Chamber welcome pakihi māori lead
NorthChamber (The Northland Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc.) has appointed Barry Caldwell (Te Whānau Whero, Te Akitai, Ngāti Rehua, Ngātiwai) into the role of Māori Business Development lead. Formerly Communication Advisor with Ngātiwai Trust Board, Caldwell was received into his new role with a pōwhiri on Monday July 4th at The Orchard Business and Events Hub, home of NorthChamber in Whangārei. Attended by his whānau, Ngātiwai kaumātua, hapū and iwi members he was welcomed on board by NorthChamber Board President, Tim Robinson, CEO Steve Smith, board members and staff, as well as key NorthChamber partner Northland Inc and special guests who have been integral to shaping the role. Caldwell’s appointment recognises the Māori Business Economy is experiencing significant growth and the rapidly increasing need for services that offer a Te Ao Māori perspective to support pakihi māori.
With more than 20 years’ experience in business development, corporate business sales, client relationship and communications in Tai Tokerau, Caldwell’s previous roles with Telecom/Spark and the Ngātiwai Trust Board give him a depth of relationship and knowledge across regional businesses and iwi. “My focus is on gathering a full kete of resources to help support pakihi māori in their aspirations for business growth,” said Caldwell. “I want to add value and l look forward to collaborating with those already doing amazing work in this space. I get satisfaction from being that person who can support and help so I am very excited about this new challenge.” NorthChamber Board President Tim Robinson says, “Barry brings an immense passion for Tai Tokerau, coupled with strong commercial and business acumen, that will be an asset to NorthChamber, our wider business community and the region.”
CEO Steve Smith echoed Robinson’s sentiments, acknowledging Caldwell’s drive to support pakihi māori, and added, “Barry adds new skills and dimension to our small team, his input will be valuable and essential as we strive to support and collaborate with all our stakeholders, local businesses and agencies across the region.”