Megan Port and Shane Walsh
Megan Port has replaced new district councillor Shane Walsh as Te Awamutu Business Chamber chief executive.
Port has served as the chamber’s treasurer for two years. Beyond Bold Bookkeeping business owner Kate Donghi will take over the treasury role.
“Even if I hadn’t been elected, I think the timing was right to get some fresh energy into the chamber and push it along,” Walsh said.
He hoped businesses in Te Awamutu realised what a great asset the chamber was.
“Everyone should be a member of it. That’s the game now. Growing membership is the focus.”
Megan Port has been the business chamber’s treasurer for the last two years. Photo: Jesse Wood
During his three years involved, Te Awamutu-born Walsh said he learned Te Awamutu was missing “a strong, united business community”.
“You need that to challenge councils and to make sure they are mindful of the needs of that community,” Walsh said.
“There’s also a huge amount of one person businesses out there, people that work from home, that have a need to mix and network with other businesses. It’s been a great experience.
Walsh’s message to Port is to continue the good work that’s been started, including supporting Destination Te Awamutu and the iSite.
Since Walsh joined the chamber, he’s had a photo on his desk of the first Te Awamutu Business Chamber from 1911.
“It’s been a real inspiration to me because it brings home the fact that there’s a huge amount of history,” Walsh said.
“We’re doing the same now as what they used to do, make businesses in Te Awamutu and our surrounding areas thrive. It’s my pleasure to pass this photo over to Megan so she can be reminded of the history, which is important.”
Port, born in Australia, moved to Waipā 20 years ago after marrying “a Te Awamutu boy”.
The small business owner sees the value in being involved in the chamber.
“I believe in what they do and I want to continue the work that we’ve been doing,” Port said.
“I was a chartered accountant in my first career. I started at KPMG in Australia and worked in big corporates. I worked for Fonterra for nearly a decade. Then I had my first baby and had a complete career change, starting a photography business.
“Newborn and family photography has been my thing. I’ve lived in a totally different world in the last few years, working with families and small businesses.
Shane Walsh hands over the photo of the 1911 business chamber to inspire incoming chief executive Megan Port. Photo: Jesse Wood
