Tony Rush

Tony was for eight years the executive director of the regional economic development agency, which he grew from a 1.5 FTE narrowly focused agency to one that covered tourism and economic development and that employed around 12 FTE staff.  During that time helping small and medium businesses was a constant theme.  That work covered such areas as research and development, business and strategic planning, marketing, business structure and start-up feasibility studies.

Before joining the agency Tony worked in marketing and communications for the New Zealand Trade Development Board and for Hewlett Packard New Zealand.  He also has a background in Not for Profit organisations.

For the last four years Tony has been a self-employed businessman specialising in business coaching, strategic planning, dispute resolution, communications and other aspects of general business development.

Tony completed the Directors Course of the Institute of Directors in New Zealand.  He is a past chair of the Horowhenua Learning Centre, past chair of the Economic Development Association of New Zealand and is currently on several other Not for Profit Boards at a regional or national level, including Keep New Zealand Beautiful.  In addition Tony is an elected Councilor with the Horowhenua District Council.

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