The Tōmoana Showgrounds Charitable Trust has welcomed three new trustees to help guide the future of one of Hawke’s Bay’s most significant community assets.
Joining the Trust are independent trustees Matt Jones and Justin Leydesdorff, while Erena Tomoana has been appointed as the Waipatu Marae representative and educator.
The additions will assist with the Trust’s governance as Tōmoana Showgrounds continues its transition following Hastings District Council’s purchase of the 42-hectare site to protect it as a long-term community asset.
Mr Jones and Mr Leydesdorff bring extensive local and national experience across events, recreation, governance and community development, while Ms Tomoana’s appointment maintains and strengthens the Trust’s connection with mana whenua and reflects the cultural significance and whakapapa of Tōmoana.
The new trustees join Trust chair and former Hastings District Council Mayor, Sandra Hazlehurst, who represents the Council, and Simon Collin, who represents the Hawke’s Bay A&P Society.
Mrs Hazlehurst said the appointments brought together a broad range of skills and perspectives at an important time for the venue.
“Tōmoana Showgrounds has a proud history and an exciting future. These new trustees bring experience, fresh thinking and strong community connections that will help shape the next chapter for this special place,” she said.
“Our role is to ensure Tōmoana continues to evolve as a venue that serves the whole community while respecting its heritage and cultural significance.”
Working in partnership with Hastings District Council, the trustees are developing a draft master plan that will articulate a long-term vision and stewardship principles to help guide the future management and development of Tōmoana Showgrounds.
Informed by community feedback, maintaining and enhancing public access would be a key priority. Once completed, the draft plan will be released for further community feedback before being considered for adoption, ensuring the community continues to play an important role in shaping the future of the showgrounds.
