Let’s talk

Deborah is an innovation specialist and has a sound understanding of the funding and support services available to businesses looking to innovate and grow. Deborah also works closely with Callaghan Innovation to match businesses to the support they need.

With a strong business development background, Clare is a visionary thinker who is passionate about helping and supporting start-ups and entrepreneur businesses.

She sees herself as an enabler and a facilitator, continuously learning about new products and knowledge to help increase capability for businesses so they can advance their vision and build their capabilities.

Mariana has worked with businesses through the Regional Business Partner system for more than six years. In that time, she has supported hundreds of people to achieve growth in their businesses and developed a deep understanding of how to lead conversations that get to the root of a capability problem.

Fluent in both Portuguese and English, Mariana has a passion for the region, and has called Wellington home since 2006.

A self-described ‘generalist’ with a passion to bring a Te Ao Māori lens to supporting businesses in the region, Michelle’s focus is on pakihi Māori (Māori business).

Born in Oamaru with whakapapa connections to Ngaī Tūhoe, Michelle has been involved in start-up technology businesses and public sector work focused on governance and all-of-system reviews. Michelle places emphasis on bringing her authentic self and lived experience to understand how best to support pakihi by connecting them to the wider ecosystem.