Election Profiles

Nominations for New Board members Paul Dunn - Marine North Northland has been home all of my life, during a 20 year career in telecommunications I specialised with Telecom, in Project and contracts management. As a Kiwi expatriate working for Nokia internationally, I was running the tendering for, and project management of, large infrastructure projects. During this time my wife Tania and I lived in Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand, and while in Singapore both our daughters were born. The call of Northland could not be resisted and upon returning home in 2006 Marine North was purchased and I became the director of our own business. We have modernised and added technology to Marine North and have enjoyed the technological advances in both our products and the way we do business. As director I can still be found washing boats or in the workshop where I am also training get my qualification as an outboard technician. Small business growth and vitality is critical to Whangarei and Northland’s future and I believe in driving growth and profitability through using sound strategic planning. I enjoy being involved in the business community in Whangarei and wish to continue to use my management and implementation skills to provide leadership and direction.  I have a very positive attitude along with the drive and passion to succeed.   Laura Burns - C.H.A.R.T Creative Northland As a lifelong participant in the arts my passion has driven me to become an advocate. My collaborative and entrepreneurial spirit can be seen in the positions I have held, most recently as new Regional Arts Development Manager for Creative Northland, where my aim is to connect our communities through the arts. As Exhibition Officer and Studio Coordinator with the Hattie Larlham Creative Arts Program and Media Productions, I served over 150 artists in the USA and as President and C.F.O. for JSL International Corp. a Fine Art Furniture Design and Build Firm, where I handled the day to day financial operations of a 13 person fine art woodworking and historic restoration shop while handling the long term strategic plan with private stakeholders.  Having lived, worked and exhibited in the Whangarei arts scene in the mid 90s and revisited late last year, it was very refreshing to see the growth and development of the arts, cultural and business community. The opportunity to use my natural and proven leadership qualities, Masters Degree in Arts Administration and Non Profit Management lead me to Northland and now, involvement with the Northland Chamber of Commerce. Annie Johnston - Robinson Asphalts I am a passionate, sixth generation, born and bred Northlander. I have been a business owner and Director in Whangarei since 1987. Prior to this, I have worked in the retail, mining, travel and media industries. Much of this work was overseas. I started my first business from scratch at the age of 23, on selling this food business 18 months later I became involved in the day to day running of a family business – The Brickworks Garden Centre. In 1992 my husband Alan and I purchased Robinson Asphalts, from my parents. This Contracting business has now been successfully operating in Northland for over 40 years. In the 20 years under our ownership I have experienced many highs and lows of business.  I believe the school of hard knocks and the experience of living, working and doing business in Northland and overseas have allowed me to develop a practical, pragmatic approach to making things happen and working with people to achieve positive outcomes. My role within Robinson Asphalts involves a wide scope of Management responsibility and knowledge. Planning, Policy, Human Resources, Compliance, Marketing, Finance and Administration to name a few. So many of our Chamber members are owners of SMEs therefore I believe I would bring valuable experience and insight to the Board in terms of understanding the real issues, needs and aspirations of Northland business people. On a personal level – my interests are broad.  I have two sons and two step-daughters, and I love living in this amazing part of the world! Talia Mana - Leo Industries Since moving to Northland 10 years ago I have become passionate about growing the region as a vibrant and exciting place to live, work and play.   I have over 25 years managerial experience with executive roles in marketing, finance, business planning, strategic planning, new business development and general management and as a business consultant and mentor with clients ranging from start ups to major corporations across a wide variety of industries. Past positions include a stint as the CEO of an industry association responsible for growing a $0.6 billion market, Marketing and Strategic Manager (Golden Bay Cement), National Manager of a publishing company, Commercial Manager (FCL) and Financial Controller (Paxus Corporation). I am also experienced in online marketing, social media and digital strategies.  I have degrees in commerce and applied science, a diploma in psychology, certificates in marketing management and strategic decision making and tons of common sense. An active volunteer I have been on numerous boards and committees.  I have extensive networks in the business, creative and migrant communities and the energy, enthusiasm and drive to make positive changes. Rob Meadows - NorthTec Master in Business Administration     University of Aston 1998 Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Management   Open Polytechnic 2012 Post Graduate Diploma in Management Studies    University of Plymouth 1986 BTEC Higher National Diploma in Agriculture    University of Plymouth 1984 I am currently the Programme Leader for the business courses at North Tec. I have also worked in the IT industry as a project and bid manager, business analyst and consultant. I originally graduated in Agriculture and have farm management and farm consultancy experience. Industry experience: North Tec. Current position, Programme Leader for business courses at North Tec. Responsible for the delivery and development of the Bachelor of Applied Management degree with major in accounting and the NZIM and NZ diploma courses in business.  I am currently working on course developments of new majors for the degree and new qualifications in Maori business development, Practice Management and other extensions to the courses we deliver.  Cap Gemini UK Plc. 12 years within the IT industry as consultant and project manager. Working on a large variety of projects and programmes from banking, telecommunications and government. Many different roles, including project management, bid management, IT business analysis and consultancy. Genus UK Plc.   12 years as agricultural business consultant working with many farming based businesses to grow and develop their business through technical improvements and financial management. Family. We have 3 children aged 15, 12 and 9. We enjoy living on our life-style block with a large variety of pets and animals. We also enjoy travel, tennis, and water sports.
Nominations from current Board (automatic re-election due to second year standing)
Murray Broadbelt – Board member Murray is the Managing Director of Employer Services Ltd, an employment relations consultancy based in Whangarei. The Company’s client base extends as far as Invercargill but maintains a strong Northland presence from its offices in Maunu Rd, Whangarei. Murray has recently qualified as a mediator and become an Accredited Panel Member of LEADR, a professional mediation organisation. He has recently begun offering his services as a mediator through his new business Mediate North. Prior to establishing Employer Services Ltd in 2002, Murray spent 6 years serving employers and businesses throughout Northland as manager of the Employers and Manufacturers Association’s Northland office. Murray has previously been a Board member and Vice President of the Northland Chamber, and is currently Chairman of the National Party’s Whangarei Electorate and member of the Party’s Northern Regional Executive and List Ranking Committee. Murray currently serves on the Lottery Northland Community Distribution Committee. Vince Cocurullo – Board Member Vince Cocurullo from Cocurullo’s Ltd, where Computer Technical Support is at your doorstep when you need it. Cocurullo’s has been looking after Whangarei for over 11 years with service being forefront in everything we do. As a business owner and operator, he believes in Northland and its potential to have the best business community in New Zealand. He believes in both supporting and networking, when dealing with businesses and their growth. As a past Whangarei District Council Councillor, he understands how Council works and the upcoming challenges that each of the Councils will be putting onto the businesses within our district. Qualities that I would bring to the Board are; enthusiasm, local authority knowledge, Computer and Engineering knowledge and the ability to think outside the square, great listening skills, good reasoning/understanding skills, honesty and an encouraging and inclusive leadership style. Jeroen Jongejans – Board Member On the Tutukaka coast for the last 30 years, director of “Dive! Tutukaka” and “Perfect Day”, Chair “Northland Tourism Development Group”, Director of the “Tourism Industry Association NZ”, ex Board member of the “Northland Conservation Board”, Councilor Whangarei District Council and numerous other commitments. Strong interest in smart sustainable development, innovation and getting results. Our District is brimming with potential, we just need positive people and smart strategies to deliver, eager to make a contribution. Tim Robinson – Board member Tim has spent his working life in the telecommunications & ICT industry locally here in Whangarei, having commenced his working life as a trainee lineman with the then New Zealand Post Office (this is a giveaway of his age!!). His current title is Sales Manager Northland – for Gen-i. This has entailed Tim working as the frontline with a range of companies, from small medium enterprise businesses to large local based corporates, partnering with them to develop and implement innovative solutions to enhance their business performance. In the midst of this Tim also co-owned a hairdressing salon in Whangarei for 3 ½ years which provided him with an invaluable insight into the issues surrounding small business, in particular compliance.   As a local lad he has undertaken to develop long-term relationships with his customers who have taught him the unique way of doing business in Northland and helped him build-up significant contacts and networks that span the wide variety of industry and business size.   On a personal level he was raised in Whangarei and attended Whangarei Boys High School. He is married to Sandy, a community support worker in mental health, has three 3 towering sons, and is a self-professed lover of all sports involving water. Skiing, fishing, boogie-boarding, sailing and just basically getting wet fills his family leisure time. Tim is currently the secretary of the Kai Iwi Lakes Water-ski Club and is on the Board of Trustees for Whangarei Boys High School.   Tim has been a serving board member of the Chamber for the past 9 years, as Vice President for 6 years and President in 2009 & then as immediate past president the following year. He brings to the Chamber Board a sound understanding of business, relationship management, information technology and sales, plus a real affinity for the uniqueness of doing business in the regional environment, Tim also provides continuity of board development.    Jon Moore - Board member Terry Sage – Board member  Terry Sage is the Director of Business Coaching New Zealand, Business Coaching New Zealand Group and Trades Coaching New Zealand. He has over 30 years business experience with a varied background ranging from building contractor, dive shop owner, language academy owner, franchisee and franchisor, PTE, finance and now Coaching and Mentoring. Terry has been a board member of the Chamber for several years and feels he has some valuable skills and input that could assist the chamber in its goals to make a difference. He is also very passionate about Northland businesses succeeding. His interests include diving, boats, motorbikes, badminton and is very active with the local kart racing fraternity. He lives on the beautiful Tutukaka coast with his partner, Sonja and their two young children. Terry also has three older children living away from home.
Nominations for President
Ryan Welsh – Webb Ross Lawyers Originally from Wellington Ryan has now firmly settled in Northland after having moved here 13 years ago to practice law. Ryan graduated from Victoria University with degrees in Law and Science. Prior to practising law Ryan was involved in fisheries management that dealt with research into New Zealand’s commercial fishing stocks. Ryan is married to Rose and together they have three young children. Ryan is currently an associate with the lfirm Webb Ross Lawyers and practices in areas of law that constantly bring him in to contact with a wide cross-section of business people who operate in a broad range of enterprises. The experience gained from acting for these commercial clients provides an insight into the issues that business people face. This area of law brings Ryan into contact with not only the client but also many other professionals including accountants, valuers, financial advisers, surveyors to name a few, as well as local and central government agencies. Ryan has built up an extensive network of contacts with whom he has a very good rapport. Ryan in a voluntary capacity also sits on the board of numerous community organisations in Northland. Ryan has a strong interest in the local economic development of Northland and considers that a robust and sustainable regional economy helps build strong communities. Visionary leadership within Northland will also be pivotal to its success. As a result of his scientific background and experience Ryan considers that new and innovative ideas need support which goes hand in hand with an environment that fosters research and development.
Nominations for Vice President Jeremy Tauri – Plus Chartered Accountants Kia ora koutou, my name is Jeremy Tauri. I am an an Associate at Plus Chartered Accountants, in Dairy House building in central Whangarei.  I’m 35, of Ngapuhi descent. I grew up in Kaikohe but have been in Whangarei for 16 years and working as an accountant for 16 of them. My role at Plus involves managing the practice, overseeing tax compliance and providing planning and management support to business owners. I’m committed to developing Northland as a place to do business and am enthusiastic about helping other people achieve success.  My first year on the Chamber board involved looking at ways to develop its income sources. My long-term plans are to continue that work, growing external income, as well as encouraging our members to recommend the Chamber to their contacts. I also want to work on regional growth and develop a database of Northland business statistics to recognise regional growth, business success and any issues that arise.  I live on a lifestyle block just south of Whangarei with my wife and our dogs, chickens and goats. I also enjoy kickboxing and racquet sports.
Nominations for Treasurer
Daryl Small – Gilmore Brown Daryl has worked in the accountancy profession for over 12 years in a variety of positions including audit, business advisory and management accounting, and became a Chartered Accountant in 2003. Daryl is currently a Business Services Manager at Gilmore Brown Limited, with a special interest in taxation and works with business owners from a wide range of Northland business sectors including; • farming and agriculture, • construction, • retailing and wholesaling, • professional sectors, • private investors. He was raised in Whangarei, attended Whangarei Boys’ High School and currently lives in Whangarei with wife Shiree and three young children. Daryl is passionate about Northland and the success of local business and brings to the Chamber established financial and tax compliance skills.