Tauranga Chamber of Commerce chief executive Max Mason is clearing his desk today, while the search for his replacement continues.

Max is stepping down from the role and leaving after five years as chamber chief executive to manage a Bethlehem rest home.

Tauranga Chamber of Commerce chief executive Max Mason.

Chamber president Paul Bowker says since Max's announcement the board of trustees has accumulated 'quite a list” of applicants for the position.

'They have quite a list, but I haven't seen them. I have a meeting next week with the company that that we are using to do that work on our behalf,” says Paul.

Max announced on November 27 that he was stepping down to take up a role as village manager at Ryman Healthcare's Bob Owens Retirement Village. He starts the new job on Monday overseeing 165 employees compared to 11 at the chamber.

He is celebrating a ‘quiet farewell' with chamber staff tonight.

Max says being chief executive of the chamber is one of the most fulfilling and privileged jobs in Tauranga. But the time is right to step down from the chamber for both the organisation and himself.

'I have always believed that one should always seek new challenges and I was perhaps starting to feel a bit of a comfort zone. And when that happens it's good for both the organisation and the individual to look at other options,” says Max.

Highlights for Max include working with many fine people contributing to the wider business community for little reward. Included in his list are chamber board members and sponsors, Westpac Business Award judges and the Maori Business Network all giving time, money or expertise in pursuit of the greater business good.

'They believe a vibrant business community is vital to the quality of life of the whole population, and it has been a pleasure working with them.

'In terms of collaboration and innovation, Tauranga and the Western Bay has something special. I have heard many, many people from other regions say how productive it must be to work harmoniously in such an environment.”