Our mission is to support local businesses to connect, grow, and thrive while supporting the well-being of our community and, preserving the culture, environment, and unique character of our region.
ŌTHBA is Kāpiti's newest association and was officially launched with the election of a committee in 2024.
Our voluntary committee is led by local business operators, including Chair Deb Shannon, and supported by committee members Trish Gee, Tracey Savage, Teresa Grigg, Claire Roper, Leon Kingi and Michael Hurman.
ŌTHBA 's mission is to support local businesses to connect, grow and thrive while supporting the well-being of the community and preserving the culture, environment and unique character of our region.
Leon Kingi - Chair
After completing his Ōtaki College years he joined the NZ Army. He became a Systems Engineer and served for 25 years, retiring in 2021. In 2011 Leon and Melissa moved their family back home to Ōtaki. They purchased Black & Co Leather Belts Ltd in 2016, Sheepskin Sales Ltd and commercial retail property on SH1 in 2021, and Perfume & Cosmetics Outlet in 2025.
"I grew here, settled my family back here, have grandchildren here, and plan to be buried here. All that to say I am heavily invested in Ōtaki and want to help our town to thrive for generations to come". The previous 2 years spent as a Committee Member have prepared him for this new role well.
Trish Gee - Treasurer
Ōtaki born and bred local who has come back to her roots. Trish is a Chartered Accountant, registered member of CAANZ/NZICA and has over 40 years’ experience working with small, medium and some larger organisations. In the role of Treasurer, she is our financial “guru”, bringing her knowledge and skill sets to the Committee. She is looking forward to working with the Committee and providing support and assistance with local businesses in Ōtaki and Te Horo.
Andre Peipi - Secretary
With over 30 years experience in Funeral Services, he is the manager of Te Awahou & Ōtaki Funeral Services on the Main Highway. He is also a Justice of the Peace and Drum Major of the NZ Police Pipe Band. He brings a fresh set of professional eyes to our demanding Secretary role.
A relatively new face to the area, Andre is looking forward to working alongside our members to strengthen business relationships and contribute positively to the Ōtaki and Te Horo community.
Claire Roper - Deputy Chair
Claire moved to Ōtakii in 1983, and went to ŌtakiPrimary, then Ōtaki College. She lived overseas for ten years, in 2019 she moved back with her young family. She currently runs the Ōtaki Market and Ōtaki Kids Market.
Claire has a passion for Ōtaki and is looking forward to using her skills in digital marketing and stakeholder management to help the committee create something special.
Tim Grigg - Committee Member
To be added.
Mikey Hurman - Committee Member
Mikey grew up in Te Horo, Waikanae, Paraparaumu, Raumati, Weliington, Sydney, Taunton (UK) Bristol (UK) Lower Hutt but his favourite place to live so far is Ōtaki. He loves this part of the Kāpiti coast, so much so that he and his wife decided to bring up their three boys here. They own a busy tattoo studio in town and have enjoyed every moment living and working in Ōtaki "We love how friendly and accomodating everyone is, all the time". Mikey is obsessed with learning new things and seeing others succeed. This opportunity will help him grow wiser whilst helping our local community. So it's a win win. As a valued committee member he is excited to work together with this amazing group and offer his skills and knowledge in the following areas.
Chris Darby - Committee Member
To be added.