Chief Executive & Board

Helen Garner – Chief Executive

As Chief Executive of Business Whanganui – Chamber of Commerce, Helen is passionate about supporting businesses to thrive.

She has built her professional career in a diverse range of environments and has first hand experience of the differing cultures of small business, large corporates, local government and not-for-profit organisations. She has held roles within Economic Development, Chamber of Commerce, Māori business networks, Business Mentors NZ, and as a small business owner. Helen believes strong relationships support business growth and help to promote a sustainable business community.

Contact Helen: ceo@businesswhanganui.nz

Glenda Brown – Acting Chair

Glenda Brown is a director of eHaus – a Company specialising in high performing homes.

She is also a Whanganui District Councillor, an accredited Mentor of Business Mentors NZ, a member of the NZ Institute of Directors, and a Trustee on a local community based Trust.

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, a Chartered Accountant with Business Whanganui Key Regional Partners, Moore Markham Accountants, joined the Board as Treasurer from 2024.

He brings to the Treasurer role a wealth of skills and experience gained from 12 years as a financial auditor, six as a Chartered Accountant and most recently, three years in Business Advisory with Moore Markham locally.

Whanganui born and raised; Lucan is passionate advocate for a successful prosperous Whanganui Business community.

Stuart Hylton – Board Member

Stuart is a private consultant specialising in Business and Strategic Planning, Change Management, Policy Development, Waste Minimisation, Facilitation and Commissioner work.

He has spent many years working across various activities in Local Government and is an appointed District Licensing (Alcohol) Commissioner for Whanganui. Napier and Rangitikei District Councils. He serves on a number of not-for-profit entities and is a past District Health Board member.

Stuart is passionate about the District he raised his four children in. He sees Whanganui strategically well positioned to work smarter and more collegially to build business prosperity and community growth.

Vinita Kaushal – Board Member

Information coming soon.

Jeff Phillips – Board Member

Information coming soon.