Chamber Board
The Rotorua Business Chamber is governed by a board comprised of senior directors and industry leaders in various industries.
Our chamber thrives under the guidance of extensive knowledge in both local, national and international business affairs.
Paul Ingram
President
Lee Brothers - Director
Paul is a hands-on director of Lee Brothers Joinery in Rotorua and understands the highs and lows that small business ownership brings.
A significant portion of Paul's governance experience has been with NZ Master Joiners, a membership organisation representing and supporting joiners nationwide. He also served as the industry representative director on the JMF New Zealand Board. Other governance roles include Rotorua Kartsport Development Trust, the New Zealand Chambers of Commerce, and the Rotorua Business Chamber.
Paul holds a certificate in Company Direction from the Institute of Directors, his unique perspective derives from a trades career, small business ownership with success, membership organisation leadership and the surety that comes from key governance principles.
Michelle Urquhart
Vice President
Tompkins Wake - Senior Associate
Michelle is a Senior Associate with Tompkins Wake Lawyers. Michelle has specific expertise in employment law and immigration issues and has a particular interest in cross-cultural disputes. She acts on a wide range of employment and immigration matters, including assisting with immigration applications, taking appeals to the Immigration and Protection Tribunal and acting for parties in employment disputes. She also provides independent employment investigation services. Michelle previously sat as a Disputes Tribunal Referee for the Ministry of Justice.
Michelle is an Associate of the Arbitrators and Mediators Institute of New Zealand and an appointed member of the Mediation Panel. She has given regular presentations and training sessions on ethics and privilege in mediation to AMINZ members and as a guest lecturer at Waikato University. She also presents issues in employment and immigration law to professional conferences and webinars.
Michelle has 24 years of not-for-profit governance experience from positions with various entities, including the New Zealand Highland Cattle Society, Scouts Aotearoa (where she is a Board Member) and Kaharoa School Board of Trustees. Michelle is currently the Vice President of the Rotorua Business Chamber.
Bryce Heard
CEO
Heard Consulting Ltd - Director
Bryce Heard brings over three decades of versatile leadership experience to his role as CEO of the Rotorua Chamber of Commerce. As the founder of Bryce Heard Consulting since 2012, he has provided strategic guidance to businesses across diverse industries. Prior to consultancy, Bryce served as CEO of Lockwood Homes, steering the company's strategic growth over five years.
Bryce's leadership journey includes an eight-year tenure as CEO of Scion, a prominent research institute, where he drove innovation in the forestry sector. Before Scion, he led Tasman Forestry for nine years, overseeing operations in Rotorua and Auckland.
With a proven track record of driving growth and fostering community engagement, Bryce is dedicated to advancing Rotorua's economic development. As CEO of the Rotorua Chamber of Commerce, he continues to leverage his extensive experience to empower local businesses and drive sustainable growth in the region.
Glenn Tasker
Quest Central Rotorua - Director
Glenn Tasker is an accomplished business leader, currently spearheading the Quest Rotorua Central apartment hotel alongside his wife Karen. Their establishment stands as the sole New Zealand hotel featured in Trip Advisor's South Pacific Top 10 for guest satisfaction.
Glenn's career spans senior leadership roles at ORIX, a global financing specialist, and ANZ, where he served as GM of subsidiary UDC Finance and held board positions in two ANZ subsidiary companies. His tenure at ASB further solidified his expertise in Commercial and Business banking. Actively engaged in community development, Glenn has contributed his leadership to organisations like the Franchise Association of New Zealand and Auckland Rotary, where he chaired crucial committees.
Glenn is dedicated to advancing Rotorua's prosperity as a vibrant place to live, work, and invest, embodying a blend of corporate expertise and community commitment.
Brent Wibley
Patchell Group of Companies - CEO
Brent is currently the Chief Executive for the Patchell Group of Companies, a manufacturing entity in the heavy transport equipment sector. Prior to this, Brent has extensive experience in the Timber Manufacturing and Forestry sectors. Brent’s role in the Patchell Group also includes Trustee and Company appointments for the major shareholder in the business. Other sectors in his career include Health and Audit.
Brent has independent Board appointments with Infracore Ltd (a local CCO), Astropine Ltd, Requisite Ltd and the Rotorua Business Chamber.
Brent is a Chartered Accountant with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and a Business Management graduate from Waikato University.
Brent is passionate about people management and the creation of a team culture.
Jacky James
The Shine Collective - Partner
Jacky is the Managing Partner of The Shine Collective, a strategic communications agency that she founded in 2012. Jacky’s a senior communications practitioner with more than 20 years’ experience working for some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s top organisations, both in an in-house and consultancy capacity.
Her resumé includes internal roles within the NZ Police and Scion, coupled with wide consultancy experience in the dairy, education, tourism and sports sectors, with specific experience in working with iwi and Maori organisations across the motu.
She has a broad view of the communications landscape with extensive experience in strategic planning, community engagement, internal communication, media liaison and issues management. Under Jacky’s leadership, Shine has gone from strength to strength, receiving multiple Public Relations Institute of New Zealand (PRINZ) Awards.
Jacky is proud to be a current board member for the Chamber of Commerce, and an appointed fellow of PRINZ. She is also a previous PRINZ board member.
Geoff Rice
Ta Arawa Group Holdings - Director
Geoff boasts 45 years of diverse business, entrepreneurial, and management expertise, commencing his entrepreneurial journey in 1972. As a self-employed individual since then, he has cultivated a reputation as a dynamic business owner with a keen eye for opportunity. Geoff's proficiency spans operations, people management, strategy, and financial stewardship, ensuring sustained growth and profitability across his ventures.
Notable among his accomplishments is the establishment and successful management of Gold Coast Investments, Centre Produce Markets, and Nga Poutoko A Mua Ltd, each contributing to his legacy of excellence. His leadership roles as Owner-Director of Reo o Rua and Company Director at Te Arawa Group Holdings Ltd further underscore his strategic vision and commitment to success.
Geoff's entrepreneurial journey has been marked by pioneering endeavors in retail and wholesale produce, property investment, orcharding, and automotive dealership, reflecting his versatility and foresight. His recent relocation to the Bay of Plenty signifies a fresh chapter in his illustrious career, promising continued innovation and impact in the business arena.
Bruce Thomasen
Redwoods Treewalk - Director
Bruce Thomasen, Managing Director of Redwoods Outdoor Activities NZ Ltd (trading as Redwoods Treewalk), has over two decades of expertise in the tourism and entertainment sector. Prior to his current role, he dedicated 20 years to Skyline Enterprises Ltd, managing and establishing luge attractions in Canada, Sentosa, and Korea. Bruce also serves as a director at Skyline Enterprises Ltd and Skyline International Luge Ltd.
His remarkable achievements include winning the TIA Air New Zealand Supreme Tourism Industry Business Award and multiple categories at the Westpac Rotorua Business Awards, such as the Supreme Business of the Year award and Best Attraction. He's also been honoured with the AMI Insurance Social Responsibility Award for his commitment to community welfare and the 100% Pure NZ Award for promoting sustainable tourism practices. Bruce's leadership and vision continue to shape the industry, ensuring unforgettable experiences for visitors while preserving New Zealand's natural beauty.
Denise Emery
Te Puia | NZ Maori Arts and Crafts Institute - General Manager of Visitor Experience
Kaiaka CQ Recruitment Solutions - Director
Denise Emery is a highly experienced professional with over 12 years of tenure as the General Manager of Visitor Experience at Te Puia | NZ Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. In 2023, she transitioned into the General Manager Visitor Experience role, following over a year of service as General Manager in both Visitor Experience and Human Resources post-COVID. In her capacity, she orchestrates strategic leadership, focusing on visitor experience management and HR strategies. Additionally, Denise serves as a Board member of the Rotorua Business Chamber and is the Director of Kaiaka CQ Recruitment Solutions. At Kaiaka, she plays a pivotal role in providing crucial cultural intelligence in recruitment processes. Through Kaiaka, Denise offers governance training and a comprehensive suite of recruitment, employment law, HR, and strategic planning solutions.
Denise's commitment to community and workforce development is evident throughout her career. Her tenure at the Rotorua Chamber of Commerce showcased her skills in mediation, negotiation, and rejuvenation, where she led initiatives aimed at enhancing business operations and fostering growth. Denise provided invaluable support to individuals re-entering the workforce, underscoring her passion for empowering others to reach their full potential. Her multifaceted background, coupled with her passion for fostering cultural understanding, positions her as an influential figure in the business and cultural landscape of Rotorua, New Zealand.
Frank Zhou
Westpac - Commercial Manager
Frank Zhou, currently Senior Relationship Manager for Corporate Banking, Tourism, Hospitality, and Retail Trade at Westpac New Zealand, possesses over a decade of diversified experience in the banking sector. Since his arrival at Westpac in October 2020, Frank has played a pivotal role in cultivating strong ties with corporate clients, particularly within the tourism, hospitality, and retail sectors across the Central Plateau region of the North Island. His strategic acumen and client-centric approach have been instrumental in driving growth and fostering trust among stakeholders.
With over six years' tenure as a Commercial Manager, Frank developed a keen understanding of business banking, residential and commercial lending, and portfolio management in Rotorua. This experience honed his ability to comprehend the unique needs and challenges faced by local businesses, enabling him to offer tailored solutions and personalised advice. Frank's commitment to excellence extends beyond his professional realm, as evidenced by his active involvement as a Chamber Board Member, where he leverages his expertise to support community businesses and economic development initiatives. His dedication and community engagement underscore his value as an asset to both Westpac New Zealand and the Rotorua business landscape.
Alex Wilson
Deloitte - Director
Alex Wilson, he uri ahau no Ngati Whakaue, Ngati Tuwharetoa, Ngati Awa, Ngai Tuhoe a me Ngati Porou, is a seasoned financial expert and Director at Deloitte. With over 19 years of experience, he has been a driving force at Deloitte since September 2014, shaping strategies and operations in Rotorua and beyond. Before his directorship, Alex held the role of Partner, making significant contributions to the firm's strategic initiatives. His journey began as a Senior Auditor at Iles Casey Chartered Accountants, where he spent nine years honing his skills and gaining invaluable insights.
His tenure at Deloitte, spanning various roles, highlights his adaptability and leadership acumen. At Iles Casey Chartered Accountants, he built a solid foundation in auditing, which continues to underpin his work today. Alex is deeply engaged as a Board Member, actively contributing to the growth and development of the Rotorua community.
Passionate about his Maori heritage, Alex finds fulfilment in working with Maori businesses and organisations to uplift the wellbeing of his people. As a trusted advisor, Alex emphasises the importance of balancing commercial rationale with cultural values. His dedication to his profession and community resonates with the Maori proverb, "He aha te mea nui o te ao. He tangata, He tangata, He tangata" (What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people).
Emma Baylis
Elevation Network - Director
Hi I'm Emma! I am a Chartered Accountant, with experience in Big 4 accounting firms, and also corporate entities. Before starting Elevation Network, I was the Chief Executive for a local organisation, leading a business of around 120 employees.
I can bring a rounded view of your business, offering strategic insights that link with your financials. I can assist with process and procedures, wider than purely financials. I enjoy building long-lasting relationships with clients, and thrive on a challenge.
Calling Rotorua home for the last 8 years, I love getting outdoors and riding my horses, exploring the beautiful lakes or hitting the pavement for a run. I love to cook, creating memories with friends and family, and if there's time left at the end of the day you'll find me curled up with a good book. I can't wait to meet you and see how I can support your business.
Brett Wilson
Watchdog Security - CEO
Brett is the CEO of Watchdog Security, a business he started with his brother in 2003 that now employs 60 staff with some 4500 clients in the region. He is passionate about Rotorua and wanting to make it better, with his focus being the safety and security of its users and a need for aspiration growth of the business community. He has been a director on the board for New Zealand Security Association for 9 years, including 2 terms as Chairperson.
Jo Keefe
JK Marketing & Media -
Jo brings a wealth of expertise as a marketing and public relations specialist with a proven track record of success across diverse sectors. Jo has contributed to successful political campaigns and held a pivotal role in spearheading critical initiatives, such as the COVID-19 vaccination effort. With a client portfolio spanning tourism, hospitality, accommodation, heavy transport, Maori trusts, major events, and non-profits, Jo consistently delivers impactful results.
Jo’s dedication to community involvement is reflected in her facilitation of meaningful sponsorship agreements, with a particular focus on supporting tamariki. Serving on the Ronald McDonald House fundraising committee in Rotorua further underscores Jo's commitment to social responsibility. With a talent for crafting actionable strategies, forging enduring partnerships, and driving transformative initiatives.
Jo is of Te Arawa, Ngati Kahungunu, Ngati Whare descent.
