Marie-Claire Andrews  (M-C) is a business development, strategy and capital-raising specialist with skills in Sales, Marketing, Goverance and leadership.  Marie-Claire has worked in local government as an advisor, owned a sales/business development consultancy, and been CEO of two international tech companies.  She founded and sold two of her own businesses, and set up Carterton co-working space 3-Mile.  In her spare time she’s a Trustee for Retired Working Dogs NZ.

General Manager of Juken New Zealand (JNL), Wairarapa Mill.  Karl Burling has been living and working in Wairarapa for the past 43 years.  A farmer from 1981, Karl took on a six week task as a rigger at JNL to install a veneer dryer.  30 years later and after holding many roles, Karl is at the helm of this hugely successful company.  Karl is keen to contribute to Wairarapa’s business development and community as a whole.

Lisa’s business is Evolution Accounts and she understands just how busy business owners, employers and entrepreneurs are.  With a wealth of financial expertise and a passion for driving business growth, Lisa brings invaluable insight to the table.  Through meticulous planning and reporting, Lisa ensures that Business Wairarapa’s financial affairs are handled with accuracy and foresight.

Wanting to be self-employed from an early age, Eve is a big-picture strategic thinker, marketer and Entrepreneur.  An experienced Restaurateur with nearly 30 yrs in the game, Eve purchased her first Restaurant at the age of 24.  Currently owner of Masterton’s The Screening Room, Eve has a legendary-in-the-Wairarapa reputation, having previously spent 17 years running Saluté in Greytown.

Benn Milne is a dynamic real estate agent with Property Brokers, where he has excelled since 2016.  With a foundation of 20 years in the automotive industry, Benn launched his entrepreneurial journey in 2005 by purchasing Vogel Motors in Lower Hutt.  Over the years, he expanded his ventures and became known for his creative marketing skills and an ability to think outside the box.  Benn seamlessly transitioned his business acumen into real estate, where his expertise consistently delivers exceptional results for his clients.

Brent is a well-connected, well-respected member of the Wairarapa business community.  He serves that community and the wider region through his advocacy in his day job as General Manager and Breakfast Host at Mediaworks Wairarapa.  With his sports coaching, Marketing and multiple governance positions, Brent brings fresh ideas, influence and connection to new sections of our community and for these reasons, is a valuable member of the Business Wairarapa Board.

Representing the Go Carterton Business Group, Josie is the Founder and CEO of Spring Coaching, a Professional Performance Coaching practice that works with ambitious people and businesses to sustain high performance without burning out.  Josie is an experienced workshop facilitator and speaker, with a vast corporate background in strategy and planning roles.  Josie knows that getting to the top requires a strategic trajectory based on action, and brings both strategy and tangible actions to the Board of Business Wairarapa.

Brian is a seasoned senior executive with several decades of experience in consulting and leadership roles within both the private and public sectors.  Initially, he focused on driving commercial success for media and manufacturing companies in New Zealand and Australia.  Over time, his expertise evolved towards senior consultancy positions with complex and large-scale organisations across various industries.  Brian’s professional journey is distinguished by his ability to balance strategic planning with organisational performance and profitability.  His expertise extends across multiple domains, including technology, organisational performance, strategy, operational excellence, supply chain management, outsourcing, finance, and leadership.

Anna is the Chief Executive of Destination Wairarapa, the region’s Regional Tourism Organisation (RTO), a role she’s embraced with gusto since 2020.  With a career spanning multiple industries, Anna has kept one thing constant: her commitment to working in sectors she’s truly passionate about—tourism, food and fibre, and events.  If she’s not deeply connected to it, she’s not doing it!  With an ability to solve problems, think strategically, and bring people together, Anna is all about collaboration and making things happen. 

An extensive career within Agribusiness, Infrastructure Development, and Tertiary Education allows Nicola to bring strong, commercially focused expertise in these sectors, enhancing governance and adding value to company direction.  Nicola’s skills and experiences gained internationally are used to challenge the norm and identify how lessons can help NZ companies develop and prosper.

Blair’s company Enable Design was the Wairarapa Awards ANZ Emerging Business winner in 2022.  Blair helps New Zealand and Australian companies launch engaging brands and digital shopping experiences.  Blair brings a wealth of brand experience and looks forward to generating more exposure and opportunities for the local business community.

Tessa is a dynamic and driven leader with a unique combination of strategic, digital, technology, data-driven marketing & commercial expertise.  Throughout her career, she has had the privilege of working with some of the biggest names in various industries, including banking, global QSR, and telecommunications, and has earned the trust of boards, CEOs, and senior leaders.  Her unwavering commitment to excellence and customer focus has seen her hold various senior and executive-level roles.

Vernette is a Trustee of Māori In Business Wairarapa, and business owner of Reach Design.  Vernette has extensive experience in the IT industry, living all over New Zealand to work for a variety of organisations including small businesses and State Owned Enterprises.  Vernette possesses many skillsets: administration, operations management, accountancy as well technical coordination & project management on top directorship and mentor positions.

With extensive experience that covers multiple aspects of business development and stakeholder engagement – from sole-trading in the creative and publishing industries; to owning independent retail businesses; to providing business consultancy to export, wine and tourism companies, Nicola is results-driven and an excellent communicator.  Nicola has curated both small and large-scale events, chaired membership organisations and has a genuine desire to see businesses succeed.