LIFE MEMBERS
Determined from time to time by resolution of the Board, life memberships are awarded to individuals in recognition of their services and contributions to the Chamber.
Dr Steven A. Saunders (Steve)
Gail Jones
Mike Blake
Director, Steven Saunders & Associates Ltd
D.Phil. (Behavioural Psychology) University of Waikato,
Member of the Institute of Directors
Life member of the Waikato Chamber of Commerce
Steven was born and raised on a farm in the Waikato and completed his tertiary studies at the University of Waikato. He graduated with a D. Phil. (in Behavioural Psychology) in 1974.
Steve and his wife Glenda, live in Cambridge and run a small consultancy business specializing in people issues particularly SME’s. They have an interest in sport and currently can be seen supporting their grandchildren with their various endeavours.
As a Life Member, Steven wishes the Chamber every success as the “Voice of Business” in the region.
Gail Jones past President and Life Member of The Chamber of Commerce.
Gail served on the National Board for many years, whilst operating Gails Floral Studio for some 57 years and Gails of Tamahere for 38 years.
Gail says it was a privilege to work with the business community of Hamilton and the Waikato, who have supported all my unusual endeavours.
Gail Jones and Mavora Hamilton worked with the Waikato Savings Bank to create the Waikato Business Awards.
Gail was introduced to the Waikato Chamber when her Husband passed who found it absolutely daunting to be on a board with 22 men and herself. They were extremely welcoming and made me realise what this Community was all about.
I am very proud of the Waikato Chamber and wish it well in all its endeavours.
Mike Blake spent more than 10 years on the Waikato Chamber of Commerce board, about five of those as president of the organisation.
He was rewarded with life membership for his commitment when he retired.
As a journalist Mike began his career with the Waikato Times and moved through the ranks to edit newspapers and magazines in New Zealand with stints on The Fiji Times and the Fiji Sun.
On his return to Hamilton in the early 2000s he became editor of Waikato Business News and several other titles within the NMMedia stable.
He was responsible for bringing National Grey Power Magazine into the fold and added that to his eclectic mix of work subjects.
Now he has truly retired, and he and wife of many years,Eileen, have taken up residence at the Tamahere Country Club on the border of Hamilton.
“It’s a great city, in a strong region and is sure to prosper into the future.”
Dr John Gallagher
Don Lindale
John Gallagher – CNZM KStJ JP HonD CFInstD
John retired from the Gallagher Group day to day management many years ago but as a Shareholder and Director has maintained a close connection with the business.
Over many years John has had considerable involvement in many different organisations at governance level, often becoming Chairman or President, these include City Councillor 12yrs, Hamilton Properties Ltd, Regional Council 3yrs, University of Waikato 25yrs, Toastmasters, WEL Energy Trust, Habitat for Humanity, Chamber of Commerce, Order of St John, NZ Underwater Assc., Tourism Waikato, Fieldays Society, Rotary and many, many more.
John has received many awards & Honours for his contribution to the local community and the Waikato region.
Founder, Lindale's Fujifilm Image Service
During Don Lindale's term as president, the name of the Chamber was changed from the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce to the Waikato Chamber of Commerce. This was in recognition of Chamber members who came from beyond Hamilton city including Morrinsville, Te Awamutu, Huntly and Cambridge.
Don Lindale inaugurated the Chambers business awards, and in general looked to raise the Chambers public profile through press statements on matters of current moment.
In his time as president, the Business After Five programme was inaugurated with sponsoring companies providing hospitality for invited Chamber members creating new opportunities for networking. The BA5's are still an integral part of the Chamber event calendar today.
Don was a longtime member having been President from 1985 until 1990, and a member of the Executive Board until 1993.
Don has since passed away on the 12th January 2021.
