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.
Video of Nedine Thatcher-Swann and Ashely Fisher talk about what the MoU means to Council and the Chamber of Commerce.
Photo: Council Chief Executive, Nedine Thatcher Swann; Chamber of Commerce President, Ashley Fisher; Vice President, Amanda Cook.
Back row – Council’s Key Account Manager, Tony Robinson; Director Internal Partnerships and Protection, James Baty; Chamber Board members, Callum Bircher, Calvin Gedye, Hamish Barwick; Chamber Board support and events coordinator and Board Member, Jeremy Muir; Council’s City Centre Revitalisation Manager, De-Arne Sutherland; Director of Liveable Communities, Michele Frey.
Front row – Council’s Director of Sustainable Futures, Jocelyne Allen; Director of Engagement and Māori Partnerships, Anita Reedy-Holthausen; Chief Executive, Nedine Thatcher Swann; Chamber of Commerce President, Ashley Fisher; Vice President, Amanda Cook.
Absent: Chamber Board Members, Matt Walkinshaw, Matt Hodges, Jenny Richardson.