The Porirua Chamber of Commerce voted unanimously to wind up at a Special General Meeting of membership on Thursday 23 August.

Outgoing chairperson, Euon Murrell has made the following statement:

"Small chambers such as Porirua have found themselves increasingly unsustainable and focused on running back office administration rather than actively advocating for their membership. As such we are very pleased that a strong and I believe superior chamber presence will continue in Porirua, with the Wellington Chamber of Commerce taking over operations. "

Mr Murrell said that not only will the Chamber Hub continue to operate offices for businesses, but there will also be stronger business support services and functions run by the Wellington Chamber of Commerce.

A new group has been elected from Chamber members to drive local advocacy issues. They are; former Porirua Mayor Nick Leggett as chair, Michelle Robinson, Executive Director of Partners Porirua, Michael Gray, owner of Nada Bakery, Steve Lovell, Director of Rainbow Digital, Tristan Will, a Director of BDO and Hamish Mexted, Director of Convex Accounting.

"This is a well-connected team who are very focused on addressing issues that will assist the success of all business in Porirua City," said Nick Leggett.

The working group will meet quarterly with Chamber members and will be drawing up an engagement strategy at their first meeting.

Nick Leggett thanked the outgoing board of the Chamber, including Euon Murrell who has given twenty years of service to the organisation.

"This is a future-focused decision for the Porirua Chamber, local businesses can have confidence as it focuses us on the business of representing member interests and needs, rather than worrying about where the next dollar is coming from."

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