Jamie Lunam – Chair
Jamie has been a local SME business leader across several organisations and industries in the Bay of Plenty and Waikato for 15 years, with his expertise residing predominantly in the primary and manufacturing sectors. Having been an active part of Chamber activities over the years, including head judge for the Tauranga Business Awards, has given Jamie great insight into the wider business ecosystem in Tauranga and he is excited to be a part of the team leading the Tauranga Business Chamber into its next phase.
Having recently handed over the leadership of local business Jenkins Freshpac Systems, Jamie is now working in the consulting and contracting space with the SME community in the Bay of Plenty with a drive to be a part of helping shape economic, and in turn, social outcomes for our deserving community.
Lloyd Rakaupai – Vice Chair
Lloyd is an Account Manager for Vertical Horizonz New Zealand, with a background and expertise in strategic acumen and business growth. He is currently the Deputy Chairperson of the Tauranga Māori Business Association, a delegate of Te Kotahitanga o Ngāti Tūwharetoa Trust, an Honorary Fisheries Officer and has been involved with the New Zealand Defence Force for the past 18 years. Lloyd is currently studying a Master Business Administration. “I strive to live by two principles: He Mahitahi, meaning to work together and Whanake, meaning to grow, move onwards, move upwards, spring up, develop and rise.”
Benji Crossley
Benji is a Senior Solicitor in the Property Team at Sharp Tudhope Lawyers. He returned to the Bay with his family in 2019 following time away working and studying. Prior to joining Sharp Tudhope Benji spent ten years working in sports administration for Wellington Rugby, England Rugby and World Rugby. He has been involved in transformative projects and major events working with a wide array of individuals across sport. Tauranga has an exciting future. Benji is keen to play any part he can in helping the Tauranga business community thrive and make the most of the opportunities this city presents.
Debbie Ireland
For the past 16 years, Debbie has grown her Tauranga-based business Digital Workplace Results (formerly ShareThePoint Ltd), a premier Microsoft 365 Training Provider. She enables businesses to understand that real change is achieved by empowering people and utilising technology as an enabling tool. Debbie’s clients include local and international businesses across multiple industries. Debbie is well known for “making things happen”. Her experience as a small business owner brings valued perspective. Debbie is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors. She has been a Board Member/Chair for Youth, Search and Rescue, and instrumental in scaling and strategy.
Rochelle Lockley
Rochelle Lockley is the General Manager Communications for Port of Tauranga Limited, New Zealand’s largest port. She joined the executive team of the Port in September 2020. Prior to this, she spent 15 years operating her own strategic communications consultancy advising clients of all sizes from not-for-profit organisations through to listed companies. Rochelle is a former journalist and has held senior communications positions in the telecommunications, tourism and tertiary education sectors. Over the past 30 years, she has worked in communications in London, New York, Sydney, Auckland and Tauranga.
Deborah Peake
Deborah is a qualified Non-Executive Director certified through the IOD in London, she offers strategic leadership and governance expertise, to any role she takes on. Her tenure on the Health Lottery Board in the UK, oversaw the distribution of funds to health charities and reflects her commitment to making a positive impact. Deborah’s extensive advertising career spans across the UK, USA, Australia and China, and working with brands such as British Airways, Gillette, Walt Disney, Nestle and Procter & Gamble illustrates her ability to understand diverse markets and industries. After her return home, Deborah transitioned into real estate at Tremains.
Chad Wallace
Chad is a Senior Associate at Cooney Lees Morgan. Over the last 8 years at CLM he has had the privilege of advising and learning from some of Tauranga’s best businesspeople. This year he had the honour of being named a Rising Star by NZ Lawyer. Chad lives in Pyes Pa with wife Sara and two boys, who are 3 and 5, and he is very proud of our city and passionate about its future. He will use this opportunity with the Chamber Board to utilise his skills and experience to develop and grow our city.
Linda Finlay
Linda is a Partner BDO Tauranga. She is chartered accountant with over 15 years experience in business advisory, statutory compliance, management accounting and general accounting functions. Linda specialises in management reporting and business analysis – breaking down the sea of numbers to what it really means for the business owner. Linda was co-opted onto the Chamber Board in November 2023 following a skills assessment of the members after the election. As Treasurer, Linda works with the CEO on the prudent management of the Chamber’s financials and leads the Board on strategic financial decisions.
