Chamber aims to build on success

The Wairarapa Chamber of Commerce hopes to include more businesses next year as it looks to increase services.

Chief executive Stephanie Gundersen-Reid told the annual meeting on Thursday that they were working hard to ensure the chamber was a strong voice for the business community in future.

"The new strategic and communications plans that are being put in place will ensure a greater awareness of the chamber in the coming year, and allow us to enhance our brand throughout the region," she said.

"Times have been tough for business in the last two to four years. The chamber is very aware of this and wants to celebrate our great region, so another focus will be celebrating the success of our fantastic Wairarapa business community."

The chamber plans to encourage more businesses in Carterton and South Wairarapa to get involved with the organisation.

"The membership base continues to grow, which shows that the business community is very supportive of the chamber and what we are achieving," said Ms Gundersen-Reid. "This coming year, we are looking to continue consolidating and we will be increasing some of our services to ensure they are consistent and useful to our members."

Four new board members were announced: Natalie Bowie (Taratahi), Brett Gould (Logan Gold Walsh), Sean Stafford (ANZ) and Prue Hamill (Harcourts). Stepping down were: Colin Wright (Carterton District Council), Andrew Denholm (Wairarapa Times-Age) and Tim Fairbrother (Rival Wealth).