Meet Our Team

Director at Incredible India Restaurant, Cafe Lacus,  Earthy Foods, & Dough Bros Pizza.

Abhinav is an entrepreneur passionate about the hospitality industry. Since arriving in New Zealand as a student in 2010, he has worked his way up to owning multiple successful hospitality businesses. His dedication to providing exceptional service and diverse food products is evident in his ventures.

Abhinav is committed to being part of the board to contribute to the growth of the business community in Taupo. He believes that to grow in business, you need to support the business community around you.

Commercial Insurance Broker at Gallagher Insurance New Zealand.

After more than a decade in Taupo, Jess brings a range of skills and a deep-rooted commitment to our community. With her husband and three wonderful boys, she has made Taupo their home and is passionate about contributing to its ongoing success.

Jess is enthusiastic about being on the board because she believes there are many opportunities in Taupo for our up-and-coming business leaders. Using her background and skills in event management, she aims to enhance the vibrant business environment and create meaningful, well-organised events that bring our business community together.

Jess is dedicated to ensuring that Taupo not only grows but thrives, benefiting both current residents and future generations.

After spending 5 years away from Taupō attending University in Hamilton and attempting city living in Auckland, I returned home to Taupō and started work at Strettons. I have been with Strettons over 15 years and am now a Director with a portfolio of clients that cover a variety of industries within the Taupō region. My passion is helping these businesses grow and succeed which in turn helps the growth of our region.

I love Taupō and it is the perfect place for my husband and I to raise our two gorgeous girls. We are all involved in the community and try to support as many events as possible that come to our town.

Michelle is a Director of Strettons.

I’m proud to say I have lived in Taupо̄ most of my life and in 2013 launched Build Taupо̄ alongside my husband Jon. As a local business owner, I understand how challenging the last few years have been, but have seen how resilient and strong our business community is and how well we work together to support our local economy.

I’m passionate about advocating for local businesses, with a strong focus on the trade industry and increasing the visibility of women in business. Taupо̄ is a central business hub in the North Island and this brings with it some amazing opportunities for the local community. Outside of our business and the Chamber, I enjoy getting out on the lake and up the mountain as much as possible with my husband and two kids.

Taupо̄ really is the greatest place to live, work & play!

After moving away from Taupō in 2013 to attend University and live the big city life in Auckland, it wasn’t long before I realised my hometown is where I wanted to settle down. I moved back to Taupō at the end of 2020. In 2021, my Husband and I took the massive risk to open Confinement Escape Rooms Taupō, and it was worth it!

I am constantly reminded why Taupō is such an amazing place to live and do business. Moving back and becoming involved in the business community has really shown me another side to Taupō that I really enjoy and thrive in. I love networking, helping others and being involved. After a year of interning for the board, I decided to put my hand up for a board member position. I am absolutely thrilled to be on the 2023 board and I cannot wait to be involved in the exciting upcoming events, sub-committees and most of all being able to represent the Taupo Business Community.

Deiryn is a Director at Confinement Escape Rooms Taupō

I am currently the Chief Executive Officer of Anamata, Taupo’s Youth Health Organisation. I have a background in health management and education with a focus on community engagement and project management.

In my spare time, I enjoy nothing more than being outdoors and exploring our beautiful district. I have a passion for learning and am currently studying towards a Masters in Business Administration.

I am excited to join the board of Taupo’s Business Chamber and to contribute to their Kaupapa of business advocacy, networking and building business capability within our rohe.

I chose to move to Taupō in 2016 to take up a planning position at Cheal Consultants.

I was (and still am) attracted to Taupō by its natural beauty, and outdoor recreation opportunities. I have an environmental management and planning background, which includes experience in community engagement. I have worked on consenting significant developments in the district that have helped to shape Taupō.

I enjoy helping clients navigate the myriad of regulations and rules to obtain consents for developments that mould our district. This in turn provides opportunities (for example employment, housing, or wellbeing) to our community and encourages new people to our community Sarah is a Senior Planner at Cheal.

Aaron Carter owns Total Sport.

Averil is a seasoned professional and an entrepreneur at heart having owned four businesses in NZ and Fiji, including her most recent company Zeeula Limited.

Averil’s corporate journey has also included pivotal leadership roles for various organizations, including New Zealand Trade and Enterprise in the Suva, Fiji office, Production Manager for Annah Stretton, Business Growth Advisor for Amplify and more recently Regional Development Lead for Toi Ohomai | Te Pūkenga. She has lent her expertise to a few boards including OMEP, YMCA, the Gospel Primary School Committee, Fiji NZ Education Trust and is currently on the Taupo Council of Social Services Board and the Taupo Budget House Board.

She has recently completed her Master of Professional Practice degree and loves to empower others to achieve their full potential. Averil is married to Bevin and has 2 adult children, Jazer and Kezia, whom she is very proud of. In her spare time, you will find her dreaming of her next cruise, taking photographs of the beautiful scenery around NZ and hunting for the next product idea.

My husband Alex and I moved to Taupō in 2022 to open our new business, MTF Finance Taupō. We love our new hometown, and we are excited about the potential this region holds.

I want to support the Taupō Business Chamber because I truly believe it is the best way to network and connect with likeminded business owners. I’ve established some important and meaningful relationships through the Chamber, so I look forward to helping extend that experience to others.

Holly Spooner is an interior designer and the proud owner of Houndstooth Interiors, a design studio located in Taupo. She has a deep passion for design, colour, and textiles.

Recently, Holly opened her brick-and-mortar studio and design hub with the aim of making great design more accessible to everyone. Additionally, she intends to educate people on the importance of sustainable furniture production and purchasing.