Marcela Thompson (Northland Document Solutions Ltd - Ricoh Northland) - Board Member
I am a dedicated leader and business owner with a passion for health, fitness, and community service. As Managing Director of Fundable Limited and Manager at Northland Document Solutions Limited, I excel in multitasking, organization, and HR management. I have extensive experience in the business world, from small businesses to large corporations. I am also a hockey coach, PTA team member, and volunteer with Good Sam. My skills include analytical thinking, creativity, team management, and fundraising. I hold various certifications, including PHEC and sports coaching. I am committed to supporting Northland’s growth and development through effective leadership and community engagement.
Jean-Pierre (JP) Dignon (CDL Group) - Board Member
I immigrated to New Zealand from South Africa in 2006. My first job was as Operations Manager at Northern Districts Security (NDS). In 2011, I purchased NDS and transitioned a lawn-mowing business into Cleanscape Ltd, offering both security and cleaning services. I founded CDL Records Management for document destruction and records storage, and Fireco Ltd for outsourced business services. We expanded with Sky Secure and House of Hygiene. I co-founded the ReSport Charitable Trust and volunteer for The Community Foundation Northland. My businesses employ around 200 people under CDL Group. I aim to contribute positively to the Northland Chamber of Commerce, with the following skills strategic thinking, innovation, collaboration and business development.
Francoise Vaughan ( Strategico Ltd) - Board Member
As a Chartered Certified Accountant, strategic advisor and local business owner, my career is driven by a passion for helping small businesses reach their potential and see results. With extensive experience not only in Northland but also across three continents, I have managed a network of over 100 franchise stores in France and had successful businesses in South Africa. I excel in strategies, financial interpretation, executive coaching, governance principles and ethics. I thrive to bring fresh ideas and value-adding solutions. While being action driven, I believe in the power of collective brainstorming, constructive challenging of ideas and agility to learn and I would love to contribute to help NorthChamber inspire and boost business vitality in Northland. I am also a trustee and treasurer for Volunteering Northland.
Clare Davies-Colley (BDX Group Ltd) - Board Member
I am a Chartered Accountant and Whangarei businessperson. Along with my husband Tony, I have owned and directed several businesses in wood-processing, manufacturing, engineering, residential and commercial development. Currently, I am an Executive Director of DCGroup, managing developments at Port Nikau, Kotata Heights, Kioreroa Road, and Springs Flat, and a Director of BDX Group Ltd. My finance background fuels my interest in strategy, planning, risk management, and finance. I have held roles in community organizations, including Whangarei Boys’ High School, NorthTec, and Bike Northland, where I continue to advocate for walking and cycling. In 2024, Tony and I were inducted into the Northland Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame.
Tim Robinson (Bernina Northland) - Board Member
Tim is co-owner and director of Bernina Northland Sewing Centre following 33 years in ICT with Spark NZ/Gen-I, partnering with customers for innovative solutions to enhance business performance. These endeavours, and especially his retail business, have provided an invaluable insight into the issues affecting business.
He was raised in Whangarei and attended WBHS. Currently Secretary of the Kai Iwi Lakes Water-ski Club and former chair of the Board of Trustees for Whangarei Boys High School.
Tim has served the Chamber Board for over 18 years, in position of Director, Vice President and President. Tim brings sound business, governance, and relationship management, in the regional environment, plus board succession and continuity.
Stephen Gibson (Marsden Maritime Holdings Ltd) - Board Member
Stephen is the Business Development Manager at Marsden Maritime Holding Ltd.
A seasoned and results driven Senior Manager with extensive International Marketing experience and an outstanding record of achievement in Business to Business (B2B) and Business to Consumer (B2C) environments.
Experienced in a wide range of industries, markets and disciplines that support the achievement of business and financial objectives. With a track record of success in developing brands, creating effective marketing campaigns and building cutting edge brand imagery and consumer recognition.
David Finchett (Northport) - Board Member
David is the Commercial Manager at Northport. He has 30 years experience in senior operations, project and technical roles on high value, safety critical and complex sites. Before joining Northport in 2014, he was the Deputy Director at the Trawsfynydd nuclear power station in Wales. David’s early career was with British Gas and supporting the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet.
David is a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. He sees enormous potential for greater economic success in Northland, without losing the unique cultural, environmental and social aspects that make it the best region in New Zealand.
Jeremy Tauri (Plus Chartered Accountants) - Immediate Past President
If you ask Jeremy Tauri what he likes most about his job, he will say it is helping people. Whether it is helping people understand their accounts or how to achieve success in business, he explains things in simple, plain-English terms.
Jeremy has been an accountant 21 years at Plus Chartered Accountants, in Whangarei. He is a trustee of the Hihiaua cultural centre and writes a column for NZME regional newspapers.
Jeremy grew up in Kaikohe but moved to Whangarei to study when he was 18. He now has young children and enjoys the perspectives on the future that being a parent can offer.
