We are super excited about our line-up of our 2016 EMA BoP Pitch Night Judges!
Our Pitch Night is on Wednesday 19 October from 5.30pm showcasing the entrepreneurs of the Bay of Plenty. Audience attendance is free – make sure you come and help pick the crowd favourite.
Find out more about Pitch Night here. RSVP here.
OUR JUDGES
Head Judge: Mayor Steve Chadwick
A long and successful political career that has included being a councillor on Rotorua District Council, a Member of Parliament for Rotorua and currently Mayor of Rotorua. She spearheads a committed council and community working collaboratively to see the Rotorua District grow and flourish. ‘Tatou tatou – we together’, is their vision
Dr Claire McGowan, CEO of Waikato’s business incubator SODA Inc
Claire is actively involved in technology commercialisation and investment. She is passionate about providing opportunities in industry and network development, education and investment, for entrepreneurs. From Te Arawa/Ngati Pikiao, she enjoys taking a more active role in projects that contribute to the future creation of wealth for Maori and New Zealand as a whole.\
Paul Charteris, Tarawera Ultramarathon & 2014 Pitch Night Winner
Paul is founder and owner of the company behind the world’s premiere long-distance runs the Tarawera Ultramarathon, the Tarawera Trail Marathon & 50k as well as the new event this year the Waitomo Trail Run. The Tarawera Ultramarathon is supported by the New Zealand Major Events Investment Fund and injected $1.08 million into the local economy last year and showcased the region on 40 television stations across about 85 countries.
Reuben Woods, Founder Woods Design Agency
Reuben is founder of Woods Design Agency, one of New Zealand’s leading Brand Development agencies based in the Bay of Plenty. In ten years he grew his idea into a multi-award winning design agency with 12 staff. He is passionate about helping raise the level of design in the Bay, and adding value to the businesses he works with.