne is a self titled ‘Tall-poppy’ not only because of his stature @ 1.98m he is a tall poppy, but due to his interest in people prepared to back themselves and take a risk – something all business people do to be successful. He places huge importance on relationships and connectedness and will not be hiding behind a bushel, you will see him out and about experiencing and learning how best to support Business and Industry in Waikato.

Sueze Morris - Office Manager Sueze has not moved far from her home town of Te Awamutu where she started her working career in the Bank of New Zealand. Sueze and her husband Wayne returned in 2006 from two years travelling overseas with the majority of time spent on the Sunshine Coast of Australia. During her career she has held various positions and gained experience as a Company Director, with the majority of her roles being in the Office Administrator, Office Manager areas. She joined the Chamber in June 2006 after being introduced by her daughter Amanda, who was working on a temporary basis at the Chamber in the administration area. Sueze’s love of the gym lead to her competing on a Regional and National level in Body Building, from 2002 – 2003, where she gained success at each competition. The personal confidence, commitment and dedication gained through this experience she draws on in her personal and working life. Her two daughters, Amanda and Felicity, are successful young business women.

Michelle Locke Events and Administration Michelle hails from the land of Oz and has been living in New Zealand for 5 years. She was tempted with a sea change and offered a position in the ‘deep south’ as Regional Development Manager for Southland Hockey. From there she worked her way to the mighty Waikato and has been here now for the last 3 years. In her previous role, as Waikato Regional Manager of Sustainable Business Network offering events, seminars and networking opportunities with a sustainability focus saw her work with many stakeholders including the Chamber in Hamilton and the Waikato region. Michelle has been involved in sport development and administration both as a volunteer and paid roles for many years. She has been coaching for many years and hasn’t lost her love of hockey. You’ll find her coaching Fraser Tech Premier women and Waikato Rep ages as well as assisting the Midlands franchise with National League. Her work background is varied from administration, service, hospitality, sport but always people focused. Sustainability has been something that has grown probably from her love of animals and the sadness through habitat loss. ‘We lived all over Sydney and in the city you don’t realize the daily motion of living and taking things for granted so you aren’t connected to the consequences of your actions’. Sure we lived near Bondi beach so keeping our beach clean was intrinsic action, not using chemicals and washing rubbish down storm water. But when we moved to rural area in the Blue Mountains we had a water tank, bio-degradable sewerage we lived through draughts, bushfires in a more isolated area it was a wake up. Recycling was always the ‘norm’ in Sydney but now we had a more focused and personal reason to take it to another level and understand the actions of our actions and purchases and the consequences. I remember growing up as a kid with buy Aussie made that has really stayed with me seeing the effects of recession look around at the people here and you realize that good economics, social responsibility starts local. We live in global village but it’s the people locally that look after you. I have grown to really love Hamilton I have some wonderful friends and colleagues here, Sydney/Australia will always be home but being part Kiwi (my grandfather was born here in Hamilton) I really see Hamilton/Waikato forging ahead in many areas of business, events and the place for people to want to come and live.

Alison Robinson - Membership Co-ordinator Hi my name is Alison Robinson. I have lived in Hamilton with my husband Carl for the past 13 years. I come to the Chamber with administration experience & more than 10 years experience in customer service. I look forward to meeting all existing & new chamber members. I have 2 grown children; Carin (23) and Brendon (19). Carl and I are looking forward to being first time Grandparents in December this year. Other than that you may see me from time to time walking my West Highland White Terrier Misty & our Golden Retriever Apollo, although not as much as I should.

Julie Thorburn - Finance Julie is an integral part of the Chamber ensuring the finances are all in order. She was introduced to the Chamber in 2006 by a Board member and has proven herself to be a very valuable team member. Julie is the proud mum of Ruth and Keith who both attend Southwell School.

CONTACT US: Waikato Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. Business Floor, Wintec House, Corner Nisbet and Anglesea Streets PO Box 1122, Hamilton 3240 p: (07) 839 5895 f: (07) 839 4581