Allison Lawton is new Chamber of Commerce CEO

Allison Lawton is now the permanent Chamber of Commerce chief executive. Photo/Stephen Parker

Allison Lawton is now officially chief executive of the Rotorua Chamber of Commerce, a role she says she is looking forward to.

Born and raised in Rotorua, Mrs Lawton has been in the interim position for the past seven months, and prior to that was a board member.

"As I've transitioned from interim to permanent chief executive I have found I'm really passionate about the city," she said.

"There are amazing things that can be done here, we want to be a part of them."

She said from her previous work at senior leadership level, she understood Rotorua, and knew the right people to talk to.

Her background includes working for Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, being chief executive for six years at Te Puia, and owning her own business. She also has a has a MBA from the University of Waikato.

Being female and Maori in such a role was a wonderful opportunity, Mrs Lawton said.

"This is especially with Rotorua becoming a bilingual city on Friday, there is an opportunity for the chamber to play a part."

She said it was great more women were visible in leadership roles than when she was chief executive at Te Puia 15 years ago.

"Looking back, it was scary and pretty lonely. Now there are wonderful networks for women in Rotorua, and I enjoy the role chamber plays a part in this."

She said one such example was a women's networking function held at the Millennium hotel in association with the hotel and Maori in Tourism Rotorua.

Mrs Lawton said she has a competitive spirit.

"I believe you have to, to allow you to drive and succeed, and get things done."

She said she was well-supported by Chamber of Commerce president John McRae, board and staff.

"They are all really supportive and have a passionate vision for the city."

Mr McRae said he was impressed with the strategic skills Mrs Lawton brought to the role, and the momentum the chamber has achieved in a small amount of time under her leadership.