Chief Executive & Board

Helen Garner – Chief Executive

As Chief Executive of Business Whanganui – Chamber of Commerce, Helen is passionate about supporting businesses to thrive.

She has built her professional career in a diverse range of environments and has first hand experience of the differing cultures of small business, large corporates, local government and not-for-profit organisations. She has held roles within Economic Development, Chamber of Commerce, Māori business networks, Business Mentors NZ, and as a small business owner. Helen believes strong relationships support business growth and help to promote a sustainable business community.

Contact Helen: ceo@businesswhanganui.nz

Duncan Sinclair – Chair

Duncan Sinclair is a Registered Architect and Founding Partner of Black Pine Architects.

Black Pine Architects was established in 2012 and provides design related services for high performance buildings using the Passivhaus standard. Duncan also has a strong commitment to sustainability in all areas of environment, business and life.

A design and construction professional, with experience spanning 15 years and five countries, Duncan has worked on a number of significant construction projects in Germany, England, USA, Australia and New Zealand.

Contact Duncan: chair@businesswhanganui.nz

Sam Monaghan – Vice Chair

Sam is the proud owner of Monaghans Barbershop in Whanganui.  Sam’s goals of changing men’s grooming in New Zealand has begun with the shop in the Avenue.

Innovative thinking and long term strategy gave Sam the opportunity of recently creating and launching his own national brand of men’s grooming products, Formidable.

Sam is a key part of Business Whanganui’s new area of governance, and he is keen to be involved. He is passionate about business success in Whanganui and building strong relationships in the community.

Lucan Bartlett – Treasurer

Lucan, a Chartered Accountant with Business Whanganui Key Regional Partners, Moore Markham Accountants, joined the Board as Treasurer from 2024.

He brings to the Treasurer role a wealth of skills and experience gained from 12 years as a financial auditor, six as a Chartered Accountant and most recently, three years in Business Advisory with Moore Markham locally.

Whanganui born and raised; Lucan is passionate advocate for a successful prosperous Whanganui Business community.

Brendon Bartley – Board Member

Brendon is Managing Director of Bartley Group Holdings, an intergenerational family-owned company based in Whanganui and focused on business diversification and community.

Bartley Group own a range of companies in New Zealand and Canada, as well as a charitable foundation.

 

Glenda Brown – Board Member

Glenda Brown is a director of eHaus – a Company specialising in high performing homes.

She is also a Whanganui District Councillor, an accredited Mentor of Business Mentors NZ, a member of the NZ Institute of Directors, and a Trustee on a local community based Trust. 

Glenda is passionate about the success of Whanganui business and believes strong relationships between business entities are vital for the future of economic growth in our area.

Stuart Hylton – Board Member

Stuart is a private consultant specialising in Business and Strategic Planning, Change Management, Policy Development, Waste Minimisation, Facilitation and Commissioner work.

He has spent many years working across various activities in Local Government and is an appointed District Licensing (Alcohol) Commissioner for Whanganui. Napier and Rangitikei District Councils. He serves on a number of not-for-profit entities and is a past District Health Board member.

Stuart is passionate about the District he raised his four children in. He sees Whanganui strategically well positioned to work smarter and more collegially to build business prosperity and community growth.

Bryce Robb – Board Member

Bryce Robb is Managing Director of Beaver Tree Service and has over 30 years’ experience in the arboriculture industry.

He is passionate about business and thrives in this environment, supporting and mentoring other businesses at any opportunity. Moving from Christchurch to Whanganui in 2016, Bryce now calls Whanganui home and enjoys being involved with community and local business.

Bryce is committed to helping Business Whanganui grow membership, and to supporting and helping the organisation and members achieve success.