Chief Executive & Board

Helen Garner – Chief Executive

As Chief Executive, Helen is focused on supporting businesses to be visible, connected, and moving forward.

Her background spans small business, corporates, local government, and the not-for-profit sector, including economic development, chambers of commerce, mentoring, and business ownership. She is an experienced trainer and mentor, focused on practical capability and real-world application.

Helen brings a practical understanding of the realities businesses face and values strong relationships and active engagement in building a resilient, effective business community.

Glenda Brown – Chair

Glenda is a Director of 5Merchants – a company specialising in providing products and services for high performing homes.

She is also a Whanganui District Councillor, an accredited Mentor of Business Mentors NZ and a member of the NZ Institute of Directors.

Glenda is passionate about the success of Whanganui business and believes strong relationships between business entities are vital for the future of economic growth in our area.

Lucan Bartlett – Treasurer

Lucan is a Chartered Accountant and Director at Moore Markhams.

He brings strong financial expertise and commercial insight, with experience in audit, accounting, and business advisory supporting local businesses.

Whanganui born and raised, Lucan is a strong advocate for a successful and prosperous local business community and understands the role that sound financial management and connected businesses play in achieving this.

Stuart Hylton – Board Member

Stuart is a private consultant specialising in business and strategic planning, change management, policy development, and facilitation.

He has experience in local government and serves as a District Licensing (Alcohol) Commissioner across Whanganui, Napier, and Rangitikei. He also contributes to not-for-profit organisations and is a past District Health Board member.

Stuart brings strong governance, policy, and strategic planning expertise, with a focus on practical outcomes. He values clear thinking and a well-connected, effective business community.

Vinita Kaushal – Board Member

Vinita is the HR Manager at Tasman Tanning, where she leads people and culture initiatives within a Whanganui-based, export-focused manufacturing business.

She brings expertise in human resources, workforce development, and organisational performance, with a practical understanding of the challenges facing employers in manufacturing and the role of people in achieving strong business outcomes.

Vinita is committed to building workforce capability and contributing to a connected, effective business community.

Jeff Phillips – Board Member

Jeff is the Managing Director of Phillips Electrical and brings strong commercial and leadership experience to the Board.

He has a practical understanding of the realities of running a business, including the opportunities and challenges within the trades sector, with a focus on performance, accountability, and delivering outcomes. His experience spans both business and sports governance, including serving as past Chairman of Whanganui Rugby.

Jeff contributes a grounded, real-world perspective and values strong relationships and connected networks as key to a resilient and successful business community.