Meet Our Team

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.

Mary joined the Chamber in February 2025.  A Director at MMC Law, she is excited to contribute her legal expertise to the Taupō Business Chamber board, focusing on demystifying legislation and regulations for local businesses.

Inspired to make a tangible difference in Taupō, she’s passionate about helping businesses address and navigate post-COVID challenges.  Along with economic uncertainty, she sees employee issues and shareholder disputes as the other big concerns facing businesses at the moment.  Mary’s integrity and her ability to create comfortable environments are valuable assets.

Outside of work, Mary is a mean sourdough baker, pickleball player,  early morning dog walker and want-to-be tramper! She looks forward to supporting a thriving Taupō business community.

Jess joined the Taupō Business Chamber in April 2025, bringing both a fresh perspective and a strong foundation of experience to the board. As Practice Manager at Cheal Consultants Taupō, she focuses on operational excellence, collaboration, and community impact.

Having lived across New Zealand and around the globe, Jess found her way to Taupō in early 2025—and it didn’t take long for the town to feel like home. She’s drawn to the warmth and camaraderie of the local community, which she believes is one of Taupō’s greatest strengths.

Jess is passionate about building meaningful connections and advocating for local business success. Through her role with the Chamber, she champions initiatives that support small businesses, amplify local voices, and strengthen the region’s economic resilience.

In her spare time, Jess is a rookie knitter, avid walker, passionate reader, yoga enthusiast, and a loyal Warriors fan.

Sharon joined the Taupo Business Chamber Board in May 2025, having lived in the Taupō area her whole life, and in business for over 20 years.

As owner/operator of Liquorland Taupō and Kokomea, Sharon is passionate about people enjoying being in business and striving to be the best they can.

Sharon brings skills in the retail sector and is wanting Taupō to be the region where people find doing business conducive and visiting is a delight.

In her spare time, Sharon is a keen golfer and enjoys being outdoors.

I’ve been part of the Taupō business community for nearly ten years and I love this place, so helping our community to thrive with the Chamber feels like the natural next step.

I’ve served on national and regional boards as Officer, Vice President, and Chairperson, and as a Member of the Institute of Directors I know what good governance looks like.

I’ve worked with government departments, officials, and MPs, so I know how to get the right conversations happening with the right people. I’m passionate about seeing local businesses succeed and want to advocate strongly for our community.

I’m passionate about bringing people together and creating opportunities that make a real difference for our business and wider Taupo community. I have extensive experience in running events, building genuine relationships, and connecting people in ways that lead to meaningful partnerships and growth. I love thinking creatively and developing fresh strategies, particularly in marketing, community engagement, and business development. One of my strengths is relationship management — building trust, maintaining strong connections, and helping ideas turn into action.

I bring energy, creativity, practical experience, and a strong network of local business relationships to the Committee.

Jules is the Community Relationships and Sponsorship Manager at Lake Taupō Hospice.

I am Director of a Taupō-based consultancy working across risk, governance, operations, and health and safety, supporting businesses across trades, agriculture, hospitality, manufacturing, and not-for-profit sectors throughout the Taupo District, including Turangi.

I bring experience working with large infrastructure and public sector organisations, along with central government experience, providing a strong understanding of how government operates at both operational and governance levels.

My experience includes senior leadership roles across New Zealand and Australia, covering operations, people management, and organisational change, with responsibility for large budgets and performance outcomes.

I am committed to supporting a strong Taupō business community.

I grew up in Taupō and returned 25 years ago to raise my family and join my husband in our forestry logging business. I have been involved in our community across the education, sporting and business sectors and now the arts.

I thrive on ‘getting things done’ and bring with me skills gained from a Law Degree and 20 years of board governance. I currently serve on two Boards and I am motivated to contribute my experience, networks and practical approach to deliver effective advocacy and support for our Taupō businesses to thrive.

Julie is owner/operator at Volcanic Plateau Logging.

As a Commercial Business broker at Gallagher Insurance, Kerre works closely with local businesses to support their growth and stability. After joining the board as an intern in May 2025, Kerre is eager to bring fresh perspectives to the Board while learning from experienced professionals. She is a strong advocate for collaboration and is dedicated to partnering with fellow members and business owners to achieve common goals that enhance commerce in Taupo.

Outside of her professional work, Kerre enjoys fishing with her partner, catching up with friends over coffee, and unwinding with a session at the sauna. She is excited to contribute to the Taupō Business Chamber and looks forward to being an active member moving forward.

Natasha is our newest Chamber intern, bringing a background spanning tourism, education, and outdoor operations – most recently as Conference and Groups Coordinator at Wairakei Resort. She’s experienced in event logistics, stakeholder engagement, and client relationships, and knows how to work with everyone from frontline teams to boards of directors.

Natasha will be working alongside Kerre to help run our Emerge programme – and with her passion for accessible professional development and connecting people, she’s a perfect fit.