Matthew Siddall
Area Group Manager
Bio
For as long as I can remember, I have always been a computer nerd. From a very early age, I have loved computers, building them, tinkering with them, and programming them. My teachers always roped me in to help them operate the school computers, and I enjoyed every minute of it.
So, it was obvious early on that I would go into a career in IT, and for over fifteen years, I have helped businesses get the most out of their technology. I bring this passion to the clients I work with to reduce disruptions, big and small, that can impact their productivity and security, and I find there's nothing more satisfying than creating solutions for clients that they love. I believe that IT should enhance a business and not be something that employees just have to live with.
Throughout my career, I have worked with many different businesses in a variety of industries, including recruitment agencies, healthcare, financial advisers, and advertising. Each brings its own unique challenges and a chance to learn, and I've been able to take what I have learnt from one industry and use it to solve a problem in another. I'm also always on the lookout for new technologies that my clients can use to improve the productivity or security of their business.
I specialise in providing IT services that provide businesses, from those working alone to multi-branch teams, with the productivity and security to help their business grow and succeed.
Kristin Syms
Area Group Manager
Kristin has over 15 years in the insurance industry which includes working for an insurance company, admin for insurance advisers and being an insurance adviser herself. She grew up in Dargaville and over the years has expanded her connections across Northland.
As a dedicated Life and Health Insurance Adviser, Kristin is passionately committed to helping individuals and families secure their financial futures and protect their wellbeing, ensuring they make informed decisions that align with their unique needs and goals. She regularly engages in continuous education to stay up to date on an ever-evolving industry.
Contact Kristin to enquire about the following types of insurance:
Life
. Health
. Trauma / Critical Illness
. Income / Mortgage Protection
. Total & Permanent Disability
. Group Schemes
. Key Person / Shareholder Protection
Randy Offenbaker
Area Group Manager
Randy owns the licence of Maintain To Profit Tauranga. Randy started his working career in the bakery industry working his way through to management roles. Working in the bakery industry for 16 years, he realized he was ready for a new challenge, this was presented to him in 2001 with work in the building industry as a Hammer hand. Following his time on the tools, he then found himself working in supervisory roles through to management and project management roles.
Randy is very passionate when it comes to renovating he believes in great communication with both client and contractors, resulting in an outstanding services and quality workmanship.
A Volunteer Fire Fighter since 2001, he enjoys the challenges of the job and find helping his community very rewarding. He has two adult girls and a wonderful supportive partner Tracey and her two children. He enjoys working around the garden, being creative, playing golf and enjoys time spent with his family and friends.
Malcolm Jensen
Area Group Manager
I am an experienced S.M.E business owner, having owned, operated, managed and divided a number of businesses in the financial services, building services, construction, trades maintenance and meat exporting.
Specialties:
. Human resources
. Marketing and sales
. Financial management and reporting system
. Change management
I offer:
. Governance
. Business re-organisation
. Business planning-strategic
. Manufacturing & sales planning
. Goal setting
. Recruitment, reflection and development
. Programme management
. Staff engagement
. Leadership development
Success strategies to work by:
My aim is to help business owners be the best they can be.
'If you continue to do what you have always done, you will get what you've always got.' Changing my clients poor or non purposeful habits is what I find most rewarding.
The creation of a network of high quality specialist support advisers, along with the continued commitment to and actioning of learning opportunities.
Jenny Aitken
Area Group Manager
BIO: I am a mortgage broker/adviser based in Auckland. Providing advice and helping you through the process of getting a mortgage, giving insight on your mortgage structure, and accessing the best rates is what I do, whether you are buying a home for the first time, looking at refinancing, or want to purchase a second (or third, or fourth…) property.
I have access to all types of lending. As well as first home buyers and investors, I help owners get money for renovations, debt consolidation, land purchase so you can build your own home, and also 'asset loans' - for when you have the security, but not the income.
Although the majority of my client base is on the North Shore of Auckland, I have mortgage clients nation wide.
I started my working life at Westpac, travelled overseas, and studied for a BA in media. In 2008 I established my own business HUE, and in 2011 it was named in the Deloitte's Fast 50 (as it was then). I was also named Entrepreneur of the Year in the Kitomba Business Awards. Once I sold up, I moved back to finance in 2013, and established JAM in 2016.
I get what it’s like to want to buy your own place - but not know how to start the process (when I bought my first home, I had no idea!). I also know how to break down the process of buying an investment and making sure you have the correct structure in your borrowing to maximise your opportunities: be that tax, interest or convenience.
Anil Dumasia
Area Group Manager
I am a designer with extensive NZ and international experience in visual and strategic management and design of corporate brands gained at some of the most respected design studios in the UK, The Netherlands, Singapore and NZ.
Although I now live and work in Napier, my background growing up was based in England, UK and my working life was centred mainly in London including establishing a successful Central London design studio before emigrating to New Zealand in 2001.
In Auckland I worked for a leading design studio for approximately 2 years before establishing my own design practice again.
I am totally committed to providing individual business owners and corporates with strategic thinking and creative solutions for their visual communication needs. My aim is to provide solutions that work and at a price that provides great value and transparency in working together.
Since moving to New Zealand I have come to appreciate the kiwi lifestyle and the beauty of this country. This is where I re-engaged my love of photography when digital imaging came of age.{{ }}
Photography is now an integral part of my personal and professional life. I provide commercial photography for my clients whether it be products, people or shooting environments for use in print or online.
I am an Accredit Professional Photographer from the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography (NZIPP) and, as part of the annual photography awards submissions have achieved Master of Photography Honours (M.NZIPP II).
Dean Larritt
Area Group Manager
Dean is co-owner of Maintain To Profit with Mark. Professionally he is a qualified cabinetmaker with 17 years’ experience in the building industry, working extensively in both the residential and commercial sectors for that time. Before joining Maintain To Profit Dean spent 6 years in commercial and residential flooring. Need advice on kitchens, bathrooms, super yacht fitouts or flooring of any type, then Dean is your man.
Dean has an astute understanding for both his clients’ needs and also the needs of their vastly experienced contractors. Top of his priority list is to ensure all clients are completely satisfied and at ease with the service that Maintain To Profit offers, to keep them coming back time and time again and referring the company’s services to friends and family.
“Married to my lovely wife Aimee, we have two children, Anna and Cooper. We enjoy weekends away, with time spent out fishing and diving. Any starters for a fishing trip make sure you get in touch! I also enjoy mountain bike riding and like to keep active.”
Elpi Lakalakis
Area Group Manager
Elpi Lakakis loves interacting with people. It is her natural ability to communicate with people from all walks of life, along with her 30 years experience working within the hospitality industry that drives Elpi to create unique and positive realty experiences for her clients. For Elpi, people come first and her ability to listen and put them at ease means she can quickly evaluate her client’s needs. Thinking beyond the sale is also part of the process; Elpi believes that helping clients find solutions that are right for them is important for their future happiness and overall satisfaction. She loves positive outcomes and works hard to achieve them. Elpi’s warm and friendly personality is backed by a strong work ethic, ingrained as a teenager when she worked in her brother’s restaurant and then went on, with her husband Dimitri, to run two successful Christchurch businesses - Costas Souvlaki Bar (the first in New Zealand) and Costas Taverna.
Alan Tane Solomon
Area Group Manager
Experienced Facilitator with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry. Skilled in Event Management, Team Building, Journalism, Television, and Training. Strong media and communication professional graduated from Waiariki Institute of Technology. ATS Coach (ATS) is a professional and licensed Life Coaching and Professional Speaking business specialised in helping clients achieve their personal and business goals, improving their competence, capacity and productivity.
Jared (Jed) Roberts
Area Group Manager
I am Jed –
And here’s why I want to help you achieve your health and fitness goals – I myself was scared to walk into a gym to get fit and look better because I was worried what others might think however this challenge is nothing compared to looking in the mirror and seeing something you don’t want to. Gratefully I now know how important health and fitness is and how amazing it will make you feel. Have you ever seen people running down the road in what looked to be excruciating pain?? It really doesn’t have to be like that! Let’s take a look at some examples… Have you ever been told you must go to the gym to lose weight – well what if you hate the gym? Or you should run for 30 minutes or don’t bother – what if you hate running or don’t have 30 minutes up your sleeve? You might have been recommended a DIEt because it worked for that person – you may think the food in that DIEt is yuck, so why would you? Maybe a pill to help you lose weight (burn fat) – did you take one to gain weight… NOO. You already know the answers to these questions, they’re all just common sense so keep it simple and ignore the confusing jargon out there.
You can find your shortcut to good health in Shirley at 39 Sabina Street, Christchurch, which is very close to The Palms Shopping Mall. Ideal if you need to grab some bits after a session or perhaps just enjoy your favourite coffee.
Nicolas Thomas
Area Group Manager
Nick has a broad background in a wide range of technical disciplines, with experience in event management, mechanical engineering, biological science, data recovery, and digital forensic investigations.
This experience affords him unique 'out of the box' insights which ensures he is able to assist with all tech-related problems.
Tim Knudsen
Area Group Manager
I am a dynamic and results-driven professional with in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in investment banking services, financial markets, management, research, project, and customer service. My innate desire to achieve enables me to exceed targets and business objectives even within a demanding working environment without compromising the quality of my work. My excellent interpersonal and communication skills equip me to provide exceptional service to my clients and develop positive internal and external relationships.
Katrina Harding
Area Group Manager
I’m a Travel Broker – check out www.katrinaharding.travel – still operating throughout Covid, although I’m not quite as busy. I love travel and I love to travel and to assist my clients book their dream holidays, wherever they may be. As travel returns networking will renew its importance as people will look for the hand-holding and support that a professional can give, passing on border rules and updated country entry requirements. TNG is a great way to connect people and ensure contacts are looked after.
As a visitor you can attend two TNG meetings for free. No fees, no contract, no commitment. If you like what you see, you can simply sign up.
ROD KELK
Area Group Manager
Empower Business offers business advisory and systems accounting services to all types of businesses across Northland.
Our proprietary STAR Cycle (Strategy . Tools. Activity . Results) helps business owners to increase the profitability and value of their business in a structured manner.
Call us for a no-obligation chat about your situation.
ROD KELK
Area Group Manager
Empower Business offers business advisory and systems accounting services to all types of businesses across Northland.
Our proprietary STAR Cycle (Strategy . Tools. Activity . Results) helps business owners to increase the profitability and value of their business in a structured manner.
Call us for a no-obligation chat about your situation.
Tibor Mackor
Area Group Manager
Business owners generally have no money or time, you gain both, in working with me, so that you have a business that creates more money and gives you the opportunity to have the time you always wanted from your own business.
With an extensive background in chartered accounting, I have over 20 years involvement in advising business leaders on strategies to achieve growth. Heading up diverse businesses, including co-operatives and private companies in New Zealand, South Africa and Europe, I am a specialist in managing change and stimulating business improvement and development.
Theo Simeonidis
Area Group Manager
UProtectNZ Insurance Services
Following an extensive career as a Company Secretary and CEO and 30 years of community volunteering, Theo continues to provide important services to the community. Theo is very well known as a networking 'legend' in TNG giving tirelessly to his groups and members.
Theo specialises in risk protection for individuals, families and businesses. All insurance companies have their specific 'sweet spots' – Theo’s detailed product knowledge enables him to find the best 'sweet spot' for his clients, in terms of the type, quality and amount of cover, as well as making sure the cost is competitive, manageable and sustainable. He provides a comprehensive and professional service, including advocacy, in pursuing claims on behalf of his clients.
Founding Member TNG Ellerslie 2014, Area Group Manager TNG Orewa, Silverdale and Hibiscus Coast, Group Manager TNG Warkworth, Chairperson Silverdale Business, Rotary Club member of Orewa-Millwater, Organiser "Greek Extravaganza" Annual Charity Function.
Ramola Duncan
Area Group Manager
Director
Ramola Duncan Ltd.
Elevate Your Brand, Illuminate Your Events
Phone: +64 28 8519 3834 Website: www.ramoladuncan.co.nz Email: hello@ramoladuncan.co.nz
BIO: Ramola Duncan is a highly skilled professional with a wealth of experience and expertise. She possesses a unique talent for generating innovative ideas and has a proven track record of successfully spearheading diverse projects and campaigns. Ramola offers a comprehensive array of services tailored to a wide range of needs. Her services encompass marketing and social media strategy, branding and identity development, leadership development, and academic consulting. She is also recognized for her impactful workshops and training sessions, with a focus on governance, management, and employability skills, benefiting businesses, non-profit organizations, young professionals, and students alike. Ramola's versatility extends to event management and the cultivation of fresh ideas. Her dedication to relationship building underlines all her services, ensuring effective collaboration and successful project execution. Through her diverse service offerings, Ramola is committed to creating lasting and positive impacts.
Tibor Mackor
Area Group Manager
Business owners generally have no money or time, you gain both, in working with me, so that you have a business that creates more money and gives you the opportunity to have the time you always wanted from your own business.
With an extensive background in chartered accounting, I have over 20 years involvement in advising business leaders on strategies to achieve growth. Heading up diverse businesses, including co-operatives and private companies in New Zealand, South Africa and Europe, I am a specialist in managing change and stimulating business improvement and development.
Howard George
Area Group Manager
Howard is a Chartered Accountant with over 40 years’ experience in senior accounting and management positions in New Zealand businesses. Howard has been a business sales specialist with Company Sales and Acquisitions Limited for over 3 years. His background and experience enable him to help owners prepare the business for sale so as to generate strong genuine interest and the best returns. If you are considering selling your business please give him a call.
Steve Smith
Area Group Manager
Steve is a multi-faceted sales and marketing professional with experience across a broad spectrum of industries including automotive, retail, publishing, electrical engineering, leisure and financial services. With a particular focus on customer service Steve’s mission is to work on your brand to make your brand work for you. He does this by supplying customised apparel and promotional products, helping your brand ‘get noticed’.
Sarah Kavanagh
Area Group Manager
The Live Well Tribe
Sarah successfully launched the Cambridge group of TNG in 2018 and has now moved to Wellington where she has opened the first TNG group in Wellington. "I am thrilled to be involved in the launch of TNG Wellington. TNG has helped me make valuable connections and grow my business through referrals. I look forward to meeting Wellington business people and creating a vibrant networking group in our capital city
Paul Foster
Area Group Manager
Senior Sales Partner at Iron Bridge Real Estate since 2009 and previously Property Investment Sales Manager 2006 - 2009.
Recognised for reaching a standard of excellence, I received Gold Badge Status in 2012 in the Pittard Training Group putting me in the top 5% of the industry. Later that same year Paul became the first Kiwi to win an award at the Australasian Real Estate Awards being awarded 'Most Improved Salesperson'.
Nigel Ekins
Area Group Manager
Nigel Ekins is the owner of Phoenix Consultancy Services Auckland. He specialises in web development and makeovers, lead generation, web analysis and copywriting. Nigel has worked in a variety of industries and his focus has been on the back end, looking at processes regarding how businesses communicate with clients, staff etc.
Clare Baker
Area Group Manager
I am a passionate, self-motivated, people person who loves a challenge and thrives on excellent customer service. The thrill of reaching and over achieving targets compliments my competitive nature.
I am fortunate to be part of eGENTIC Asia Pacific who are industry-leaders in digital lead generation services. I enjoy working as part of a team and firmly believe that as individuals we can shine together to provide the best outcome for our company and our customers alike.
My work history demonstrates that my technical knowledge has enabled me to leverage sales opportunities and gain ‘Win-Win-Win’ situations. My sales methodology is very much consultative based.
Every contact and conversation presents an opportunity. I always want to make sure I am ready for the opportunities that come my way.
Karl Jackson
Area Group Manager
Karl is a property management specialist with extensive experience in managing a large commercial property. He has specialised in property maintenance and has overseen large renovation and maintenance projects. Developing strong relationships is the foundation of Karl’s work ethic. This has enabled him to build a successful network within the Remuera and Eastern Bays area. Karl achieved a Diploma in Health and Safety which has given him an in-depth understanding of how to navigate the intricacies of current legislation.
Rawinia Matthews
Area Group Manager
Are you considering selling a property in Central Auckland or West Auckland?
To see if I can add value to you, I'd like to ask you a few questions:
• Why are you selling? Is there some way in which we can help you to keep this property?
• By what date do you want to sell? Is there anything pressing you to that date?
• Who are your advisors (finance/legal/insurance/etc.)?
• Do you need help in getting your property ready to go to market?
Here’s how I help people in your situation: I am a licensed real estate agent with over 3 decades in real estate sales, so I have usually experienced most situations that a seller could face.
The people who find I’m ideally suited to help tend to be committed sellers who are market ready.
My sellers hire me because of the benefits of my service, which include:
• I am proudly aligned with Arizto Limited, a NZ company and licensed real estate agent
• We are a digital full-service agency with a fixed fee of $10,000 +GST for successfully selling a property; all our documentation is online, and we are really easy to deal with
• Being a fully-digital agency means that I can spend more time working for my sellers
• After the initial appraisal, every step in the sales process is automated on mobile/PC and fully transparent. The only exception to this is if the property is going to auction, in which case there must be an on-site auctioneer and paperwork on the sale day
• The deposit paid by a seller always goes to a third-party trust account, never to the agency
• We make the connect to the lawyer and send them the documentation for review pre-sale
• A feature of our system is the ability to instantly convert a viewing into an open home
• I have a pool of trusted advisors and contractors who can be sure to smooth the sales experience for my sellers and we will ensure that the property is fully presentable to the market
• For buyers, I teach them how to be market-ready
Just briefly, here’s how I came to be in this business: with a young family I couldn't go back to nursing, so going into real estate was a way to get a business up and running whilst raising my children. I had recently purchased a property and I thought that I could do as good a job. Now, some 3 decades later, I know that I made the right choice, and so do the hundreds of sellers who have entrusted me with the sale of their homes (many of them having done so more than once).
If you’re interested in learning more, do get in touch for a friendly chat about how I can help.
Geoffrey Hughes
Area Group Manager
Geoffrey has had a varied and rich working life, he has worked in a number of senior management positions and as a self-employed contractor. He co-founded a start-up taking it to a national company within 10 years, receiving a letter of congratulations from the Prime Minister on their 10th anniversary. Geoffrey is now Business Manager & co-owner of a full suite accounting practice based on Auckland’s North Shore.
I work with clients either on a 1:1 basis or via my unique, semi-group coaching course, called the Construction Business MasterClass.
Andy Burrows
Area Group Manager
I specialise in coaching the owners of construction-based companies to improve their business performance. They include builders, electricians, plumbers, HVAC and other specialist contactors.
The typical business owner I work with loves what he does, is happiest solving technical challenges for his clients, but feels held back by all the other stuff that is essential in running a successful business. That may be building a marketing and sales system, clients from hell who are over demanding and then slow to pay; staff who can’t come up to the owner’s standard of work and result in too many call-backs, or the demands of all the quoting and administration that keep you up all hours of the night. Many tradies have had extensive technical training in their chosen field, but seldom any training in running a growing business. I help fill that knowledge gap.
I work with clients either on a 1:1 basis or via my unique, semi-group coaching course, called the Construction Business MasterClass.
Rich Ellis
Area Group Manager
Rich Ellis is a health coach, a speaker and a mentor. Rich helps kiwi businesses get healthier through workshops and programmes that address organisational culture and individual health and wellness challenges.
Rich takes a holistic approach, leaving no stone unturned in pursuit of optimal health and a stronger bottom line.
Sharon Kawe
Area Group Manager
The principal of SJK Accountants Ltd, Sharon brings a wealth of business knowledge and understanding of challenges facing small to medium sized business owners. She believes owners need a consistent point of contact they can ring to chat about their latest business challenge. SJK help take the stress out of dealing with forecasting, accounting packages, tax compliance and change. SJK work with small to medium sized businesses, trusts and rental owners.
Judith Scott
Area Group Manager
Melaleuca The Wellness Co
Judith has been passionate in business networking and connecting people and earned many major awards for her work in enhancing lives. She loves helping others gain financial freedom & improved wellness. Her story took her from pain to gain.
Yvonne Procter
Area Group Manager
With over 25 years’ experience, the award-winning advisers at Insurance Works create personalised insurance strategies providing advice and protection for all aspects of your business and family life, utilising medical, income protection, trauma and life insurance products.
Trevor Huett
Area Group Manager
Empower Business offers business advisory and systems accounting services to all types of businesses across Northland.
Our proprietary STAR Cycle (Strategy . Tools. Activity . Results) helps business owners to increase the profitability and value of their business in a structured manner.
Call us for a no-obligation chat about your situation.
John Milner
Area Group Manager
My name is John Milner, I am an award winning Certified Financial Planner and managing director of boutique investment advisory firm Collaboratrive Consulting Ltd.
With three decades of industry experience, advising busy successful individuals, businesses, family trusts and charitable trusts I have seen and done it all. Rather than work with institutions, we prefer to work with academics, to provide what we call Evidence Based Advice and placing our clients interests before our own.
For those that are wanting to make work optional, we provide less risk, more control and greater certainty with their financial future.
Catherine Cooke
Area Group Manager
A business owner turned business advisor and Founder of The Engine.
I’ve always been fascinated by business and the opportunities to scale to greater heights personally and professionally.
I built my first company from the ground up, to multiple companies with a staff number of 90. And I almost lost everything when another business venture was derailed by circumstances out of my control.
It’s safe to say I know growing pains and adversity well and have seen what happens when a business goes well …and not so well.
I’ve been a business advisor for the last seven years, with an extensive track record in helping hundreds of businesses grow. I was the Business Advisor for the Business Chamber of Commerce covering business problems nationwide in 2015.
But what I’ve observed in this role is the lack of holistic business advice in the marketplace.
Sure there are plenty of coaches, consultants and companies out there doing great work to help businesses but it’s often directed to one specific area of business, and doesn’t look at a business as a whole or include the voice of the team and clients. This can lead to all sorts of issues and can really stall growth.
I’ve also watched business owners try to do it all, wearing too many hats, not focusing on what they’re good at then delegating the rest.
My motto is “delegate to elevate” and that’s what I’m passionate about helping business owners do, so they can experience true growth.
But I know they can’t do it alone.
That’s why I founded The Engine.
It’s a collaborative community of business professionals from experienced advisors, to a network of specialist business owners personally selected by me.
Because lets’ face it – running a business is a lonely business.
Having a team of skilled people cheering you on and offering sound business advice and trusted services is invaluable and a key to business success.
If you’re looking for access to unrivalled monthly business support that won’t break the bank – you’re in the right place.
Garth Partridge
National Groups Manager
My learnings from business ownership, my work as a business coach and my belief in the advantages of business networking, provide me with the skill to perform my role. My passion is to help business owners achieve even better results.
Chanelle Reid
Area Group Manager
Chanelle Reid is founder of Ice Marketing which is a full service, bespoke marketing agency located in Pukekohe. Combining forces with her husband, Matt and his web design company, Razor Web Design, Chanelle and Matt operate their team of 13 people across the services of web design and marketing through these two brands.
Ice Marketing specialises in social media marketing but also covers strategy, digital marketing, online/offline integration and more.
When she isn’t in the business, Chanelle is a competitive Dressage rider and also loves property investment and travel.
Business Networking has been a huge part of Chanelle’s growth in business which is what has drawn her into being involved in TNG as South Auckland Area Manager.
Melanie Budden
Sales Manager
Melanie has owned her own businesses for over 25 years and understands what business is like from all perspectives. With this empathy she is available to work with our members and our visitors to maximise their networking opportunity, discuss ideas, feedback and strives towards the philosophies of both constant improvement and consistency.
Mark Trafford
Director
Mark had already successfully built a multi-million dollar business through networking and his passion for business networking led him to start TNG in 2012. Mark truly believes that small business in New Zealand doesn’t need a big marketing and advertising budget. What they need are other great business owners and professionals around them to support their many challenges in their business. Mark believes TNG provides that very platform for its members.