Business Whangaparaoa Inc developed out of an incentive of Future Whangaparaoa Trust to work in collaboration with the Trust, the Whangaparaoa Community Hub and local businesses to develop and promote business and community on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, from Red Beach to Gulf Harbour.
The business group consists of an Executive Committee of enthusiastic local business people keen to bring services and support to the local region. The current Committee is -
Julie Whitcombe is a long-time resident of the Hibiscus Coast and a passionate advocate for local business. As Chairperson of Business Whangaparāoa Inc, Julie brings over two decades of hands-on business experience, a collaborative leadership style, and a clear vision for strengthening and growing the business community on the Coast.
Julie is the co-founder and director of Thinking Caps Tutoring, which she established in 2005. With a background in teaching and qualifications in education, small business, and project management, Julie has spent over 20 years helping students thrive. Today, she leads a team of nearly 30 tutors supporting students from Year 2 to Year 13 in Maths, Literacy, and Science.
Julie is also the co-founder and director of KidsLink, a nationwide platform that connects schools and parents with trusted service providers working with children, teens, and their families.
As Chairperson, Julie has a strong focus on clarity, collaboration, and purposeful growth. She is committed to shaping a vibrant, forward-thinking business association—one that supports its members and builds meaningful connections to strengthen and grow the local business community.
Ph: 09 424 3536 - Email: juliebizwgp@gmail.com
Business: Thinking Caps for Kids - www.thinkingcaps.co.nz and KidsLink - www.kidslink.co.nz
Gwenda Holster-Dowler, co-owner of TDS Security Ltd who tailor security solutions for residential and business servicing Rodney and Auckland. I’m passionate about supported communities and hope Business Whangaparaoa will benefit from my event and funding background. I’m connected to many local charities and groups and enjoy fundraising in my spare time.
Gwenda Holster-Dowler - Phone: 09 428 5887 - info@tdssecurity.co.nz
Business: TDS Security - www.tdssecurity.co.nz
Smart Bookkeeping was started by Donna Coulston in 2003 to help North Shore, Rodney and Hibiscus Coast businesses proactively manage their accounts. Since then, we’ve worked with a variety of businesses across a range of industries, allowing busy business owners reclaim their time for the things that matter to them most.
Always up for a challenge, Donna and her team of bookkeepers relish the opportunity to turn chaos into order, solve problems, and find smarter ways of doing business. We understand the pressures and challenges that come with running a business, and love the opportunity to do what we do best, to help you focus on what YOU do best.
With longstanding client relationships, we become a trusted extension of your team. We stay across new technology and industry changes - so you don’t have to. We are also members of the Certified Bookkeepers Association and Certified Xero Advisors.
Our motto is ‘where everybody counts’. It’s our aim to ensure you feel supported and empowered with the knowledge you need to confidently focus on growing your bottom line and supporting your customers.
Donna King - 027 273 7352 - Email: donna@smartbookkeeping.co.nz
Jürgen Kolb originally immigrated to New Zealand as a marine research scientist and has since become a proud local of Red Beach. Combining his scientific background with a love for the outdoors and community, he now operates Hibiscus Jetski Hire & Tours, offering a fun and safe way to create memorable water-based experiences for the young and young at heart, family and friends, locals and tourists alike. Based right on the beautiful Whangaparāoa Peninsula, Jürgen is passionate about sharing the region’s natural beauty and the amazing fishing spots while supporting its vibrant local economy.
With a background as a professional wedding and event photographer in Europe, he
brings a creative eye to the marine experience, capturing dynamic action photos and videos of his customers in motion.
His scientific expertise also fuels his passion for marine conservation. He actively shares knowledge about local ecosystems, marine protection, and the importance of Auckland’s pest-free Hauraki Gulf islands, making each experience not just fun, but educational helping to foster greater appreciation and stewardship for the local environment.
Jürgen Kolb - 022 685 7409 - info@hibiscusjetskihire.co.nz
Business: Hibiscus Jet Ski Hire - HibiscusJetSkiHire
As a Red Beach local, King Locksmiths have close ties to the Whangaparaoa and Hibiscus Coast community, working closely with homeowners and businesses throughout North Shore and Rodney through to Mangawhai Heads.
With King Locksmiths, you deal directly with an experienced locksmith. Jason King has over 30 year’s experience in the locksmithing industry and is committed to providing friendly and flexible service, priding himself on delivering a more personal touch. We know that you’re trusting us with the safety and security of your most important people or places, and we take this responsibility seriously by delivering top quality workmanship you can trust.
Sarah has worked on the Coast supporting and promoting local businesses and community with her business Linku2 Hibiscus Coast, for over 15 years.
Linku2 focus on affordably placing your links, on our pages, as high as possible in Google organic rankings for maximum reach for your business for those customers who "Google it" with a clear focus on local. As their tagline says Linku2 focus on supporting business and community to "Go Local, Grow Local ..."
Passionate about the area and keen to support local business growth Sarah sees her role with Business Whangaparaoa as a positive synergy with her own business. Sarah has been involved with Business Whangaparaoa since inception and as the BW Activator she is your first port of call for any queries.
Sarah Carr - 021 428 037 - hibiscuscoast@linku2.co.nz
Business: Linku2 Hibiscus Coast - linku2hibiscuscoast.co.nz
David completed highschool in Orewa and has lived in Whangaparaoa for many years, convincing Danni to move here in 2018.
Since moving and settling in the area the couple have been married here, had children and started a Photography business: Photo Carnival. This has helped build ties with the community and local business, David has also started an activity business with Escapism in Karepiro Drive.
initially through event photography then later including professional headshots, weddings and more.
Outside of Photography and their creative gigs, Danni is also a registered Pharmacist and David has contract roles as an IT consultant.
Danni Yu - Ph: 021 179 1568 - Email: photocarnival.kiwi@gmail.com - Web: https://www.photocarnival.kiwi/
David Dennis - Ph: 021 190 8580 - Email: escapism.kiwi@gmail.com - Web: https://www.escapism.co.nz/
