Why Join?
The Team
Amanda Linsley – Chief Executive Officer
Originally from the UK, Amanda graduated from the University of North London with a First-Class Honours Degree in Applied Economics and Management Accounting. Amanda started and developed three businesses, taking two to acquisition before moving to New Zealand permanently in 2008.
She has worked for the Manawatū Business Chamber since 2012, taking the role of CEO in 2017. Amanda has also been a familiar face within the events scene across the region, running Christmas in the Square for eight (8) years until 2019 and various other community and business events. Amanda is a Member of the Institute of Directors and currently sits on the Board of The New Zealand Rugby Museum and is a Trustee of Manfeild Park Trust.
Liane Anderson – Membership and Events
Liane joined the Chamber in 2017 initially to kick-start the Work Ready Portfolio programme throughout the Manawatū, and also to help support the growing Chamber Membership. Having spent many years with Taranaki Chamber the Manawatū Chamber feel very fortunate to have Liane working with us here and supporting our Members. Liane has also managed the NZ Business Mentors and is happy to discuss any support on an individual basis our Members may need. Liane is also involved with the Welcoming Communities Advisory Board.
Tracey Sefton-Wiggins – Membership Coordinator
Tracey joined the Chamber in April 2018 to support the office with her administration skills and to support our continued Membership growth.
She came to us from an independent training provider which honed her varied skills of which we now benefit from.
Tracey has become involved in some of our key projects and we are fortunate to have her as a valued member of our team.
Belinda Dring – Accounts & Admin
If you want to know how to do it or where it is ask Belinda! Having been with the Manawatū Chamber for many years (in fact the longest serving staff Member) she is the best go to person we know. She also can provide you with certificates or origin if you require:
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This is a paragraph. Writing in paragraphs lets visitors find what they are looking for quickly and easily.
The Board
List of Services
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Steve Davey – ABC Business Sales – ChairmanItem Link List Item 1
He is the Manawatū Branch Partner and Business Broker with ABC Business Sales. His primary role is assisting baby boomer business owners successfully exit their business. He has sold close to 100 businesses in the last few years and is proud to have established a marketing leading office in the mighty Manawatū.
He is a former business banker with decades of experience working with all levels of business and appreciate that a successful economy is driven primarily by a successful business community. He is also a former Trustee of the Economic Development Agency Vision Manawatū and advocated the change to consolidate various entities into what is now CEDA. He is passionate about this fantastic region and helping in any way he can to make sure businesses continue to grow and prosper here. That includes mentoring start ups and sharing his passion for business with young and old.
The Manawatū Business Chamber is a fantastic vehicle to support local businesses, to help guide and inspire them and to act as a lobbyist for them with local and national Government. The Manawatū business community is very inclusive and I would like to see that continue to grow and prosper.
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Nikki Maw - Liminal Research - Vice ChairItem Link
After working nationally and internationally in my career, over the past few years, I have worked more and more with the Manawatu business community and have enjoyed getting to know the passionate and innovative business owners in the region.
I have worked in strategy development and strategic activation for over 20 years and apply that experience to my governance roles. I am a Business Anthropologist. My business, Liminal Research and Consultancy, supports businesses and organisations in strategy development, service design, strategy activation, and evaluation – with a focus on designing the human experience.
Joining the Manawatu Chamber of Commerce Board has enabled me to continue to give back to, and support, the local business community and to enable and support the Chamber staff to continue their great work and grow into the future.
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Rachael Rakatau - AllanMcNeill Chartered Accountants - TreasurerItem Link List Item 3
Rachael is a Associate at AllanMcNeill Chartered Accountants based in Palmerston North where she has been working since completing her Bachelor of Accountancy degree at Massey University.
Her passion for business started from an early age having grown up on her parents’ sheep and beef farm in the rural Manawatū area.
Rachael juggles works with two children and is also a semi-professional rugby player for the Hurricanes Poua and Manawatu Cyclones.
She is very excited to support the Chamber and its endeavours to ensure the Manawatū business community is well supported and continues to grow.
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Alex Boustridge - CR LawItem Link
Alex is a Partner at CR Law, which has offices in both Palmerston North and Feilding. Alex grew up in Hawkes Bay, but has spent her legal career in the Manawatu, beginning as a Law Graduate and now Partner at a firm that has a long and proud history in the Manawatū community. Alex enjoys putting her legal background to good use and sits on a number of local community boards, as well as the Law Society Manawatū Branch Council.
Alex is excited for the opportunity to work with the Manawatū Business Chamber and to assist in the development of our region as a great place to live, work and play.
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Angus Duncan - Craigs Investment PartnersItem Link List Item 2
Angus is a Private Wealth Associate at Craigs Investment Partners based in the firms Palmerston North office.
He was appointed a board member in November 2022.
Angus grew up and was educated in the Rangitikei, before heading to Lincoln university, where he completed a Bachelor of Agricultural Commerce.
Along with his commitments within the Chamber, he is a Trustee of the Sir Thomas and Lad Duncan Trust, whose purpose is to improve the health and quality of life for those suffering from neuromuscular disease.
Angus and his family live in Feilding, and are passionate about the Manawatu province and what it has to offer.
Angus is looking forward to working with and supporting the Chamber Board, Staff and Members.
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Chris Long - Long Building SolutionsItem Link
Hi there, my wife Jess and I own and operate Long Building Solutions Limited, based in Palmerston North. We have been operating in the Manawatu for almost 10 years now with a great team of builders, covering residential construction and more recently the exciting field of energy efficient, high performing homes. We have strong connections to our community and are passionate about our team, with a key focus on work/life balance.
Personally I am an avid sportsman with involvement in multiple community sports. Jess and I have two young children who keep us on our toes and we are very familiar with the exceptional work our local councils do to ensure our region is family friendly.
The Manawatu Business Chamber plays a huge role in guiding and supporting local business’. Not only is our location a huge asset, but the resilience and adaptability of our business community is outstanding. I am excited to be part of this enthusiastic board and look forward to contributing our business learning and experiences to this forward thinking group.
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David Lanham - PN Airport LtdItem Link
A versatile and adaptive executive with twenty-five years of corporate, commercial, regulatory and operational experience gained internationally across aviation and supply chain related industries.
Strategically focused and collaborative leader with a proven approach to building high performing teams, in customer engagement, and in driving business improvement by leading from the front.
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ED Teece - NZPItem Link
Ed is a Pharma Exec with over 25 years of international experience and is General Manager / Director for New Zealand Pharmaceuticals (An ICE Pharma Company).
Ed holds several volunteer roles and has served on the Manawatū Business Chamber Board for over a decade, having originally been appointed a Board Member in 2012 and Vice Chair between 2016 – 2018.
Ed is a strong advocate for the Manawatū and is excited to be working with the talented team at the Business Chamber and support sustainable growth for our great region.
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Paul O'Brien - Marist SportItem Link
Following a quarter of a century membership with the Manawatū Business Chamber and a decade on the Board, Paul has enjoyed having a break.
However after being approached by several members to re-join the Board, Paul is pleased to be involved for another year or two.
