Auckland Chamber Chair, Charlotte Parkhill, confirmed today that longstanding Auckland Chamber Chief Executive, Michael
Barnett, would stand down as CEO in August this year but would maintain a role driving key Chamber projects including
Firststeps, a mental health initiative with government focussed on business, the Regional Business Program, the NZ
Chamber network, and his role with the International Chamber.
Michael was appointed CEO of the Auckland Chamber in 1991 after several years in an international role. At that time,
the Chamber had a small staff and membership that reflected larger businesses. Under his leadership the Chamber has
grown significantly and has built a special relationship with small and medium business and provided them with a
credible voice to Government.
Michael has worked closely with Ministers and all political parties over three decades, which has enabled business to be
heard and supported. He has provided leadership within the Chamber network both nationally and internationally and
developed key business partnerships and networks that have been good for business in Auckland and NZ.
Ms Parkhill said ‘The contribution that Michael has made to the business sector in Auckland and New Zealand over the
last 30 years has been enormous. He has been instrumental in promoting business interests and securing support for the
sector from a financial, resourcing and mental health perspective. The Chamber Board has been consistently impressed
with the voice that Michael has given to business and his entrepreneurial approach to issues faced by the sector. We are
very pleased that Michael will be remaining with the Chamber in his new role’.
Ms Parkhill also confirmed the speculation that Simon Bridges, former National Party Leader and Member of Parliament,
would take the Chamber CEO role and that details of his appointment will be released soon. In the meantime, she asked
that the business and public sectors take time to recognise Michael’s huge contribution to Auckland and NZ while in the
role of Auckland Business Chamber CEO.