The Waiuku Business and Development Association board members

My Business is Sunset Surf & Turf, 27 Queen Street Waiuku.

I have been running this independent business for 15 years experiencing the highs and lows of running a retail business in a small town.

We have had to be adaptable with brands coming and going trying to be unique in our products to other big retail stores and learning new technology and the way people shop.

I am delighted to stand as Chair this year having been a part of the WBDA committee for about 8 years.

I hope to continue the great work of previous Chairs and look forward bring the WBDA up to date with the new look website giving our businesses a more modern platform to advertise on. I really enjoy collaborating with other businesses in town and being a part of an awesome and motivated committee.

Born and bred in Rotorua,  I met my wife Sascha at the young age of 18 at the New world where I started my career.

With a dream of becoming an Owner/Operator with foodstuffs, I set about turning that possibility into a vision with focus and ongoing determination.

I have always worked in supermarkets and have been in ownership for 10 years taking our family from Auckland to Hamilton to Taumarunui and now we are in this awesome community in Waiuku. I have an unbounded passion for our people and our awesome store every day.

I feel privileged to give back to our community through the Waiuku Business and Development Association committee, working alongside a great team, to take our community of Waiuku into the future.

Cocky’s Corner has been operating in Waiuku for 26 years. My husband Rod and I bought the business 16 years ago and that is when we moved to town.   

Waiuku has great potential and I look forward to being back on the board and helping in any way that I can

Appointed as Branch Manager for Barfoot & Thompson Waiuku. A new arrival to Waiuku and very excited about making a contribution to the community. Andrew says he is really enjoying the short commute to the office each day. As a keen hunter and fisherman he's looking forward to discovering some new territory - once it stops raining! Barfoot & Thompson Waiuku is a very active branch offering residential, rural/lifestyle and commercial sales with full service property management.

My wife Sharon and I have owned Waiuku ITM for 3 years.  We work in the business and both enjoy trading in this vibrant go-ahead town/region.

We have been members of the Waiuku Business & Development Association since 2017.  The people we have met and information we have gained from being members has been invaluable.  

The opportunity to come onto the Committee and work closer with fellow business owners in Waiuku is something we look forward to. With the recent revamp of the Website and some great ideas in the pipeline it is an exciting time to be part of the Waiuku Business & Development Association.

I took over Queen at the end of 2022 after having worked for the old owners for the better part of 3 years. Becoming a bigger part of Waiuku's community and seeing potential has made me want to throw my hat into the ring and try to bring a fresh, unique outlook and approach to the committee, while standing by the values Waiuku holds. I look forward to learning more about the community and growing with it. 

I enjoy learning about the people of Waiuku while making coffees, running and dancing around, and visiting other businesses in the local area. You'll often see me fluttering around town with bright hair, funky earrings, and a smile on my face. 

With Queen I try to stand by the message that being too serious is boring, and that laughter is the best medicine. I am best described as someone who is not afraid to speak up and stand out, and I pride myself on it. 

 I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the committee and I look forward to helping nurture the future of Waiuku. 

My name is Raewyn Hambling. I have enjoyed living in Waiuku for 30+ years and worked in the optics industry for over a decade.

I am a proud mother, having brought up 2 fantastic children with my husband while looking after the eyes of Waiuku and surrounds.  

I am very family orientated, and I am enthusiastic about community development.

I look forward to contributing of Waiuku’s growth.

My name is Gary Holmes

I am the Franklin Local Board representative on the WBDA.

Waiuku is home for my wife and I and our family. Having served as an elected local board member, I appreciate more than ever the importance of experience, practical and enthusiastic representation of our area at local board level. I am not afraid to actively speak-out and stand up for community issues and I am enthusiastic about Waiuku and the Awhitu Peninsula, and the job of preserving its special qualities.

Proudly born and bred in Waiuku, happily married to Jos with 2 children Brooke and Jake, all residing and employed in Waiuku.

Many will know me through my Waiuku Town Manager role which I held for just over 11 years but have since left to focus more on my Local Board role.

Waiuku, now more than ever needs local knowledge, experience, and a strong voice to advocate on our community’s behalf. We need to ensure that we have fit for purpose infrastructure ie. upgraded water and wastewater services, safe roads and improved council services and assets to cater for the projected growth, while trying to retain the special village feel for which Waiuku is renowned.

Now in my third term on Franklin Local Board, I know what the issues are and I will continue to do my best to follow through and advocate on your behalf.