Meet the Team - Staff and Board

Wendy Smith

CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Wendy is the Chief Executive of the South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce and is also responsible for the advocacy and lobbying work carried out by the Chamber.

Wendy has an extensive background in both the public and private sector both in NZ and the UK, including nine years as CE of Aoraki Polytechnic and a number of senior governance roles.

DDI: 03 555 5090

Fiona Stevens

GENERAL MANAGER & GROWTH ADVISER

Fiona is General Manager of the Chamber and a Regional Business Partner Network Growth Advisor, connecting businesses to the right advice, people and resources. Working to strengthen and grow business.

With a background in Retail Management, Fiona’s experience includes involvement with small owner operator enterprises through to all aspects of running a large multi-million-dollar department store in both NZ and the UK. With cross sector interests, to create strong business relationships.

DDI: 03 555 5094

Janet Hogan

PROGRAMMES AND FINANCE MANAGER

As the Programmes and Finance Manager Janet is responsible for arranging all Chamber training opportunities. Janet manages the Chamber finances and also coordinates the annual Business Excellence Awards.

Janet is a trained teacher with experience in facilitating learning and development across a wide range of industries.

DDI: 03 555 5091

Raewyn Bell

BUSINESS ADVISOR

Raewyn’s role as Business Advisor is to assist any business from start-up through the many stages of change and growth, particularly those in Mackenzie District.

Prior to joining the Chamber, Raewyn has a background of business ownership in the construction industry, trading nationally and internationally. With marketing experience, she is also responsible for the www.southcanterbury.org.nz regional website and South Canterbury Market Place  

DDI: 03 555 5092

Stacey Gallagher

EVENTS & MARKETING MANAGER | SOUTH CANTERBURY Y.E.S REGIONAL CO-ORDINATOR

Stacey is the Events and Marketing Manager of the South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce and is also the Regional Coordinator for the Young Enterprise Scheme.

Stacey is responsible for all Chamber events from BA5’s through to coordinating the annual Business Excellence Awards. Stacey is responsible for the Chamber’s Marketing.

Stacey has a background in quality management, the telecommunications industry and renewable energy.

DDI: 03 555 5093

Stephen Rackstraw

MEMBERSHIP MANAGER

Steve is the Membership Manager and is responsible for driving membership growth and delivering exceptional customer care. Steve has led contact centre teams and developed loyalty programmes across several countries in diverse industries such as customer loyalty, aviation, and banking.

DDI: 03 555 5095

Kaitlin Clews

COMMUNICATIONS AND PROMOTIONS MANAGER

Kaitlin has 5 plus years’ experience in council administration and will always greet you with a smile.Prior to working for local government Kaitlin was working in the telecommunications field. Coming from the UK 13 years ago she has grown to love Timaru and wishes to keep growing her career within South Canterbury.

DDI: 03 555 5093

Gordon Handy

PRESIDENT 
Director of GHE Enterprises 

A past business owner (Gordon Handy Machinery Ltd that operated 6 John Deere branches across the South Island), Gordon is President of the South Canterbury Traction Engine and Transport Museum, and Chair of the South Island Regional Trust Board for St John.

Thomas Nation

CO VICE PRESIDENT
Partner, Timpany Walton Lawyers

Thomas Nation is a partner at Timpany Walton Lawyers, heading up their litigation team. He is a regular presenter of employment law training with the Chamber. 

Kristy Phillips

CO VICE PRESIDENT
Owner/Operator Cactus Fire

Kristy started out in front of house and moved through to business ownership, local and national governance roles.  Kristy is proud of the opportunities this industry provides and passionate about promoting a thriving hospitality and accommodation sector.

Kristy was elected to the board in 2015 and has been re-elected to the Board ever since; now one of the two Vice-Presidents. Kristy is a strong advocate in growing and connecting the business community in South Canterbury.

Scott McAuley

BOARD MEMBER
General Manager – Transport, Hilton Haulage

Scott is well placed to engage with a wide variety of stakeholders within the business community and beyond and enjoys the ongoing opportunity to contribute to this by serving on the board of the South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce.

Heather Harding

BOARD MEMBER
Owner Manager Harding Construction Ltd.

Heather is a member of the South Canterbury Master Builders Executive Committee and a past trustee on the Ashburton Benevolent Trust. Heather enjoys serving with the group of motivated and inspiring people to positively support the South Canterbury business community.

Margaret Munro

BOARD MEMBER
General Manager of INFLITE Mt Cook/Mackenzie

Margaret resides in the Mackenzie District and has a career in business that spans over thirty years working for the South Canterbury District Health Board for fifteen years in varied roles of patient services, IT, administration, and finance.  Margaret then moved into tourism working in a variety of high-profile senior roles.

John Wilson

BOARD MEMBER
Project Facilitator and Design Manager, Thompson Engineering  

John believes in the importance of implementing responsible and practical solutions and contributes to the board via his experience gained working with many local businesses, assisting them in making challenging capital development decisions. 

John Cannell

BOARD MEMBER

John has had financial leadership roles over the years with PrimePort Timaru and the Department of Conservation. He is currently General Manager with a large South Canterbury Plumbing firm. His financial, systems and governance experience supports the Chamber in meeting its vision. He has been on boards for schools, hospitality and sports clubs. He currently resides as ex President for the Chamber after having the president role for over 4 years.

Greg Anderson

BOARD MEMBER

Greg is well placed to represent the rural sector on the Board with 40 years farming experience in South Canterbury. Having recently sold their 1300 hectare sheep and beef property, Greg has more time to spend with family and other diverse interests . 

Greg is President of SC Federated  Farmers, Chairman Aoraki Foundation and has multiple other board roles. He is  passionate  about the South Canterbury region and this stems from the opportunities  it has provided and the great people that reside here.