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Three leading Hawke’s Bay business people are adding their respective strengths to the board of Business Hawke’s Bay.

Jenni Giblin, founder of Giblin Group, a consultancy business that helps drive economic growth for towns and cities throughout New Zealand, Michelle Turfrey, a chartered accountant and principal of Crowe Horwath, and Pipfruit NZ Inc chief executive Alan Pollard, have joined the existing nine members of the region’s business-led economic development agency board.

BHB board chairman, Stuart McLauchlan says the calibre of candidates applying to join the voluntary board at its recent AGM was gratifying.  “We had a number of quality applicants who were prepared to contribute the many unpaid hours that we all contribute to work with our small BHB team to make things happen. It is very heartening to know there is that support amongst the business community to help grow business in Hawke’s Bay.”

The three new members had skill sets complementary to the current board, Mr McLauchlan said. “We’re excited to add those perspectives and their passion to our team.”

(left to right - Susan White, Michelle Turfery, Alan Pollard, Jenni Giblin.)

 

Ms Giblin founded her consultancy business after a number of years in the public sector. Giblin Group draws on her expertise and experience, her knowledge of central and local government, and her many connections within both the public and private sectors. 

“Business Hawkes Bay must continue to play its part in the regional renaissance that is vital for New Zealand’s long-term prosperity,” says Ms Giblin. “Councils need to be bold and brave to champion change if we are to continue to attract people to regional New Zealand.

“We must all play our part in the business community and we can work better if we work together. I look forward to working with the other Business Hawkes Bay Board members to this end.”

Ms Giblin has a solid background in Public Policy having worked in parliament as a research unit director, and also in local government as a policy advisor and strategy manager. She works with local bodies and managers/proposers of key regional infrastructure to develop strategies, plans and policies, raise capital and build relationships.

A business advisory principal and team leader of Crowe Horwath based in Waipukurau, Ms Turfrey has been a chartered accountant since 1989 and joined her current firm in 2005.

Her commercial experience gives her an understanding of the challenges, opportunities and frustrations faced by business owners including those engaged in manufacturing, construction, hospitality and professional services.

“Having lived in Hawke’s Bay for the majority of my life I have a strong passion for the region, and in particular building one that is attractive to our young people – not only for lifestyle but also for business opportunities.

“Working alongside other Hawke’s Bay business leaders who are equally committed to our collective future gives me the opportunity to use my skills for the benefit of the business community as a whole”.

Crowe Horwath has been a long-term supporter of BHB and Ms Turfrey comes to the board with a clear understanding of the agency’s operation.

Alan Pollard joined Pipfruit NZ in March 2012. A chartered accountant, he has an extensive background in the management of large law firms.

Prior to joining New Zealand’s industry organisation for apple and pear growers, packers and exporters based in Hastings, Mr Pollard was a director of BHB’s peer organisation, the Canterbury Development Corporation where he was chairman of its Audit & Risk committee. He is also a past- president of the Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce.

“I have long had an interest in economic development, and while living in Christchurch had the privilege of being a Director of the Canterbury Development Corporation,” said Mr Pollard.

“The pipfruit sector is a major contributor to provincial New Zealand’s economic wellbeing. We’re the fastest growing primary sector in New Zealand and with our further significant growth projections, it’s appropriate that the industry takes some leadership in driving economic activity.

“I’m looking forward to applying my experience and realising the region’s potential with Business Hawke’s Bay.”  

Current board members are: Stuart McLauchlan, Langley Twigg; Chris Collins, EIT; Robert Darroch, Future Products Group; Chris Bain, Port of Napier appointee; Doug Ducker, Pan Pac Forest Products; Hamish Whyte, Furnware Industries; Ken Sutherland, Unison; Hamish White, NOW;  Mike Purchas, sportsground.co.nz.

This year the BHB board has actively worked to establish the Hawke’s Bay Business Hub in Ahuriri, home to 13 business support services who work collaboratively to help local businesses grow, and initiatives that encouraged Jetstar to add Hawke’s Bay to its national routes.