Fiordland Business Association
Connecting and supporting Fiordland businesses
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The Fiordland Business Association (FBA) brings local businesses together to connect, learn, collaborate, and advocate for the future of our region.
Our members come from a diverse range of industries, including tourism, trades, construction, agriculture, retail, hospitality, transport, professional services, and community organisations. While every business is different, we share a common goal: creating a thriving and resilient Fiordland.
Whether you are a sole trader, small business owner, manager, or part of a larger organisation, FBA provides opportunities to build meaningful connections and be part of a supportive local business network.
Why join?
Running a business can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging. FBA exists to help ensure business owners and managers don’t have to do it alone.
As a member, you’ll have opportunities to:
- Connect with other local business owners and managers.
- Learn more about the businesses and industries that make Fiordland unique.
- Share ideas, experiences, and insights.
- Stay informed about issues affecting our region.
- Access business support, resources, and training through our partnership with the Southland Business Chamber.
- Be part of a collective voice that advocates for the needs of Fiordland businesses.
Bringing businesses together
One of the most valuable things we do is create opportunities for people to connect.
Throughout the year, FBA hosts events that bring members together to learn, share experiences, and build relationships. From behind-the-scenes business visits and networking events to guest speakers and industry discussions, our events help members gain a deeper understanding of the people and businesses that contribute to our local economy.
These events are about more than networking. They are about celebrating local success, supporting one another, and strengthening the relationships that help our community thrive.
Our purpose
To positively connect, support, and advocate for the Fiordland business community.
Our values
Represent
Be a collective voice for business in Fiordland.
Prosper
Support the health and wellbeing of our local business community.
Sustain
Consider the long-term benefits for our businesses and wider community.
Better together
Strong communities are built on strong relationships.
By working together, sharing knowledge, supporting one another, and celebrating local success, we can help ensure Fiordland remains a great place to live, work, and do business.
We are better together.
The Chamber offer businesses and organisations in the greater Fiordland area (including Manapouri, Te Anau and Milford Sound) regional subscription rates (20% discount). Click here to learn more about Chamber membership.
Contact FBA by emailing fba@southlandchamber.co.nz, follow them on Facebook, and click here to subscribe to FBA e-Newsletters.
FBA Committee
Marleen Wilson
Secretary/Treasurer
Marleen Wilson is the founder of Tech Aid, a Fiordland-based IT support business built on the belief that technology should help people, not frustrate them. She works with local businesses to create secure, efficient digital environments through practical IT support, cybersecurity, and technology solutions that help organisations focus on what they do best.
Marleen joined the Fiordland Business Association committee because she believes local businesses are stronger when they are connected. By creating opportunities to share experiences, celebrate successes, and learn from one another.
David Prendergast
45 years in primary produce exporting & logistics, laterly 21 years with Fiordland Lobster Company. Now retired to Kepler Oaks Farm with Helen with 1 son at home & two in Dunedin.
Breidi Alexander
As a lawyer, Breidi began her career in Wellington working for central government focussing on policy issues in rural communities and the primary industries. Breidi then moved into the private sector, becoming a political advisor in the energy industry. Breidi and her husband Brad moved home to the family farm in Manapouri in 2018. The pair opened Cabot Lodge, a luxury accommodation business, which has been annually ranked in the top 1% globally by Trip Advisor. Breidi and Brad have recently taken over the Manapouri Café and Shop and are raising three young children.
Terri Jones
Hamish Egerton
Hamish is a local tourism operator and skipper, raised in Te Anau. He serves as the Operations Manager for Cruise Milford. This family-owned boutique cruise company operating in Piopiotahi / Milford Sound has achieved significant accolades, including ranking “Top 10 Experiences in New Zealand” and “Top 10 Tourism Operators in the South Pacific”.
He previously operated as the Managing Director and co-owner of Goldfields Jet, a popular jet boating experience located in the Kawarau Gorge.
He has been actively involved in regional community projects, having served as a trustee for The Kawarau Gorge Trails Charitable Trust and is currently working with Runaka, DOC, Fish and Game and SDC to redevelop Punanga Manu o Te Anau / Te Anau Bird Sanctuary.
Angela Monteith
Angela Monteith is a Sales Consultant for PGG Wrightson Real Estate Te Anau. She works with clients across Fiordland and other regions, helping people navigate buying and selling property with clear communication and strong local knowledge. She is often one of the first points of contact for people new to the area, providing an early impression of the Fiordland region.
When Angela is not working, she is actively involved in the community as a trustee of the Te Anau Events Trust and a director of the Rotary Club of Fiordland. These roles, alongside running her own business, have helped her build strong connections across the local business community.
Angela joined the Fiordland Business Association because she can see the growth of Fiordland and the impact it will have on local businesses and she wants to be part of helping navigate the future of the region, supporting both current businesses and those yet to come.