Experience

Te Waka: Waikato's Regional Economic Development Agency

• New Zealand
• Information Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Regional Business Partner Waikato Business Growth Manager (Acting)

  • Feb 2021 - Present

  • Successful delivery of the Regional Business Partner program in the Waikato region and manage a team of 4 FTE's. • Responsible for contract/programme management activities – liaise with MBIE/Callaghan Innovation/Business Mentors NZ, and reporting functions. • Collaborate, partner, and maintain relationships with other external stakeholders such as Hamilton Waikato Tourism, Chambers of Commerce, City/District Councils, Regional Business Associations, B2B, MBIE, NZTE, Export NZ, Callaghan Innovation, financial institutions, and Ministry of Social Development/Work and Income.



Te Waka: Waikato's Regional Economic Development Agency

• New Zealand
• Information Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Regional Business Partner, Team Leader (Covid 19 Project)

  • Mar 2020 - Dec 2020

  • Successfully led the delivery of the Regional Business Partner Covid-19 and Tourism Transition advisory funding in the Waikato region.• Managed a team of 10 FTE’s (7 of those newly recruited to provide extra support to deliver the funding – fully trained & delivering support within 3 weeks of recruitment)• Managed both advisory funds, while managing and allocating Capability Management Development Voucher Scheme.• Oversaw 2000+ businesses engagements & worked alongside my team to ensure the best delivery possible during an extremely stressful time for both the growth advisors and businesses we supported.



Waikato Innovation Park Limited

• New Zealand
• Research Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Regional Business Partner - Business Growth Advisor

  • Jul 2017 - Feb 2020

  • Provided support to the Regional Business Partner by identifying, facilitating, co-ordinating and managing delivery of the programmes for funding into the Waikato Regions businesses.• Developed and managed a portfolio of client businesses. Over 450 to date. • Facilitate access by eligible companies to the range of programmes available from NZTE and Callaghan Innovation.• Proactively managed events for Te Waka to enhance reputation and attract new businesses.• Evaluate funding and other support opportunities using screening and benchmarking tools.



Lawrenson Group - Hamilton

• Group Event & Functions Manager

  • Nov 2013 - Jul 2017

  • Oversaw all functions and events for 17 bars and restaurants. • Responsible and accountable for all sales and co-ordination of all functions and events – Including conferences, festivals, corporate events, birthdays, weddings etc.• Key client manager overseeing all VIP and corporate events by managing existing and developing new client relationships. • Oversaw all functions and events for 17 bars and restaurants. • Responsible and accountable for all sales and co-ordination of all functions and events – Including conferences, festivals, corporate events, birthdays, weddings etc.• Key client manager overseeing all VIP and corporate events by managing existing and developing new client relationships.



Botanical Cafe - Function & Event Centre

• Venue, Wedding & Event Manager

  • May 2011 - Nov 2013

  • One of the biggest tourist destinations in Brisbane - the event centre was one of the busiest café/restaurant that seated 400 pax.• Responsible and accountable for all sales and co-ordination of all functions and events – including conferences, product launches, corporate events (i.e Australian Women’s Weekly High Tea) and weddings etc, and achieving a high weekly conversion rate. • One of the biggest tourist destinations in Brisbane - the event centre was one of the busiest café/restaurant that seated 400 pax.• Responsible and accountable for all sales and co-ordination of all functions and events – including conferences, product launches, corporate events (i.e Australian Women’s Weekly High Tea) and weddings etc, and achieving a high weekly conversion rate.



Phoenix Group

• Group Event & Function Manager

  • Oct 2007 - May 2011

  • Responsible for all sales, planning & operational aspects of functions and events - including weddings, birthdays, work functions, promotions etc.• Responsible for liaising and looking after key customers and VIP. • Responsible for all sales, planning & operational aspects of functions and events - including weddings, birthdays, work functions, promotions etc.• Responsible for liaising and looking after key customers and VIP.