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Business South Board Election 2024

2024 Board Nominees

April Eden

April brings a wealth of experience in business development and community engagement, making them a dynamic candidate for the Business South board. As a long-standing member of Rotary, April has championed service projects that foster local growth and build networks across diverse industries.

Their leadership experience in Rotary has honed their skills in strategic planning and community-focused initiatives, aligning with Business South’s mission to support and uplift businesses. Known for their collaborative approach and commitment to fostering meaningful connections, April is dedicated to creating a thriving environment for businesses and communities alike.

Bex Twemlow

I have over two decades of experience elevating brands and strategising business growth and improvement across a broad range of industries. A proven and active advocate for business success, youth employment, women in business and community development. I co-founded Youth Employment Success, hold a stewardship with Youth Employability Aotearoa, am an external advisor to MBIE, Life Member of Business South, Vice President of Zonta Dunedin and co-founder of the Dunedin Store/Stories platform.

I excel in fostering relationships across all manners of society, my vision is to inspire systems change and my ambition is to again contribute profoundly as a Business South Director, focusing on sustainable growth and regional prosperity.

Cherilyn Walthew

Originally from the Wanaka region, Cherilyn found her career in HR on a Working Holiday to the UK. After 17 years in the UK and Ireland, Cherilyn set up EASI NZ in 2014 and has a passion for working with business and their staff to make them continuously better from a workplace perspective and the customer experience.

After 5 years representing the local community with local authorities, Cherilyn is keen to focus on business advocacy to make help make Otago an even better place to work and play.

Clinton Chambers

Clinton Chambers is the founder and owner of a series of enterprises within the Taste Nature brand which includes business and social enterprise. Clinton’s values are grounded in ethical practices, community, environment and the economy. Clinton combines a strategic mindset with a visionary approach to business, making forward thinking decisions and setting ambitious goals with robust action plans to achieve them.

Clinton represents diversity of culture and inclusivity. A big leader, an inspiration to others to think big and to execute precisely, Clinton is a master planner ensuring that his enterprises, whether for profit or not, stay ahead of the curve.

Daniel De Bono

Dunedin Airport CEO, Daniel De Bono, is one of Otago's most exceptional leaders. Daniel, a trained pilot, is a seasoned executive in the aviation and healthcare sectors, with 15 years in senior leadership roles. He is a personable, respected and energetic executive with deep strategic and commercial acumen.

Dan led Dunedin Airport's Infrastructure and Operations teams arm before becoming CEO in 2022. He led the airport team that successfully won back international flights for Dunedin Airport, and is passionate about connecting the city and region within New Zealand and beyond. As a born and bred local, Dan has an unwavering commitment to the region's economic and social future.

Dominique Dowding

As the current Chair of Business South and CEO of Grand Casino, I’ve been honoured to work with our board and management to develop a new regional strategy for our members. I have been a business owner, C-Suite Executive, and investor internationally, so understand the economic challenges and complexities we face in tough times and how to navigate them.

Our strategy shows progress, and I'm passionate about growing the region into a strong economy so our members can prosper. I ask for your vote to complete the many initiatives we are working on to improve the business environment for members.

Elena Calvert

After graduating from the University of Otago, I began as an HR and operations consultant at Deloitte Dunedin, supporting and leading projects across HR and economic strategy. I later transitioned to retail management before joining the University as Recruitment Manager.

Alongside, I supported the Chamber of Commerce and Business South, initially as a Training Facilitator, and later by assisting the board with a merger and CEO selection process. Currently, I am also an elected board member and the National Vice-President of HR Institute of NZ, the professional body for around 4,000 members, where I advocate for HR standards and community development.

Grant Batchelor

I am an Investment Adviser at Forsyth Barr helping my clients to achieve their investment goals. I hold the internationally recognised Certified Financial Planner designation (CFPcm) and a Registered Financial Service Provider. For over twenty years I have worked within the financial services industry, working with Government corporates, State Owned Enterprises, Listed and Private Companies.

I am comfortable working with various management structures and cultures and a wide range of people. I have held committee roles on Not for Profit organizations, including as Treasurer and I am familiar with governance requirements.

Jess Corbett

Kia ora, I am Jess Corbett, National Head of Operations and Delivery for Skills Group. Growing up in Dunedin with a stint in Cromwell, I am settled on the Taieri with my husband and teenage boys. I am a current board member for Taieri College and Hair and Barber NZ and enjoy being able to contribute to the initiatives and goals of these organizations.

I have been involved with Business South within my current role whilst developing the new hard trades campus in Kaikorai Valley. I would like the opportunity to contribute to the success of Business South and am committed to seeing successful growth within the region through supporting locals.

Joshua Bradley

I am driven to grow professionally and believe I’m a strong candidate to strengthen ties between Fisher and Paykel, Dunedin Young Professionals (DYP) and Business South. I have nearly two years Board experience with DYP, including 15 months as President. Under my leadership, we achieved 580% membership growth, increased event cadence, and on boarded 13 member discounts.

I would be a valuable Young Professional stakeholder, having demonstrated strong leadership, resourceful growth strategies, and expert relationship management. In November, I will complete the Institute of Directors – NFP Governance Essentials course, further qualifying me for a role at this level.

Neil Finn-House

Thanks for reading my bio as I stand for re-election for the Business South Board. I’m the Group CEO of Mitre 10 MEGA Dunedin, leading a team of over 200 for 11 years. Previously, I was CE of Arthur Barnett. I’ve been involved with Business South governance since its inception, starting as a director of the Otago Chamber of Commerce in 2019.

I led the merger with the Otago Southland Employers Association and was the inaugural Chair of Business South. Currently, I’m a director of Business South and Business NZ, where I serve as co-Vice President and Chair the Finance, Risk, and Audit Committee. I believe in continuity of governance and aim to add value regionally and nationally. I would appreciate your vote to continue supporting our growth and membership.