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 Manawatū Business Chamber in 2017, initially to launch the Work Ready Passport programme across the region and to support the growth of Chamber membership.
Having spent many years with the Taranaki Chamber, we feel very fortunate to have Liane bringing her experience and energy to our team and our members here in Manawatū.
Liane has previously managed the New Zealand Business Mentors programme and is always happy to discuss individual support options that may benefit our members.
With a strong passion for membership growth and a hands-on approach to Chamber-hosted events, Liane continues to play a key role in connecting and supporting our local business community.
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:
The Board
List of Services
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Rahui Corbett - Morrison CreedItem Link
Chair
Rahui was elected as Chairman for the Manawatū Business Chamber at the AGM held in November 2024. She is a Manawatū local and is excited to work with likeminded people to represent businesses in the Manawatū to ensure that the Manawatū is a place to thrive for people in business now and in the future.
As a partner at Morrison Creed Advisory Limited, where we work with a huge range of local businesses to work through their roadblocks achieve their freedoms. As an NZICA qualified Chartered Accountant she will bring her financial background to support the Chamber.
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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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Blair Alabaster - Property BrokersItem Link
Before venturing into real estate, Blair enjoyed a successful banking career spanning over 20 years, rising to leadership and managerial positions. This experience allowed him to refine his talents, sharpen his skills, and develop a profound understanding of effective communication, teamwork, and a professional work ethic.
His extensive background equips him with deep knowledge and expertise in the intricacies of the buying and selling process. Blair firmly believes in the power of building strong relationships with people, considering it a valuable asset in establishing and nurturing long-lasting client connections.
In addition to his professional endeavours, Blair takes pride in supporting his community through sponsorships and by volunteering his time and expertise in various Board memberships.
Outside of work, Blair's passion for New Zealand's great outdoors drives him to spend quality time with his wife and four children, indulging in his love for hunting and fishing.
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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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Hamish O'Brien - ColspecItem Link List Item 1
Hamish is the General Manager at Colspec, a position he has earned through his dedication and hard work since joining the company in 2006 as a Cadet Quantity Surveyor. His comprehensive role encompasses business strategy, project procurement, financial management, project oversight, staff and office management, programming, and quality management.
Born and raised in the Manawatū, Hamish has a deep connection to the region and is passionate about leveraging his expertise to foster sustainable growth through high-quality buildings and developments. He actively contributes to the local community by serving on several regional boards. furthering his commitment to the Manawatu.
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Nikki Maw - Liminal ResearchItem Link
Vice Chair
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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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.
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Rachael Rakatau - Allan McNeill Chartered AccountantsItem Link List Item 3
Treasurer
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.
