Trustees

Eastern Bay based

What motivated you to be involved with BayTrust?

The opportunity to have a young Māori voice heard at the table is important to me and is something that continues to motivate me. I believe in the BayTrust’s values and think that as a group we have a fantastic opportunity to provide greater support to those who need it most.

What are you most passionate about in supporting the community?

I have seen many examples of young people (Māori and Pasifika in particular) who haven’t had the opportunity, nor the expectation of them to create something greater for themselves and their whānau. This often stems from a sense of disconnection and their own lack of identity. I would like to see this changed.

What are your three favourite things about the local community where you live?

I like the natural landscape, the growing diversity of people, and the weather.

What are you excited about for the future of the Bay of Plenty?

I am excited to see young people provided with more opportunities and expectations to succeed.

Deputy Chair

Rotorua based

What motivated you to be involved with BayTrust?

I moved to Rotorua from London in 2012 and haven’t looked back. We love the region that is now home, and being a trustee is a great way for me to be able to give back.

What are you most passionate about in supporting the community?

Being able to support smaller organisations, who do so much good, but can often operate under the radar.

What are your three favourite things about the local community where you live?

We live near the redwoods in Rotorua, and I love walking with our dogs and the family there. We also enjoy the beautiful lakes around us and spend a lot of time there in the Summers. The weather is a huge improvement from the UK, so I really enjoy that too!

What are you excited about for the future of the Bay of Plenty?

More and more people are moving away from the bigger cities to regions that support better lifestyles. I think we will see growth as more people recognise what a wonderful place this is to live.

Rotorua based

What motivated you to be involved with BayTrust? 

The Bay of Plenty, especially the Eastern Bay, has been my home for my entire life.  Though the Bay of Plenty has gone through some hard times, I sense the vibrancy returning to our communities with much more opportunity for the communities to grow and I wish to be a part of that.

What are you most passionate about in supporting the community?

I am very passionate about jobs and also supporting grass-roots community organisations that are the backbone of many of our communities.

What are your three favourite things about the local community where you live?

More than anything - it is about the people, the people, the people.

What are you excited about for the future in the Bay of Plenty?

There are so many different ideas and kaupapa to help in the betterment of the Bay of Plenty - it excites me each and every day to help bring those to fruition.

Rotorua based

What motivated you to be involved with BayTrust?

As a family lawyer, I am aware of the issues that face our community.  I saw becoming a Trustee is a way to help those who are attempting to make improvements for our community and environment.

What are you most passionate about in supporting the community?

I am passionate about finding the best solutions for children and those most vulnerable. Bay Trust was another way that I could serve my community.

What are your three favourite things about the local community where you live?

There is a Māori proverb that perfectly articulates what I love most about my community;

He aha te mea nui o te ao?

He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.

What are you excited about for the future in the Bay of Plenty?

The BayTrust is innovative with its granting and I am excited to be part of that.

Rotorua based

What motivated you to be involved with BayTrust?

I’ve worked with many communities throughout the Bay of Plenty, I enjoy helping our local communities reach their own goals and aspirations, and see the important work BayTrust undertakes as a great opportunity to continue supporting our local communities.

What are you most passionate about in supporting the community?

My focus is on initiatives that promote self-resilience and will foster impactful collaboration as we are all in this together.

What are your three favourite things about the local community where you live?

The natural environment in Lake Okareka, including the lake, walking paths, mountain bike trails, birdlife, and nature. Everything is close, proximity to great beaches and the remoteness and peacefulness you can find in the Bay.

What are you excited about for the future of the Bay of Plenty?

I'm excited about greater community collaboration and where technology innovation can add value for our communities, especially for our more rural communities.

Eastern Bay based

What motivated you to be involved with BayTrust?

I believe in the values of BayTrust and I wanted to be part of the team that turns the words into actions.

What are you most passionate about in supporting the community?

Making the most of BOP life for our tamariki and rangatahi. I want the kids in our community to reflect on growing up here and be happy with their memories.

What are your three favourite things about the local community where you live?

• People still care for each other
• We can live off the land
• There is so much untapped potential for sustainable growth

What are you excited about for the future in the Bay of Plenty?

I am excited that we have a future. For a long while, the naysayers insisted the BOP would suffer from population migration, leading to failing communities. In fact, the opposite has happened, because many of us chose to lead successful communities. Let’s keep moving forward!

Taupō based

What motivated you to be involved with BayTrust?

I represent a number of Iwi Trusts in Tūwharetoa Taupo and Turangi regions and am familiar with neighbouring Iwi.

What are you most passionate about in supporting the community?

It is rewarding to distribute grants to assist meaningful benefits back to our community.

What are your three favourite things about the local community where you live?

Enjoying our beautiful picture post card view of Lake Taupo and the mountains, swimming at Patuiwi hot springs and boating around to Ngatirorirangi Carvings Mine Bay.

What are you excited about for the future in the Bay of Plenty?

I am excited to advance the BayTrust strategy for future climate change - a biggie for me.

Taupō based

What motivated you to be involved with BayTrust?

I am motivated by a passion for creating positive social change in the world, believing that the best place to start is in your own backyard. BayTrust's commitment to accelerating bold, meaningful change to help Bay of Plenty communities flourish aligns perfectly with my vision.

What are you most passionate about in supporting the community?

I am most passionate about assisting children born into vulnerable and less fortunate circumstances, ensuring they have opportunities to thrive. Additionally, I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact that fun and vibrant community initiatives can have in fostering connection and well-being. I believe these opportunities are essential to the role of the Trust in building stronger, more resilient communities.

What are your three favourite things about the local community where you live?

The natural environment – I feel exceptionally fortunate to live in a place surrounded by stunning landscapes, from the lake to the mountains. This environment keeps my family active and adventurous throughout every season of the year. The strong sense of community – The number of organizations run for the people, by the people, is incredible. The consistent support shown to those in need is both inspiring and heartwarming. Opportunities for connection – From vibrant festivals to grassroots programs, the variety of events and activities fosters a strong sense of belonging and keeps our community thriving.

What are you excited about for the future of the Bay of Plenty?

I am excited about the Bay of Plenty's potential to keep growing as a thriving, inclusive region that champions innovation and community well-being.

Rotorua based

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