Thursday 3 July 2025
The Gisborne Chamber of Commerce and Gisborne District Council have formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that strengthens the collaborative relationship between the region’s key business advocate and local government.
President of the Chamber, Ashley Fisher, and Council Chief Executive Nedine Thatcher Swann signed the agreement at a joint meeting held on 3 July 2025, reflecting on 12 months of meaningful progress and charting a course for future partnership.
“This MoU is about our shared vision for a thriving, connected Tairāwhiti,” said Ms Thatcher Swann.
Over the past year, the Chamber and Council have jointly delivered business education hui, launched a Key Account Manager role, and enhanced knowledge, understanding and communication through regular briefings. These initiatives reflect a deeper commitment to early engagement, transparency, and economic support.
Ashley Fisher said the agreement represents a maturing relationship. “We’ve built strong momentum, and this MoU confirms our shared intent to keep delivering for our members and for the region.”
The partnership will continue to focus on practical initiatives across planning, consenting, economic resilience, and business engagement – all grounded in the economic transformation of our region.
Watch video here.
Photo: Council Chief Executive, Nedine Thatcher Swann, Chamber of Commerce President, Ashley Fisher and Vice President, Amanda Cook.
Photo: Back row – Council’s Key Account Manager, Tony Robinson and Director Internal Partnerships and Protection, James Baty, Chamber Board members, Callum Bircher and Calvin Gedye, Hamish Barwick Chamber Board support & events co-ordinator, and Board Member, Jeremy Muir, Council’s City Centre Revitalization Manager De-Arne Sutherland and Director of Liveable Communities, Michele Frey.
Front row – Council’s Director of Sustainable Futures, Jocelyne Allen and Director of Engagement and Māori Partnerships, Anita Reedy-Holthausen, Chief Executive, Nedine Thatcher Swann, Chamber of Commerce President, Ashley Fisher and Vice President, Amanda Cook.
Absent were Chamber Board Members - Matt Walkinshaw, Matt Hodges and Jenny Richardson