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Meet Our Team

Meet Our Leadership Introducing the Board

The Taupō Business Chamber is governed by a Board of senior directors, business owners, and industry leaders who volunteer their time and expertise. Representing a wide range of industries across the Taupō region, they are dedicated to supporting and growing our local business community.

Abhinav Batta

Abhinav Batta

President

I came to Taupō in 2010 as a migrant and straight away fell in love with this town. After working in hospitality for nearly nine years, I opened my own restaurant, Incredible India.

I’m proud to serve on the Taupо̄ Business Chamber board and represent a young, professional team. The board is very dynamic and while we all have very different strengths and skill sets, we’re all working hard towards a common goal — the economic success of Taupо̄.

Taupō is home to my wife, our beautiful daughter and myself. I come from a business-oriented family and settling in Taupō was very easy as it is full of opportunities for businesses within a wonderful, supportive community.

I am looking forward to contributing towards the ongoing success of Taupō Business Chamber and the Taupō business community.

Jess Nicholas

Jess Nicholas

Vice President

Taupо̄ has been my home for over 10 years. Just one of the reasons I chose to move to this amazing region is the fantastic opportunities for young professionals who are focused on providing the best future for our vibrant community.

With a background in events management, I’ve worked with many local and out-of-town businesses to bring some amazing events to life! Having three bustling young boys, who like to try their hand at any sport available, I’ve recently settled into a new career with Aon Insurance. This role still sees me working closely with a range of locals. plus it provides me with the flexibility to spend a lot more time with my husband and children, making the most of our beautiful lake!

I’m excited to be on the board for the Taupō Business Chamber this year. I‘ve been very fortunate to have been offered such wonderful opportunities during my time here in Taupо̄ and I’m looking forward to contributing to the growth of our amazing region.

Michelle Barnett

Michelle Barnett

Treasurer

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.

Amy Penn

Amy Penn

Board Member

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!

Deiryn Salisbury

Deiryn Salisbury

Board Member

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

Ross Mortimer

Ross Mortimer

Board Member

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.

Sarah Hunt

Sarah Hunt

Board Member

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

Aaron Carter

Board Member

Aaron Carter owns Total Sport.

Taupo Business Chamber Averil Naumai

Averil Naumai

Board Member

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.

Taupo Business Chamber Susannah Cowan

Susannah Cowan

Intern Board Member

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.

 

Taupo Business Chamber Holly Spooner

Holly Spooner

Intern Board Member

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.