Warren McNabb

Warren’s background is in law and infrastructure and utility investment banking in New Zealand and Canada. Since returning to New Zealand in 2004, he divides his time between renewable energy development (as a partner in a community scale wind farm developer), carbon farming as an investor in native and exotic forestry, governance roles across energy and infrastructure companies and private capital investment across the startup, private equity and private debt markets. 

Nicky Wagner

Nicky has a multifaceted career that combines business and politics. She has an MBA from Massey University and has worked in education, marketing and e-commerce. For 15 years she was an MP, and a Minister of the Crown. She is an Adjunct Fellow at Canterbury University with a special interest in entrepreneurship and new ventures. She recently moved to the Sounds and is fully enjoying magnificent Marlborough.

Rohit Girijadharan

Rohit is a customer-focused and data-driven Agilist with over 15 years of experience in stakeholder engagement, quality management, systems audit, agile project delivery, change management, training, mentoring, and coaching. Rohit has served customers under various capacities in banking, insurance, FMCG and freight industries gaining and sharing transferable attributes and knowledge. He has a strong background in aligning people through IT and business strategy for value-driven outcomes. He actively contributes to the community as a Deputy Chair for Volunteer Marlborough Board and a Business Mentor for Business Mentors New Zealand.

Dorien Vermaas

Economic Development Portfolio Manager

Mgr Marlborough Screen Office

Marlborough District Council since August 2020

Master of Technological Futures – AcademyEX

Startup mentor and investor

Prior to my role at MDC I served WellingtonNZ for 6 years in a capacity of

Team Manager Sector Development & Business Attraction for the Wellington region.

I work in the Economic development team at MDC together with Mark Unwin and Neil Henry. My role at MDC has allowed me to work on a vision for the Marlborough economy to co-design an economic wellbeing strategy for the region. The strategy was published end of last year and has a strong focus on implementing a tech & innovation programme in the region as well as actively supporting and promoting the start-up ecosystem and sustainability. Before my roles in the public sector I spent over half of my career in the private sector running my own Marlborough-based Wine Company with 20 export markets and in marketing & sales roles for large corporates such as Apple and Philips.

My strengths are in innovation, strategy and building innovation communities. Building eco-systems for change and adaptation of technology in sectors and the collaboration between government agencies, business sectors, investors, research institutes and other stakeholders.

I’m committed supporting the growth of the Māori economy and I bring specific experience in the transformation from traditional sectors such as agriculture, viticulture, manufacturing, the ocean-economy through technology. Innovation, achieving wellbeing–goals and lowering carbon-emissions are high on my agenda.

I’m a strong advocate for promoting diversity, acknowledging identity and telling the authentic stories of Marlborough – pivotal for a thriving future for economic, social and cultural wellbeing.

I live in Picton and my working life is balanced with walking, biking, sculpting & painting. I’ve just finished the pilgrimage of the Camino the Santiago through Portugal & Spain – a unique experience I can’t wait to take on the Whale trail once it’s finished!

My 3 adult kids grew up here in Marlborough and they’re now developing their careers and work-experience in Auckland and in Europe. It is my dream that they’ll all return one day to beautiful Marlborough to live a fantastic lifestyle and be immersed in rewarding and inspiring jobs in the region. I’m highly committed to supporting the transformation of economic sectors and building new investment opportunities in the region as week as linking great economic outcomes to excellent environmental, social & cultural wellbeing outcomes.

Ngā mihi nui,

Dorien Vermaas

Tom Holohan

Living in Blenheim for 5years with my wife Fina and two young children Ethan and Phebe. I’ve been working in construction since finishing school 21 years ago. I started as an apprentice Carpenter and after getting qualified I became self-employed as soon as possible. Business was in my bones. When the GFC struck Ireland badly, I used the time to further my skills and so I studied a degree in construction with quantity surveying. As I was finishing my degree the Earthquakes in Christchurch happened and so New Zealand came calling and so I upped everything and headed to the other side of the planet. I’ve been in New Zealand for just over ten years now where I’m still developing my QS skills. I own my own little business here called QS Marlborough Ltd which is low key for now as I have recently joined the lead contractor for the local High School’s project. This will be a challenging project for the next 6years in Blenheim and one that I’m enjoying so far.

AIM – My wife and I joined aim in late 2021 and have been regular visitors each month. I personally enjoy learning about the set-up and journey of these start-ups and the connections they make locally here in Blenheim, the impact that AIM can have on them and the impact they offer to the main industries here in Marlborough. I’m enjoying learning more and more about Governance, and so I hope to be a valid member on the board of AIM.

Outside of work – I used to be a Rugby Referee here in Blenheim for 8years. This year I’ve stepped down as our kids are stepping up in their activities on weekends. I enjoy spending time with family and going up the Wither Hills for walks or runs.

Gina Jewell

Gina is a communications specialist with more than 25 years experience across the public and private sector.

When she moved to Blenheim in 2022, Gina had been a partner and owner of Wellington public relations consultancy for the past 20 years, and is now working as an independent contractor. Her areas of expertise include strategic communications, stakeholder management, issues and risk management, crisis planning and media relations.

Throughout Gina’s career she has worked with a wide array of businesses, from start-ups through to listed companies. She comes from a family of small business owners, and currently supports two start-ups in an advisory capacity.

Gina has also been a volunteer for many years, including as a Business Mentor for Business Mentors New Zealand and in support of the Community Comms Collective, where communications professionals donate their expertise to support community organisations.

Rachel Enright

Rachel Enright brings extensive experience in digital marketing and corporate partnerships to our board, having worked in both Europe and at a national level in New Zealand.
 
Rachel has worked in digital marketing at Trade Me, the country's largest e-commerce platform, while at InterNations in Munich, she managed partnerships with global brands. Now as Digital Marketing & Channels Manager for Marlborough Tour Company, she finds joy in promoting her beloved Marlborough to the world.
 
Rachel has always been curious about investing, startups, and fostering a sense of community for like-minded people. Having worked for large tech companies she is tech-savvy and naturally a data-driven strategic thinker. Her leadership experience, including serving on the Senior Leadership Team at InterNations and holding roles such as Student President of the University of Otago School of Commerce will be a great asset to the board.
 
In her spare time, Rachel enjoys dancing, theatre, hiking, and language learning. She remains actively engaged in volunteer pursuits, serving as Marlborough Chapter Lead for The Marketing Club AU/NZ and volunteering as a counsellor for Youthline New Zealand.
 
Rachel is looking forward to representing the next generation of beginner investors – and is thankful for the learning experiences she will gain from joining the AIM board. 

Taylor Tian

Taylor moved to New Zealand from China in 2015 and runs a consultancy supporting several regional tourism organizations across the country. With a strong background in project management and strategic marketing, he excels as an advisor, connector, and enabler. Taylor is deeply engaged with the Chinese community in New Zealand and beyond, actively building and expanding beneficial connections. Bringing a fresh international perspective to Angel Investors Marlborough (AIM), he looks forward to contributing his expertise and networks to support diverse investment opportunities. In his free time, Taylor enjoys exploring New Zealand's natural beauty with his family, hunting in the backcountry, and practicing judo.

Ben Halliday

Ben Halliday recently joined Property Brokers in Blenheim specialsing in business brokering and commercial real estate.

As a seasoned Senior Leader, Ben Halliday wrapped up a ten-year stint as General Manager for one of New Zealand’s fastest growing accounting and advisory firms where he led with a focus on operational excellence, client relationships, and team development. He took satisfaction in the recruitment and HR side of his role, as it allowed him to work closely with individuals to support their career growth while contributing to a cohesive, high-performing team. Ben also enjoys project work, where he combines strategic insight with practical, real-world experience, often applying a can-do, “MacGyver”-style approach to problem-solving.

Since moving to London in the early 1990s, Ben has built a diverse career spanning the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. His specialties lie in technological and operational management, particularly within fast-paced and evolving industries. Over the past three decades, he has held senior leadership roles across listed companies in the entertainment, healthcare, and distribution sectors. His career has covered both periods of significant growth and innovation, as well as downturns such as the Global Financial Crisis, giving him firsthand experience leading through opportunity and adversity, including complex mergers, acquisitions, and organisational change.

In 2011, Ben returned home to Marlborough and transitioned into the viticulture sector, where he initially worked for a contract winery and wine company before moving into the professional services industry in 2016. That dual perspective now enables him to deliver real value to clients, particularly in the wine industry , a sector he understands both professionally and personally.

Known for his calm leadership style, commercial acumen, and ability to simplify complex challenges, Ben is often sought out for strategic planning, business restructuring, and mentoring advice.

Outside of work, Ben enjoys surfing and with the help of family & friends, developing a boutique wine label, crafted from grapes grown on the family vineyard.

Gill Dal Din

I have built my career working at the intersection of entrepreneurship, investment, and ecosystem development.
 
I led commercialisation programmes to help high-growth businesses scale by connecting founders with strategic partners, angel investors, and high-net-worth individuals.
 
My experience spans all sectors, in particular emerging industries including aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and green hydrogen, where I have helped build collaborative ecosystems that enable high-growth companies to succeed internationally.
 
I bring a governance perspective that’s grounded in commercial outcomes and strategic thinking and I am committed to supporting investment decisions that create long-term value for founders and investors, growing globally competitive New Zealand companies.

Brian Dawson - Manager

In addition to working for Angel Investors Marlborough Brian is also Manager of Business Trust Marlborough. He is also a District Councillor. Brian and his wife Tricia have owned and operated their own business for the past 19 years.