WHAT WE DO
What does the Te Awamutu Business Chamber Do?
The Chamber runs a year round series of events, including networking and professional development opportunities. We also administer the Support Local Te Awamutu initiative and advocate for local business locally, regionally and nationally, providing support to help business thrive. Members can pick and choose from relevant support on offer to suit their individual business needs.
| Professional Development Events |
| Networking Events |
| News |
| Promotion |
| Advocacy |
| Support Local Te Awamutu |
OUR TEAM
Megan Port, CEO
Megan spent the first half of her career living in the corporate world, first as an auditor and Chartered Accountant for KPMG, then nearly a decade with Fonterra as an accountant and process improvement specialist.
After having her first baby 11 years ago, she had a total career change and started a photography business, specialising in newborn and family photography.
She's lived and breathed the small business space since then, and have seen first hand how valuable a strong Chamber can be in supporting businesses, and helping business owners feel like they aren’t alone in what can sometimes be a lonely space.
She was the Treasurer of the Chamber for a few years prior to becoming the CEO, and is thrilled to be getting even more involved.
Fran Jones, Office & Events Manager
Fran wears many hats at the Te Awamutu Business Chamber, serving as the friendly voice at the end of the phone and the smiley face greeting members at our events.
With an extensive background in administration, marketing, communications, and event management, Fran keeps our operations running smoothly.
Fran spent ten years in Melbourne navigating high-level corporate environments. Her career includes working in the events leadership team for CPA Australia - one of the world's largest membership organisations. She also thrived in a rapid-retail paced role as the Print Production Manager for Coles, Australia’s largest supermarket chain. She successfully managed nationwide marketing campaigns across 800 stores.
Returning to New Zealand in 2018 to settle in Kihikihi was an easy choice for Fran, who cherished her own small-town childhood. Today, she gives back to her local community by serving on her children's school board.
Fran thrives in her diverse role at the Chamber, and loves nothing more than connecting with, and supporting our members.
OUR BOARD
Maria Heslop, Chair
Chair / Investment Adviser and NZX Adviser
Craigs Investment Partners
Maria serves as the Chair of the Te Awamutu Business Chamber and is an Investment Adviser and NZX Adviser with Craigs Investment Partners, supporting clients throughout the Waikato-King Country and maintaining a strong local client base.
Born and raised in Te Awamutu, Maria has deep roots in the community and through her role at Craigs she contributes to a wide range of community initiatives - spanning sport, environmental projects, the arts, charitable trusts, and women’s organisations.
Maria is passionate about all things business. She believes the Chamber is the heart of a thriving, connected business community - a place where people come together to learn, collaborate, and grow.
Being part of shaping that environment, and helping to guide its future, is something she genuinely loves.
Aaron Karam
Salon Manager and qualified hairdresser
Team Seven Hairdressing
Aaron is a qualified hairdresser and Salon Manager at Team Seven Hairdressing in Te Awamutu.
Aaron discovered that hairdressing was a great way of gaining valuable local knowledge from his client-base. His clients represent all pockets of the Te Awamutu community - from people who own businesses or belong to community groups.
Aaron has previous committee experience from roles he's filled within the New Zealand Association of Hairdressers.
Aaron is looking forward to help build on the strengths we have as a town and to make use of the valuable information he gets from his local clients.
James Clark
Owner / Operator, FreshChoice Te Awamutu
James has owned FreshChoice in Te Awamutu since 2018, employing over 40 staff.
Prior to moving to Te Awamutu, James and his wife Vanessa spent 17 years running a Contract Cleaning Company specialising in servicing the Supermarket industry.
James gained an MBA from Massey University in 2002.
James sits on the Brand Management Committee for the FreshChoice Group and is currently part of the executive working group for FreshChoice / Woolworths New Zealand negotiating for a fair pay agreement for the Supermarket industry.
Part of the rebuilding of Fresh Choice Te Awamutu was the strong commitment James had to the local community. FreshChoice sponsors many local sporting clubs, charities, and local individuals.
Enjoying the pace and the people of Te Awamutu, James is looking forward to actively contributing to the success of the Chamber and the wider community.
Tania Green
Partner at Findex
Tania is a partner at Findex Te Awamutu and a qualified Chartered Accountant.
Born in Whanganui, Tania moved to Te Awamutu for school and has been here ever since, except for an OE she had in London for a couple of years.
Tania has been an accountant all her working life and got chartered in 1997. She worked for and eventually owned Kelly & Bryant Chartered Accountants Ltd, this went on to become Findex where she is currently an associate partner.
Tania is involved in a range of community groups – Altrusa International of Te Awamutu, Te Awamutu Sports Netball Club, Te Awamutu Sports Hockey Club, Stewart Alexander Golf Club.
She always puts her hand up to help in any finance capacity and is passionate about Te Awamutu and its business community.
Being on the Chamber board Tania would like to ensure all business owners make the most of what the Chamber can do for them.
Wendy Knight
Property Brokers
Wendy is a local and experienced real estate professional, and has had the privilege of working closely with the Te Awamutu community for many years. Her career has been built on strong relationships, honest communication and a commitment to helping people achieve their goals.
Wendy lives locally, and her husband grew up in the area where he attended Pirongia School and Te Awamutu College - they know the town well!
With a background in sales as well as strong administration skills, she's passionate about championing Te Awamutu’s growth while keeping our unique local character front and centre.
She's keen to support the Chamber by bringing a practical perspective and a willingness to get involved and do the work.
Monique Venn
Business Owner, Virtually Venn
Monique is a proud Te Awamutu local since 2013 and a Chamber Member for the last two years.
For the last three years Monique has run her own business, providing executive assistant services to C-suite executives and independent directors in high-level governance. She enjoys the challenge both professionally and personally and it has taught her a lot of skills including resilience, planning, strategy and leadership.
Prior to owning her own business, Monique was an executive assistant on the senior leadership team for an agri-business in Te Awamutu. She's also had many years working in the corporate sector including finance, real estate and IT.
Monique also serves as board secretary for the Waikato Rowing Association.
Monique loves being a member of the Te Awamutu Business Chamber, meeting people, forming connections and contributing to our local community.
Monique is always up for a challenge and likes to expand her knowledge by taking on new opportunities. She brings a unique perspective to the board and is excited to help local businesses thrive.
Louis Wilks
Business Owner, King Tide Marketing
Originally from Auckland, Louis moved to the Waikato in 2012 to study and subsequently began his career in marketing.
His partner introduced him to Te Awamutu and he has called it home for several years now.
To date, Louis has been successful in his marketing career, launching products, living internationally, and taking on senior executive roles.
He took the leap in 2024 to start his own sales and marketing business, King Tide, based in Kihikihi and servicing clients across New Zealand, Australia, and Europe.
He considers himself to be civic-minded, practical, and fluent in the language of marketing.
He is excited to utilise these attributes to support the Chamber in its mission to champion Te Awamutu businesses.
OUR SPONSORS
Get in touch
office@teawamutuchamber.org.nz
07 392 0007
