WHO WE ARE
ABOUT
US
With some 1,200 companies in the Concourse, Lincoln Road, Henderson, and Central Park business community, we are a one-stop shop for everyone. From cafes, retail, automotive services through to professional services and markets, West Auckland has them all.
We provide communication tools for members to be kept informed; an online directory to promote business-to-business interaction, a magazine ‘We Street’ – as well as business development events and workshops.
MISSION
AND
VISION
The Mission of our Association is to stimulate economic prosperity in West Auckland, to encourage the business community and commercial property owners in supporting each other, our Youth, and our people to grow and to achieve.
Business West’s vision and objectives are – a prosperous local economy, supported by strong alliances and engagement between thriving local businesses that add value. To promote a ‘one voice’ belief, an access point to an established business precinct, and to advance a meaningful pathway for cooperation and collaboration within OUR WEST.
For those business within Business West’s Business Improvement District (BID), membership is included as part of your annual targeted rates. To register your business with us, please complete our membership registration form so you can start enjoying the benefits of being a part of Business West immediately.
OUR
HISTORY
The original Central Park Business Association was established in 2008 in recognition of the business community that had formed naturally by virtue of shared proximity, to create a collective voice for dealing with issues that affect our businesses – traffic, parking, security, crime, etc.
In December 2015, the CPBA was reinvigorated, and an energised board was established. This board was formed from various business sectors, again voluntary, and with a renewed drive to ‘get things done’.
The Central Park and Henderson-Lincoln Metro Business Associations were merged in 2017 following special general meetings for each association.
Why the merger?
After the merger of the local councils (into Auckland Council), as well as the demise of the former Waitakere Enterprise (now Auckland Unlimited), West Auckland businesses were left without the infrastructure to deliver a local stronger voice on key advocacy-based issues and links with Auckland Council and their CCO’s (incl. Auckland Transport).
Following the merger, the West Auckland Business Club (WABC) came under the umbrella of CPHB as part of the new Business Group: WEST AUCKLAND BUSINESS. The iconic WABC brand was retained, which includes the Business after 5’s (BA5) the West’s premier networking events, and their Breakfast/Lunch forums, together with the BNZ West Auckland Hall of Fame.
In 2020, CPHBA achieved the Business Improvement District (BID) programme. A BID programme is a local economic development initiative run by a business association in partnership with Auckland Council. A BID is a specified commercial area – town centre, industrial area, or a combination – designated for a targeted rate, with boundaries agreed by the local board and business association.
In 2024, we have re-branded from Central Park Henderson Business Association to: Business West.
MEET THE
TEAM
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ASSOCIATION MANAGERTrained as a chef in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, while serving for 10 years and representing both NZ and The RNZAF in the trade, winning awards at both.
Restaurant ownership was a natural progression, owning Michaels Restaurant for 27 years, also The Falls in Henderson housed in an iconic historic building (11 years). Both winning many awards for food, service and popular choice.
Apprenticed, trained and mentored many very successfully into the trade and into business.
With a long-term interest in thoroughbred racing, as an owner, breeder and administrator. Garry served two terms on the Board of the Avondale Jockey Club, and continues with membership.
“I have a deep affection for the West, the people and business and see the CPHB as an organisation that can really add value to this rapidly progressing area”.
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COMMUNICATIONS MANAGERAnika has recently joined the association in 2024 and provides a wealth of knowledge in the Communications, Marketing and online spaces. Having survived bowel cancer at the young age of 36, she is a mentor and proud business owner of The Cancer Club, helping cancer survivors thrive in their vulnerable time post-treatment.
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MEMBERSHIP MANAGERMichaela joined the Business Association in 2022 and deals with all membership-related enquires and administration. Her background in administration is varied, but she loves what the association does and stands for, i.e helping businesses get together and thrive. She loves coming along to the events and meeting new people, but also seeing familiar faces and the great rapport that comes about from such an awesome networking and supportive culture such as Business West.
THE
BOARD
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Michael is the General Manager of DAVIS Funeral Care. With locations spanning the Auckland area, he is responsible for leading the dedicated and talented team at Davis, ensuring that meaningful service and support is consistently delivered to families, at the time it is most needed.
Michael also drives meaningful philanthropic support to community groups and organisations across Auckland.
Whilst born and raised in the West, Michael has spent most of his life pursing a lengthy global corporate career in the ICT space. He held senior executive roles with Microsoft, Vodafone Global Enterprise, and Tata Communications.
Michael returned to New Zealand in 2016, seizing the opportunity to enter the Funeral Service industry. An industry which had always fascinated him, this provided secondary employment when he was starting out and incidentally, almost became a career for him in his earlier working life.
Michael joined the executive of CPHBA in 2021 and was elected Chair in 2023. He has been driving the strategic direction of the association and has been instrumental in changing the identity to Business West; in order to better promote our members throughout Auckland.
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In the 2016 New Years’ Honours, Tim was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to business and the community. Retiring as a director at UHY Haines Norton in 2017, Tim was a Partner at UHY for over 30 years, including 10 years as Managing Partner of the practice. He continues to be involved at UHY on a consultancy basis.
“UHY has been a huge part of my life for the past 33 years,” says Tim. “The highlights have always been servicing such a varied and interesting client base, who have continued to challenge and stimulate me throughout my career. it is with great pride that I have been part of the successes that many clients have achieved during these years.”
Tim has been a Trustee of the Waitakere City Stadium Trust (The Trust Arena) since 2004, and Chairman since 2016, and was Deputy Chair of Sport Waitakere among many other West Auckland entities. He is passionate about supporting the culture, heritage and community of West Auckland,
The West Auckland Business Club, the West’s premier business event and networking entity has been going for 30 years. As one of the driving forces, Tim with fellow CPHB board member Lawrence Ponniah, were instrumental in bringing the Club under the umbrella of this Association
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Scot Pearce established Water To Waste Plumbing & Drainage in Henderson in 2008 and recently expanded with a new branch in Kumeu in 2024.
The company is a full-service plumbing and drainage provider primarily serving the domestic market.
A member of Master Plumbers since 2021, Scot joined the Auckland/Northland Branch executive committee in 2022 and was most recently voted on to the board of its national office.
He brings a wealth of industry experience and a hands-on approach to his roles, both in business and on the board.
As a foundation member of Business West, Scot joined the board in June 2023 and was appointed Secretary in early 2024. He values a “boots on the ground”approach and emphasizes a strong work ethic coupled with “good old family values.” Scot is also passionate about business coaching and mentoring.
He is an active member of a professional networking organization, where he has held various leadership roles, including mentoring new members.
Scot encourages more members to engage in coaching and mentorship to gain fresh perspectives and make the most of Business West’s offerings. He believes that adapting to the fast-paced changes in digital and mechanical technologies; such as AI, 3D printing, robotics, and drones; is one of the biggest challenges facing businesses today.
“In today’s world, being open and adaptable to new ideas is essential for long-term success,” he says.
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Emma is a registered financial adviser with over 15 years of experience in the financial services industry, both in the United Kingdom and New Zealand. She is accredited as an NZX Adviser and holds the New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services (Level 5) (Investment).
A proud adopted West Aucklander, having lived in the area for over 8 years, Emma is passionate about supporting her local community. As an investment adviser at Forsyth Barr, she finds it highly rewarding to help people achieve their financial goals. Emma is dedicated to building strong, long-term relationships with her clients by offering personalized advice that gives them confidence and security in their financial future.
With a wealth of experience in strategic financial planning and investment management, Emma brings valuable insights to her role as a trustee for the Business West Business Group. She is committed to making a positive impact within the local business community and contributing to its growth and success.
In addition to her professional role, Emma sits on the board of the Auckland West Region of Life Education Trust, further demonstrating her commitment to helping individuals thrive in West Auckland.
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Kelvin opened Kelvin Armstrong Auto Repairs (KAAR) in 1994 in Avondale, and in 2011, branched out into Henderson. In 2012 he launched a specialist Mitsubishi franchise, also in Henderson.
Being an A grade mechanic and having attended several industry and supporting business courses, Kelvin now primarily fills the role as CEO for the organisation which currently employs 16 staff.
KAAR has achieved several accolades, Westpac ‘Best Small Business’ of the year category, a Distinction Award for Service Quality, and Motor Trade Awards.
Kelvin has lived in West Auckland most of his life, now with wife Karen, they have three children aged 10, 17 and 20. Hobbies include walking, fishing and swimming.
“I have served on several boards, including Rosebank business Association (5 years), Auto Super Shoppes NZ (3 years), now with CPHB. I enjoy ‘giving back’ my time to both Business and the Community in our Wonderful West!”
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Jamie is the Senior Partner for BNZs Business and Commercial Banking team for West Auckland, and heads up a ten-strong team of Partners based in Henderson.
Jamie is also a career banker spanning over 20 years. He’s been at BNZ since 2011, and previously was with the old National Bank. Jamie originally started out as a part-timer whilst studying at Uni and never left the industry, having moved up through various roles before specialising in Business and Commercial banking since 2007. Originally from Dunedin, Jamie is a local, having lived in Te Atatu, and more recently Hobsonville since settling in Auckland in 2014.
The Henderson branch has been at its current location for 70 years. ‘We now have what we believe is the largest locally-based business banking team in West Auckland,’ he says. ‘The Business and Branch teams work collaboratively together to ensure customers are well supported and receive a seamless experience.’
Jamie nicely sums up the ethos of the BNZ business team when he says, ‘We’re local, we’re on the ground, we’re in the community, and we’re here to connect with you.’
Away from work Jamie enjoys family time, has an interest in American muscle cars, is an avid listener of heavy-metal, and unfortunately….a long-suffering Warriors supporter.
Business West is fortunate to have a senior business banker fulfilling the Board role and being a local, further adds benefit to the position.
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Nick Simmons is the Director and Manager for the Quest Apartment Hotels in Henderson and the CBD. He comes with twenty years’ experience within the hotel industry, 5-star hotels such as Shangri-La, Pullman, and Sofitel – also in other hotel environments such as casinos, conference hotels, golf courses, bush retreats and ski resorts.
Nick prides himself on being a leader with a proven ability to build highly effective teams who are dedicated to providing exceptional service delivery. Being grounded in the fundamentals of a quality experience for guests, he understands what it takes to be a great working partner in local business.
He has experience working on a number of advisory committees and associations. As a local to West Auckland, Nick enjoys spending time with his family and enjoys his role on the Business West board to bring the business community together.
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Lawrence Ponniah barrister (35 years) with a broad range of general commercial and corporate litigation experience in New Zealand, Asia and the UK. Lawrence has links to a wide span across the business, political and community scene here in Auckland, NZ and Internationally.
With a Masters In Commercial Law (Honours) from The University of Auckland, in 2012 he travelled to Harvard University in Boston to complete a course in leadership. Lawrence completed his bar exams with The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn, which is one of the four Inns of Court in London to which barristers of England and Wales belong, and where they are called to the Bar.
A Trustee, together with fellow Business West board member Tim Livingstone, of the West Auckland Business Club (WABC), Lawrence has put in years of efforts to create opportunities for businesses, particularly in the West, focusing on networking, cross selling and socialising.
As the former Managing Partner/Owner of a West Auckland law firm, Lawrence was instrumental in setting up CPHB and the Board has direct access to his wealth of experience, guidance and support.
“One of my goals in life is to make a positive difference to the lives of others. Accessing employment opportunities, we can provide a means for West Aucklanders to support a family to provide their children good prospects locally”.
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Stephen Jones started his career as a Quantity Surveyor before moving on to Project Management and General Management in the construction industry.
Having worked in the UK, Ireland, Australia, and Papua New Guinea, Stephen is now a Director and Shareholder of Canam, a group of construction related companies that have been established in West Auckland since 1955 and whose head office is based on Central Park Drive.
Stephen holds a MSc in Project Management, BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying and most recently completed the General Management Programme at Melbourne Business School.
Canam has had the privilege to construct some iconic projects in the community, such as the Waitakere Trust Stadium, Waitakere Civic Centre, Henderson Train Hub, and the Corban Green Community Facility to name a few. Stephen is now grateful for the opportunity to be part of Business West and help both local businesses and the community to thrive.
“Having lived and worked in West Auckland for over 10 years it is truly the place that I call home. Our son was born in the Waitakere Special Care Baby unit and now attends a local Catholic School and we feel a real connection to the area. With both my business and family settled in West Auckland I am focused on growing the community feel of the area, somewhere families feel safe to live and work, and a place that people want to visit for the fantastic facilities on offer”.
WANT TO
FIND OUT MORE?
Want to learn more or have questions? The Business West Team is here to help. Contact us for any inquiries or support you need, and we'll be in touch soon!