Meet the team
MATT COWLEY
CHIEF EXECUTIVE
As CE, Matt spends his time meeting with Tauranga Chamber of Commerce members, leading the organisation, and advocating on behalf of local businesses. He reports to the Chamber board, who are elected by the Chamber members.
Business growth and confidence is critical to the Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty economic future, and Matt is passionate about growing the Chamber’s contribution in this area.
Matt likes to meet with our members so he can keep track of their needs and promote issues that help local businesses to survive and thrive. He is also the main sponsor liaison.
Feel free to contact Matt to arrange a meeting to share your views and show him how the Chamber can help your business achieve its goals.
ANNE PANKHURST
EVENTS & SPONSORSHIP MANAGER
Anne is the Chamber’s Engagement Coordinator for LINKT (formerly Rocket! Young Professionals), SBT (Small Business Tauranga) and for Special Projects including the Tauranga Business Awards.
Anne has an extensive background in events management and advocacy, and has previously represented the Chamber on a number of external committees and networks such as Mainstreet and City Centre Action Group.
Anne is also the prime Chamber contact for the Annual Golf Tournament.
ROZ IRWIN
BUSINESS GROWTH ADVISOR
Roz is a Growth Advisor in the Chamber’s Business Growth Hub. If you have a business problem or are looking for ways to grow your business, the Business Growth Team can help you in many ways by directing you to resources, expertise and assistance that are available to all small businesses in the region.
Roz is the person you need to speak to if you would like information on the Regional Business Partners Programme including meeting with a Business Advisor or how to become a service provider. If you’re new to business or new to town she can also arrange a free one-hour consultation for you.
CRAIG PURCELL
INNOVATION ADVISOR
Craig is an Innovation Advisor in the Chamber’s Business Growth Hub, with a focus on facilitating innovation with Callaghan Innovation.
He meets with people from businesses ranging from pure startups through to large corporates and discusses opportunities for growth, personal aspirations and general support systems available to businesses in the Bay of Plenty.
His particular focus is on innovation either creating a high-level road map for the next few years or how to get the specific prototype into the market quicker. He has over 25 years of experience in assisting businesses and the growth plans.
He has worked across almost all areas of business from agriculture to manufacturing or the trades, developing specialist skills in, people high performance work systems and R&D planning. Connecting you to the right person is what Craig prides himself on.
SHANNON GREEN
MEMBERSHIP CO-ORDINATOR & ADMINISTRATOR
Shannon is the Chamber’s Membership Co-Ordinator and Administrator and is available to help you with any and all of your membership inquiries, including welcoming you to our community.
Shannon joined the Chamber team in 2022 after 15 years in the building industry. She brings with her a wealth of administration, organisational, customer relationship management, and business acumen skills and experience.
Shannon is the person you need to speak to if you would like information on your current membership, including invoicing and Info Hub support.
KRISTINE AITCHISON
MARKETING AND ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST
Kristine is the Chambers Marketing and Engagement Specialist and is here to help you get the most out of your Chamber membership experience. The Chamber offers a range of marketing opportunities for our members, to help support, amplify, and spread the word about your business. If you’ve got a great story to tell, a hot topic to share, or some great advice for our readership – Kristine wants to hear about it.
Kristine joined the Chamber in 2022. She is an experienced marketing and communications professional and has worked across a variety of sectors including education, not-for-profit, tourism, real estate, and retail.
If you’re a new member or even if you’ve been a member of the Chamber for a while; Kristine is here to provide you with marketing support to help champion your local business.
