Meet the NZ Business Connect Team
At NZ Business Connect, our strength lies in our people. Our dedicated team is passionate about fostering connections, supporting business growth, and creating a thriving network for professionals across New Zealand. Get to know the faces behind our community and discover how we’re working to make business networking more valuable for you.
Phillip Quay
Founder/CEO
Phillip Quay is a highly experienced and multiple award-winning Hamilton-based Journalist, with more than 20 years involvement in the newspaper, internet and media industry of New Zealand and overseas. Phillip who is an ex-Fairfax Media journalist who has worked for a number of New Zealand rich-listers, founded Business Connect in 2021. Phillip created Business Connect because he saw a way to network better than ever with the new technologies available with the goal to connect new, young and established businesses in a way never done before.
Fiona Stephen
Senior Content Creator
Fresh out of University as a Communication Design Major, Fiona is new and eager to learn in the professional design world. She interned for Media PA for a semester where she helped with multiple projects. Her role with NZ Business Connect and Media PA now is to create posts to go on social channels for clients, content creation and assisting with event management.
Ricki Cotter
Tauranga Regional Manager
Ricki Cotter is the Tauranga regional manager for NZ Business Connect. With an understanding of the local business landscape, Ricki is poised to lead the charge in forging meaningful connections within the community. He is driven by a mission to unite businesses and facilitate impactful dialogues. And he understands the power of meaningful conversations in driving innovation, collaboration, and growth.
Tyren Mulder
Waikato Regional Manager
Tyren Mulder is dedicated to fostering meaningful connections within the local business community, leveraging his expertise to support the growth and success of businesses across the Waikato region. His commitment to making a positive impact is reflected in his active involvement in various charitable initiatives, ensuring that giving back remains at the heart of everything he does.
Meet the NZ Business Connect Board
Jujhar Singh Randhawa
Advisory Board Chairman
Jujhar Singh Randhawa is an accomplished entrepreneur and community leader with over two decades of experience. Since arriving in New Zealand in 1998, he has built a thriving career, founding JSR Refrigeration and Air Conditioning and leading Zephyr Pure Air Ventilation, JSR Management, and Hillcrest Spinal Centre.
With expertise in mechanical and electrical engineering, Jujhar holds multiple qualifications, including a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering and certification as a Registered Assessor. He is also a JP.
Beyond business, he is a dedicated community advocate, serving in leadership roles with I AM HE(R) Charitable Trust, the Indian Cultural Society Waikato Inc., and the NZ Central Indian Association. His contributions have earned him prestigious awards, including the Hamilton Civic Award (2023).
As Founder of the Ethnic Business Network and an Advisory Board Member of NZ Business Connect, Jujhar is passionate about mentoring entrepreneurs and driving business growth.
Isaac Whatnall
Board Member
Isaac Whatnall is a pragmatic and knowledgeable legal advisor with nearly a decade of experience working in respected Waikato firms. Isaac has developed a strong reputation for his expertise in property law, trusts and estates, relationship property, and commercial law.
Isaac is a problem solver who works hard to achieve the best outcomes for his clients. His genuine interest in commercial and property law makes him a trusted advisor for transactional work and navigating disputes.
In addition to his client work, Isaac plays a key role as a team leader, supporting and guiding junior solicitors within his practice.
Outside of work, Isaac spends his time juggling socialising with friends and outdoor pursuits like boxing, swimming, and hiking—while his wife Narinder keeps him grounded by reminding him that “rest days” exist for a reason.
