Meet the Team

Max Mason - Chief Executive


 

Max Mason is the CEO and leads the 11 strong Chamber team.  He reports to the Board through the Board of Management which comprises the President, two vice-Presidents and Treasurer.　

Max represents the Chamber externally in the media and for most advocacy activities.  He is also the main sponsor liaison.  He attends and contributes to many networking events and enjoys hearing about members businesses and any issues the Chamber can assist with.

Business growth and capability development is critical to the Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty economic future and Max is passionate about growing the Chamber’s contribution in this area.

Laina Andrews - Executive Assistant / Office Manager  


Laina is the Executive Assistant and Office Manager for the Tauranga Chamber of Commerce. 

This exciting role encompasses supporting the CEO in his duties and the Chamber Board. 

Laina assists all aspects of the Chamber’s Human Resources, IT systems and generally looks after the day to day running of the Chamber to ensure we run smoothly and efficiently. 

The scope of the role is significant, with a wide array of tasks. 

Anne Pankhurst - Events Coordinator


Anne manages the events for the Chamber including the Westpac Tauranga Business Awards.

The Chamber holds over 60 networking events through the year ranging from the flagship Business After 5, Kinect Business At Breakfast, Leaders in Business, the Business Women’s Network, Annual Golf Tournament and many more.

Anne also is the Chamber liaison for Food Bay of Plenty, Rocket! and represents the Chamber on the Mainstreet Board and the City Centre Action Group, PATAG and SmartGrowth Partners. 
 

Monique van Aken - Receptionist / Office Administrator 


Monique is the Receptionist/Office Administrator at the Chamber of Commerce. 

If you have been to visit us at the Smart Business Centre, you will have been welcomed by her friendly face.
 
Monique looks after a vast range of areas including enquiries, certifying of certificates of origin and free trade agreements, accounts, managing our room hire service and seeing to the day-to-day smooth running of the Smart Business Centre.

Julianne McMillan - Events Assistant


 
Julianne is part of the Events team who deliver an array of events for our members. Julianne organises the following events: Business After 5; Business Women’s Network; the Networking club; the annual golf tournament and assists Anne with the Westpac Tauranga Business Awards. 

The events team present the networking workshops and help new members off the ground when starting out with the Chamber. The team are always on the look out for inspirational and interesting speakers.

Megan Merritt - Accounts Coordinator
 


Megan is our Accounts Coordinator. She manages all aspects of the day to day financials for the Chamber while meeting reporting requirements for our Board and auditors. Call her if you need any information regarding your membership or event invoicing or wish to discuss payment options.

In addition, Megan is currently coordinating the Mentor programme for the Chamber on behalf of Business Mentors NZ. Phone her if you believe your business could benefit from working with a mentor or if you are interested in becoming a mentor yourself.
 

Derek Roser - Business Programme Coordinator


 
Derek Roser is responsible for the Business Professional Programme.

The week long programme provides training to assist people to find employment and covers a range of topics including identifying transferable skills, CV and cover letter writing and interview techniques.

Candidates are then assisted to find employment during an eight week support period. There are five programmes a year with a total of 50 graduates.

Paul Rowell - Regional Business Advisor 


 
Paul is a Regional Business Advisor working under the NZTE Regional Partner initiative.

A key aspect of his role is to assist with improving management capability within the Bay of Plenty through the promotion of the management capability voucher scheme.

With a vast network of contacts, Paul will provide sound advice and referrals to promote business development in the Bay.
 

Emma Harvey - Business Centre Administrator 


 
Emma is the Business Centre Administrator and looks after all administration for the Regional Business Partnership and training. 
 
Emma is the person you need to speak to if you want to make an appointment to meet with the Business Advisor or if you would like information on how to become a service provider.
 
If you have any enquiries about training courses or would like to register for a training seminar please contact Emma.

Katie Ross - Communications Coordinator 


 
Katie is the Communications Coordinator for the Chamber. She coordinates all marketing including the Chamber’s Enterprise magazine, email marketing and communications.

She also manages Chamber membership and is responsible for the recruitment of new members and the customer service of existing members.

In addition, Katie assists with processing international documentation including free trade agreements and certificates of origin.
 

Maxine Dines - Office/Sales Administrator
 


Maxine is the Office/Sales Administrator at the Chamber.

Maxine’s busy role includes looking after Chamber membership, member lunches, Enterprise magazine advertising and accounts enquiries.

A key area of Maxine’s role is to support our Chamber members in making the most of their membership and utilising all the Chamber services.