Ashley Church

Ashley Cameron Church (born 26 February 1964).

Biography

Early life
Church was born in Hastings and raised in Napier where he was educated at Tamatea High School.

Political career
In 1987 he stood as the National Party's parliamentary candidate for safe Labour seat of . He finished in second place. In 1989 he became the youngest person ever elected to the Napier City Council. During his time on the Napier City Council he was a polarising personality, attracting both strong support and strong opposition for his views. He was responsible for the ‘NapierLife’ Marketing program, which was a key driver in reversing population decline and re-energising economic activity in Hawke's Bay during the 1990s. He lost his Council seat in 1998 after serving three terms.

Community activities
His community activity has included roles as National Council Member of New Zealand Jaycees, Executive Councillor of the North Shore Chamber of Commerce, National Board member of Towns & Cities New Zealand, Creator and Organiser of the Hawke's Bay Summer Festival, and Organiser of the 1985 North Shore Telethon Centre. 
He is also a past Director of the Hawke's Bay Airport, Marineland of New Zealand and the National Aquarium of New Zealand.

Work History
Church was the CEO of the Property Institute of New Zealand from 2015 after leaving the Newmarket Business Association in 2014. He is a past Chief Executive Officer of the Auckland Property Investors Association (between 2005 and 2007) . He is also a past National Sales and Marketing Manager of Pulse Energy and Mercury Energy. 
He is currently employed by NZME as a correspondent, Energy, and Business issues and has appeared on My House My Castle, NZ Open Home, ASB I Want to Buy a Home and TVNZ Breakfast.. He is a current director of the Israel Institute of NZ and has a business partnership with media star Rawdon Christie. In 2020 he was appointed Chief Executive of Survey and Spatial NZ.

Notes

References

Category:1964 births
Category:Living people
Category:People from Hastings, New Zealand
Category:People from Napier, New Zealand
Category:Napier City Councillors
Category:New Zealand National Party politicians
Category:Unsuccessful candidates in the 1987 New Zealand general election