Board appointments to Eden Park Trust and Drug Free Sport New Zealand

September 24, 2018

New Zealand Minister for Sport and Recreation Grant Robertson has announced Board appointments to Drug Free Sport New Zealand and Auckland's Eden Park Trust.

Announced on Friday, Minister Robertson advised that Renata Blair and Victoria Toon have been selected as Crown-appointed trustees to the Eden Park Trust Board.

With the Board accountable for the venue’s financial and strategic management, the Crown appoints five of the nine Board trustees.

Advising of the appointments, Minister Roberston stated “both appointees bring valuable skills and experience to the Board."

Experienced company director Renata Blair, of Ngāti Whātua and Tainui descent, is a member of the Institute of Directors and owner of Strategic Pathways Ltd, a large scale events management company.

Minister Roberston advised “an elected member of the Ngāti Whātua Orākei Trust, he is a Director of the Ngāti Whātua Orākei Reserves Board and a member of the Independent Māori Statutory Board. Renata Blair is also a trustee for the Wynton Rufer Soccer School of Excellence Charitable Trust set-up to develop world-class soccer players.

“Chartered accountant Victoria Toon chairs the Auckland Public Practice Special Interest Group of Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand. She is the owner and director of Auckland insolvency firm Corporate Restructuring Ltd, specialising in the insolvency and restructuring of small to medium-sized enterprises.

“Since 2007 Victoria Toon has been a member of the Eden Park Residents Association and has been closely involved in the Trust’s work to engage with local residents.”

The Minister thanked outgoing members Morris Pita and Michelle Boag for their nine-year tenures on the Board.

Both appointments are for terms of three years.

At Drug Free Sport New Zealand , experienced sports medicine practitioner Dr Ruth Highet has been appointed to the Board.

Herer Minister Robertson advised “Dr Highet is a former New Zealand triathlon representative and brings her experience as team doctor at two Commonwealth Games in 1994 and 1998 and two Olympic Games, 1996 and 2000, to the role.

“A past medical director of Bike NZ, NZ Gold, Softball NZ and Equestrian NZ, Dr Highet is the president of the Wellington branch of Sports Medicine NZ.”

Wanaka-based Dr Highet replaces Dr John Mayhew. She joins reappointed members Sarah Ulmer, Tim Castle and Chair Justice Warwick Gendall QC.

Keven Mealamu completes the five member board.

Image: Eden Park from the air.

30th August 2018 - Eden Park gets lighting makeover

5th March 2018 - Eden Park looks to stage live entertainment events

12th February 2018 - Eden Park adapts All Blacks’ dressing room into wedding chapel

25th October 2017 - Leisure portfolios on front bench in New Zealand’s new Government

29th September 2017 - Eden Park Trust appoints new Chief Executive

6th July 2017 - Drug Free Sport New Zealand announces new Chief Executive

15th April 2016 - Drug Free Sport NZ wins international awards for new learning programme

14th March 2016 - Drug Free Sport launches anti-doping e-learning programme

30th September 2014 - Eden Park Trustees reject Auckland Council cost-cutting proposal

30th September 2009 - Five trustees appointed to new Eden Park Trust Board

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