Meet the Team
Nigel has over 35 years’ experience in the financial services sector and brings a varied set of business skills, knowledge, and networks to the role of Chief Executive of Venture Timaru.
Having first-hand experience as a business owner through to various governance roles and involvement with a number of community organisations enables Nigel to fully understand the challenges and opportunities facing new and existing local businesses.
He currently serves as a board member of Sport Canterbury and as a trustee of the Aoraki MRI Trust and Canterbury Sports Foundation..
A born and bred parochial South Cantabrian he is passionate about the region and doing what he can to make this an even better place to visit, live and do business.
With a background in communications and marketing, Di has worked in print and radio journalism, public relations, marketing and broadcasting. She has also been involved in establishing and running two retail businesses, and a wholesale business specialising in importing goods.
Di holds a Graduate Diploma in Business Studies from Massey University and a Diploma of Journalism.
She is a board member for the South Island Masters Games and represents Venture Timaru on the Timaru CBD Group Incorporated Society’s Executive Group and is secretary for the society. Di was part of the team responsible for developing and implementing the Business Improvement District (BID) for the CBD.
She has recently completed a term on Regional Tourism New Zealand’s national board.
Grace has a background in design, graduating from Massey University Wellington in 2023.
Studying a Bachelor of Design with Honours majoring in spatial design, it gave her skills in spatial design, visual communication and graphic design. This is the first big step into her design career.
Grace is passionate about supporting the local community and looks forward to showcasing all the wonderful opportunities this region has to offer.
Tania has more than 20 years’ experience in leading business transformation through customer centric strategic planning and execution. She brings a wide skillset to the team across sales and marketing, communications and engagement and operations.
Her knowledge of local and national retail saw Tania successfully lead a campaign for the implementation of a Business Improvement District that aims to support and enhance the economic success of Timaru’s CBD.
Tania Is looking forward to promoting and facilitating business opportunities for our district and supporting an aspirational future for everyone who calls Timaru home.
Sharnae is passionate about tourism and showcasing the Timaru District. She brings a wealth of experience and local insight to every project, with a background in hospitality business management and experience working in New Zealand’s tourism capital, Queenstown. She has also worked in the agriculture, media and automotive industries.
Sharnae combines her diverse knowledge with a real commitment to promoting the region and creating memorable experiences for both visitors and locals.
Josh has over 10 years’ experience in the accounting industry, having completed his Bachelor of Accountancy degree with Massey University whilst working fulltime at an accounting firm in South Canterbury. He brings extensive accounting and financial knowledge to the team.
He enjoys the opportunity to give back to the community that has given him so much by contributing as a board member for The Y Central South Island, Volunteering Mid and South Canterbury and The South Canterbury District Cricket Association.
Having grown up in Temuka and completing his secondary schooling at Timaru Boys’ High School, Josh has always proudly called South Canterbury home and is excited to be part of an organisation whose focus is on improving and enabling the district to thrive.