Embattled Chamber of Commerce deciding on interim management

The Hawke's Bay Chamber of Commerce is making a decision on interim management today following the departure of chief executive Gavin Bush less than a month after being appointed, with a new chief executive expected to be appointed in the New Year.

The chamber's former chief executive Murray Douglas left in October and Hawke's Bay businessman Gavin Bush was appointed to the top role. Mr Bush was only in the job less than a month when staff told the chamber board they were unable to work with him. It was confirmed late last week that Mr Bush had resigned from the chamber as its chief executive.

Chamber president Katja Williams said she was receiving messages of support from other Chambers and from the business sector in Hawke's Bay.

Ms Williams said the Chamber would continue to promote the interests of members and the positive economic development of the region, including organising networking events and managing lobbying work such as pushing for a review of the East Coast Rail Network's closure.

The Chamber is responsible for issuing export documentation to the majority of the region's exporters including free trade certificates and certificates of origin.

Business Hawke's Bay is guided by the Business Hawke's Bay Advisory Group which operationally delivers the region's economic development strategy. The Group is made up of representatives from Councils, Hawke's Bay Tourism, Hawkes Bay Airport, Food Hawkes Bay and Iwi.