+64 6 759 9080
We're here to help. Meet the team.
Often the first thing you need is a person to talk to - someone who is listening. The friendly Chamber team are here to help with anything you need.
Phone or email a team member today.
Arun Chaudhari
CEO
Arun was on the Board of the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce from April 2009 to April 2015 and Chair for four months thereafter.
Having a strong passion for the Chamber and business in Taranaki, he was a judge for the Business Excellence Awards from 2005 to 2014.
Arun’s background is the merchant navy, where he spent 20 years, including six years as a Captain on large oil tankers. He then worked in senior management roles in two ports in New Zealand. Arun holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce and a Master’s degree in Business Administration.
Arun was appointed CEO in June 2017. He is committed to the Chamber delivering exceptional service to its members and partners, while working closely with the Chamber’s stakeholders. You can read more about Arun’s journey here
Email Arun
Maura Young
Partnership & Projects Manager
Maura is the Partnership & Projects Manager for the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce. She is responsible for growing and developing the relationships in ways that best benefit the partners and provide value to Chamber members.
Maura is responsible for forum groups including Network of Trades. A group she is passionate about is the Not-for-Profit sector, which sits under the Circulate Partnership. Here she works with business and not-for-profit to see long-term connections developed, based on relationships and core values.
An important aspect of Maura’s work relates to special projects that identify opportunities for Chamber partners and members. Maura likes nothing better than connecting people and business with opportunities that benefit them and help them grow and develop.
Maura would love to hear from you and see how she can maximize what the Chamber has to offer to best support your business.
M 021 284 0062
Email Maura
Michelle Brennan
Advocacy & Communications Manager
Michelle has been with the Chamber since November 2015. She originally was appointed as the Coordinator for BARA (New Plymouth Business and Retail Association) and then took on additional roles with Chamber events, communications and advocacy in 2017. Michelle also facilitates the judging process for both the Top Shop and Business Excellence Awards. Her background is in Marketing and Sales – previously working for Fairfax Media and MediaWorks. Michelle is an experienced organiser of events and promotions and is passionate about helping local businesses and retailers.
M 021 710 950
Email Michelle
Jo Whyte
Event Manager
Jo has been with the Chamber since March 2023. She has a background in marketing, tourism, conferences and events and is a strong advocate for all that Taranaki has to offer.
Highlights on the Chamber events calendar are the Top Shop Awards, Business Excellence Awards, Business Showcase and the Wellbeing Conference. The Chamber also works with partners, members and stakeholders, including local and central government, to host additional events throughout the year which are relevant, topical and a great opportunity for members to network.
Jo enjoys bringing an event to fruition and seeing people come together to represent their business and celebrate each other’s successes.
M 021 533 300
Rebecca Mende
Membership Coordinator
Rebecca joined the Taranaki Chamber team as Membership Coordinator in January 2022. Her role is to provide information on the Chamber’s benefits and to ensure that all members have the support they need to utilise the range of services and opportunities available. These services include networking, training, discounts, events, and marketing opportunities. Rebecca can assist you in making the most out of your membership and help connect you and your business to what will assist you.
Rebecca comes to the Chamber with experience in both start-up and established businesses, research and business development projects, community programs and outreach. Her background has provided Rebecca with a broad range of business skills and knowledge, gained over many years of working in diversified industries with an emphasis on future growth for businesses.
Rebecca is looking forward to connecting with the local business community, building long-term business relationships, and providing support to members.
If you would like to know more about membership, feel free to contact Rebecca.
M 021 778 621
Email Rebecca
Megan Lepper
YES Coordinator
Megan joined the team in 2021 as the Regional Coordinator for the Young Enterprise Scheme.
The objective of YES is to grow our region’s young entrepreneurs of the future and Megan’s role is to organise events; encourage and support schools who offer the programme; work with valued local sponsors and facilitate learning using a wide range of dedicated business experts from across Taranaki.
Megan’s background is predominantly in Digital Marketing, Tourism and Project Management, and her previous role at Venture Taranaki has given her great exposure to the local business community. Megan has a lot of personal experience with the Young Enterprise programme; she mentored a team in 2018 and also took part in the programme whilst studying at New Plymouth Girls’ High School, with her team taking out regional and national top awards.
Her experience with the programme means that she is extremely passionate about getting as many Taranaki students to take part in the Enterprise Scheme as possible, as she knows how beneficial it is especially for those wanting a career in business and innovation.
Megan highly values the support of our local businesses that are involved in all aspects of this rewarding programme. If you would like to become a mentor for our YES students, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with her.
M 027 586 6558
Email Megan
Julia Collins
Office Manager
Julia has been with the Chamber since 2017. She ensures the smooth running of the office, providing support to all team members at both Chamber House and the Chamber Hubs in Bell Block and Hāwera.
Her key roles include facilitation of all training courses and workshops, processing Certificates of Origin and export documentation, development and updates to Chamber Policies and Procedures, Chamber Board administration and account queries.
Julia also assists with membership administration, reception and anything else when required!
Julia has a passion for the Taranaki community and enjoys seeing businesses connect and enhance the vibrant community she lives and works in.
M 021 0228 8893
Email Julia
Josh Borrell
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
After leaving New Plymouth Boys’ High School in 2016 Josh spent three years at Massey University in Palmerston North completing a bachelor’s degree in Business with a major in Marketing. He then spent the next two years plying his trade at W.R. Phillips and was thrilled to join the Taranaki Chamber team in March 2022 as the Marketing and Communications Coordinator.
Josh looks forward to meeting all the Chamber Members and getting a great insight into local businesses as well as assisting them through the Chambers marketing opportunities. For further information on how to market your business through the Chamber please feel free to contact Josh.
