The number of not-for-profit organisations wanting to join the Tauranga Chamber of Commerce is rising.

The trend has prompted the chamber to launch a new membership category for small not-for-profit organisations.
In collaboration with Catalyst Management Services, the chamber will also offer training seminars and strategic planning to not-for-profit organisations, via free quarterly seminars when they join the chamber.
Kevin Wearne from Catalyst Management Services has been involved in the not-for-profit sector for a number of years.
'I frequently saw problems arise when the committee or board became too involved in the management,” he says.
'Another common issue is the tendency of governance committees to take a short term view instead of setting medium and long term targets, and letting their manager get on with achieving them,” says Kevin.
Tauranga Chamber of Commerce CEO Max Mason says not-for-profit organisations can join the chamber for an annual fee of $150 and a one-off joining fee.
'This gives them access to all of the services available to other members,” he says.
'Small not-for-profit organisations touch all of our lives and contribute to the local economy,” says Max.