Welcome to the team! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I am the husband of Victoria (19 years) and we have 2 children; Te Aohinga (17) and Jacob (15). I was elected to the South Waikato District Council and I have been elected as the presiding member of the Tokoroa High School. I like to spend time with my Whanau and enjoy the outdoors, walking and camping. I also enjoy renovating my house.

Tell us about your work history.

I grew up in the family bakery in Porirua, doing an apprenticeship in cake baking, after working for my parents, then owning the business for seven years, we sold and ventured into Foodstuffs working at Churton Park New World and Thorndon New World before moving to the BOP where I was Bakery Manager at Westend New World. Seeing an opportunity of store ownership I moved to Store Manager at Ngongotaha Four Square before we purchased Balmoral Drive Four Square in Tokoroa which we owned and ran for the last six years.

What does your role at the Chamber entail?

My role is to support the members in the Waikato – specifically the South Waikato, meeting with members regularly, finding new members and asking the question – what can we do to help your business grow – and then matching the answers to the services the chamber offers, also to encourage members to support each other and take the opportunities to network with each other.

What are your strengths and skills?

I am a good communicator, I can lead but also be a team player when required, I am a hard worker and professional in all that I do, I have organised events and facilitated training.

What are you looking forward to bringing to the Chamber?

I am looking forward to bringing together my years in management, sales, event organising and small business knowledge to support the businesses in the South Waikato.

Where is your favourite place in the Waikato?

I love the community of Tokoroa and within the community I enjoy being in Couger Park walking or running.