Board Nominations 2025

A Chartered Accountant (CAANZ) with a Public Practice Certificate, Michael has been actively involved in the accounting environment for over 15 years.

In addition to his role at accounting and advisory business Kendons, Michael is also a Trustee of the Laura Fergusson Trust Wellington and Christine Taylor Foundation for Mental Health. Outside of his governance and professional roles, Michael keeps himself busy heavily involved with his young family and in the barbershop community in both a chorus and quartet.

Carl Longstaff is the Managing Director of Metal Art Ltd, a company specialising in designing and manufacturing street and park furniture using recycled materials. Under his leadership, Metal Art Ltd was a finalist in the 2016 NZI Sustainable Business Network Awards, reflecting his commitment to sustainability.

Carl has served on the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce Board since July 2024, following the amalgamation of the Seaview Business Association, where he was a long-standing Board member and treasurer.

His extensive experience in business management and dedication to environmental initiatives position him well to contribute effectively to the Chamber’s objectives.​

A proud born-and-raised Hutt girl, Steph Fry (nee Stratmore) is the General Manager of her family’s business Stratmore Construction Solutions (formerly Fraser Brown & Stratmore), based in Naenae. Stratmore has been a cornerstone of the Hutt Valley business community for over 70 years, developing and manufacturing industry-leading products for the construction sector.

Steph’s spent a decade living outside the Hutt Valley and returns with a fresh perspective and renewed energy for her hometown.

With more than 20 years’ experience as an entrepreneur and business owner, Steph has worked across multiple industries.  Steph is a passionate and values-driven leader, committed to fostering strong team culture, sparking meaningful behaviour change, and inspiring others to embrace growth and strive for authentic success.

Known for her vivacious, fun, and energised presence, Steph will bring creativity, strategic thinking and a collaborative spirit to the Chamber and her wider Hutt Valley business community.

Adam Berman is the current General Manager of The Angus, one of Lower Hutt’s most iconic hotels. He is leading its transformation into a Carnmore property — a rebrand designed not just to modernise the hotel, but to help revitalise the entire Hutt Central District. Adam sees the property as a local anchor, and under his leadership, it will become a vibrant hub for events, business, and community connection.

With over 20 years of experience in hospitality and business leadership, Adam also holds a Master’s degree in Hotel Management and a Law degree. He is a former lecturer where he taught hundreds of hospitality students and is known for his sharp business evaluation skills and ability to turn around underperforming operations.

Adam is passionate about growing local enterprise, championing tourism, and bringing people together, whether through partnerships, community events, or long-term strategic planning. With a mix of professional insight and genuine love for the Hutt, Adam brings fresh energy and practical expertise to the table and is committed to helping the Chamber play a central role in the region’s future success.

Woburn International is a New Zealand-owned company, established in 1991.

June became actively involved with the New Zealand Association of Migration & Investment (NZAMI) in 2010, and her involvement evolved to the Chair of the NZAMI from 2014 to 2022. This role demonstrated the depth of knowledge and standing that June has in the industry, and her involvement continues as Past Chair & Immigration Advisor to Government.

June has worked and lived in many countries, managed extensive training and development projects across the globe with a major focus on assignments encouraging the growth of international skills into NZ, plus cross-cultural understanding and integration.