Richard ANARU 

Independent 

Tena Koutou. 

I’m Richard Anaru and I’m of Ngati Whakaue and Tuwharetoa descent. I’m currently manager of Rotorua Rockshop and have been involved in the NZ music industry for a number of years. It has included musical direction/ governance for TV, film and recording as well as stage, performance and education. I am a keen cyclist, horseracing enthusiast and All Blacks fan along with my wife, Alison. 

As a resident of our beautiful city I want to contribute to the rebuild of Rotorua, post-Covid, in a way that will affect progress and make a difference to our diverse, multi-cultural and ever globally-aware community. If successful, my focus will be to highlight and support progressive, sustainable ideologies. 

Creating platforms for ideas to present themselves is vital in achieving success within our communities. 

If elected, I look forward to serving my rohe as part of the Rotorua Trust. 

No reira, tena koutou katoa. 

Gregg BROWN 

During Gregg’s first term as a trustee for Rotorua Trust, he chaired the Investment Committee and Audit and Risk committees. Gregg has held the Housing, Sport and Rec, and Environment portfolios. Previously Gregg served eight years as a trustee for Bay Trust, representing Rotorua’s interests. Community involvement includes six years as President of the Rotorua Mountain Bike Club; Founding Chairperson, Rotorua Trails Trust; twelve years as managing director for RideRotorua.com, a non-profit social enterprise promoting Rotorua mountain bike trails to the world. Current roles include Trustee John Paul College Chairing the Property and Finance Committee. Committee Member, Lake Okareka Community Association. Founder and Chairperson, Tipu Waiariki Charitable Trust. Gregg seeks one more term to bring his philanthropic and investment experience to strengthen Rotorua Trust’s financial position and deliver strategic granting to the community. Gregg was born and raised in Rotorua and is married to Suzie Brown; they have three children.

Nick CHATER 

I strongly feel the need to stand and be a proactive part of our community, especially supporting not-for-profit organisations that are an essential part of our community. As such, I’m standing for Rotorua Trust. 

My strength is a balanced viewpoint with a wide range of experience and skills: Business, Education, Social Services, Lakes Community Board, various Trust committees: both Trustee and Chairman roles, and Representation on National Boards and competition in sport at the highest level. 

Working for Te Waiariki Purea Trust with a key role of funding, I have a good knowledge around the funding process. Also a very clear understanding that without funders such as Rotorua Trust, we would struggle to have the reach and outcomes we have had. 

I am committed to supporting strategic directions, being part of a team with a positive mindset, and working beside all our many amazing organizations that do such great work. 

Tamati COFFEY 

I’m excited about what the future holds for the Rotorua Trust. Having served two terms as Deputy Chair, I have a deep understanding of the important role the Trust plays in the everyday lives of Rotorua people. I’m proud to have contributed to keeping the homefires burning for many of our community organisations, navigating our people through the uncertainty of the COVID-19 global pandemic. We undertook large scale investments in institutions like QEII hospital, whilst providing smaller funding grants, which kept locals employed and connected. Housing is the number one issue in our city, and I see the Trust playing a stronger role in this space over the next few years. 

I pledge my dedication to the Trust in exchange for your support, for one final term. I believe in the work of the Trust mō tatau katoa – for all of us.

Catherine Frances COONEY 

Cathy has lived in Rotorua for 28 years and is deeply involved in her community. She is commited to supporting the growth and development of organisations which contribute to the fabric and wellbeing of our society. 

She brings considerable experience and skill to the role of Trustee, with a background in nursing, management and governance. She has held leadership roles in the health and vocational education sectors for our region, along with volunteer involvement in community organisations. 

In 2021 Cathy received an MNZM for her contribution to health services and the community. She has a reputation for ethical leadership, integrity and for delivering results. 

She will provide objective assessment and consideration of the ways the Trust can add value and support to the aspirations of organisations and individuals. 

Cathy would be honoured to serve on Rotorua Trust. 

Stewart EDWARD 

With a strong, successful history of governance experience Stewart Edward brings to the Trust a wise guiding hand for the benefit of all of us in the Rotorua community. 

As the Trust Chairman for the past six years he is proud of how the Trust has been able to steer through the impacts of a global pandemic yet still contribute over $3.5 million back into the community over the past year alone. Plus, contributions have been made for major community items like the Rotorua Museum restoration. 

A robust strategic plan has been developed for the Trust so that further grants can be made, including impact investing, to help future community development projects. Combined with an organizational restructure the Rotorua Trust is well poised to act for the interests of us all. 

Keep a good “steward” on the Rotorua Trust.

Bryce HEARD 

Independent 

I moved to Rotorua from Murupara in 1984. I have a strong background in business and have been the chief executive of several medium to large Rotorua based companies including Tasman Forestry 9 years, FRI/Scion 8 years, Lockwood 7 years and the Rotorua Chamber 4 years. I am an active beef breeder and with my wife Karen, run our farm near Hamurana. I have owned and/or managed large importing/exporting businesses during my working career. 

As president of the NZ Forest Owners Association, I led the creation of the NZ Forest Accord (conservation) and the restructuring of the NZ ports in the 1990’s (exporting efficiency). 

I wish to give back to the city that is my home. I am strongly connected with the Rotorua community and believe that I am well qualified to ensure that scarce funds are allocated to the worthiest causes for the people of our beautiful city. 

Mike KEEFE 

QSM 

Mike has been nominated for a second term on the Rotorua Trust by retiring trustee Joanne La Grouw and Te-Arawa kaumatua, Monty Morrison. Their trust, confidence and support reflect their confidence in his continuing ability to serve. 

Social and service connectivity provide Mike’s deep insight into our community and its issues. 

Awarded the QSM for Community Service to Rotorua, Mike’s enthusiasm, passion and commitment continues with involvement in governance, volunteer and philanthropic causes. 

As chairperson of the BOP/Gisborne Lotteries Distribution Committee, he is experienced in how organisations benefit from prudent allocation of funds. 

A Judicial member of the Human Rights Tribunal, Justice of the Peace and a Graeme Dingle Foundation trustee, he remains dedicated to serving our community; empowering all to achieve their best, making Rotorua an even better place to live work and play. 

Of Te-Arawa/Kahungunu/European descent, he is married to Heather, has two adult children and three grandchildren. 

Ashton LEDGER 

Tēnā koutou katoa. Over the next three years, the Rotorua Trust has the opportunity to further support the rebuilding and revitalisation of communities in Rotorua and parts of Taupō and South Waikato. I stand to serve our residents, and recognise the not-for-profit groups and organisations dedicated to making positive differences and enriching our community with the work they do. As an educator in the tertiary sector, with experience in the creative industries, tourism, and hospitality, I believe I have the capabilities, characteristics, and community focus suitable for serving as a trustee. I aspire to be part of a team of trustees who represent the diversity of our community, build on the achievements of the past, and continue to evolve the Rotorua Trust’s strategic plan to keep our community going, growing, and glowing for all of us. 

Mō tatau katoa. Ngā mihi nui. Ko Ashton Ledger toku ingoa. No Rotorua ahau.

Brett John MARVELLY 

My name is Brett Marvelly. I have lived in Rotorua for over 50 years. I bring to the table integrity, financial skills, community awareness and always believe in accountability and transparency. Alongside these I am a positive, passionate person who believes in results. My wife and I owned and operated the Princes Gate Hotel for 30 years. NZ Tourism Award finalist for 3 years and voted best business in Rotorua during my tenure. Spent many years marketing our wonderful City both domestically and internationally. Chairman of the major hotels for 3 years. Have been a member of many Rotorua Tourism Boards. Member of the Rotorua West Rotary Club for 25 years. Board Trustee of Rotorua Girls High School for 3 years. Raised over $25,000 for Rotorua Hospice. My wife and I have given many years of support to the Rotorua community and feel very passionate about our City’s future needs.

Merepeka RAUKAWA-TAIT 

As a current Trustee I am acutely aware Covid-19 has impacted our city in many ways. Businesses and individuals that previously helped fund local not-for-profit organisations are no longer able to do so. Their incomes have been reduced and so has Rotorua Trust’s. The returns on our investments have suffered too. Everyone is having to do more with less. Nevertheless, the Trust knows how much the community needs our grants. We know charitable trusts are well linked into our communities, that their work is valued and they contribute to advancing social cohesion. I am always amazed at their committed leadership that identifies a need and creates the solutions that lead to positive change. In all my work, the Rotorua Trust is the one that brings me most joy. You literally see life changing results from the grants we give. I salute those in the sector for the work they do. 

Robyn SKELTON 

Passionate about Rotorua, I have spent many years in community development and bring a background of previous Board experience, strategic, finance, project, and contract management. I am Te Ati Awa and currently serve on the Graeme Dingle Board (youth programmes). A keen Rotarian, I started volunteering for people with disabilities in my 20s and Youth-at-Risk at Waiariki while completed a Master’s in Education (Science, Health, Environment). 

After 10 years as independent facilitator assisting communites build capacity and capability for managing local projects, followed by various management roles including Regional Council, Head of Registry at Waiariki/Toi Ohomai before becoming Tauranga City Council Executive Officer, I returned home and now manage Parksyde Community Centre (older person’s activity centre). I am committed to supporting community resilience, particularly housing, education, environment, and our vulnerable communities, through encouraging the right governance direction to assist community access funding and support. 

Ngā mihi ki a koutou katoa

Nicola SMALLWOOD 

Kia ora, I’m Nicola Smallwood. I’m very passionate about the incredible contribution our clubs, charities and societies make to the Rotorua community. 

I have worked in the not-for-profit sector for 10 years including Rotorua Community Hospice and I currently manage Graeme Dingle Foundation Rotorua. I volunteer for Citizens Advice Bureau, am a trustee for JDRF NZ, and have supported many organisations with fundraising events, proposals and grants. 

Rotorua Trust plays a vital role in ensuring that local community organisations are supported to create a positive Rotorua. As a Trustee, I would advocate for equitable funding models, be a young(ish) voice with real experience in the sector and continue to ensure the Trust follows a socially responsible investing model. 

In my spare time, you’ll find me biking in Whakarewarewa ngahere, swimming with Rotorua Association of Triathalon and Multisport squad, learning te reo Māori and enjoying an ice-cream or two!

Kahutapeka UTUTAONGA 

Independent 

Mauri Ora kia Koutou, 

He Uri ahau nō Te Arawa Whānui, I te taha o toku mama nō, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Kearoa, Ngati Tuara, Te Aitanga-a-Maahaki, Ngā Puhi, Tainui hoki, I te taha o toku pāpā nō Tuhourangi Ngati Wahiao. Na te Whanau Ututaonga, Jones, Bishop me Wikiriwhi. 

My name is Kahutapeka Ututaonga, I am 21 years old, a mother of two, Case Manager/Researcher at Te Kooti Whenua Māori and a Rangatahi Representative for Te Tatau o Te Arawa, I am standing for Rotorua Trust to extend my personal knowledge and possibly having the opportunity to give back to my community, I want to be able to bring my skills and abilities to the table to ensure fairness for all. I have experience being on funding committees and I loved every moment of it, I have gained so much knowledge from these committees and would love to share to the Rotorua Trust, I believe that this board needs a Rangatahi Māori, who has Strategic thinking and has an open mind I want the best possible outcome for our people of the Rotorua District. I believe in change for our community, and this is one way of making that change happen. 

Fisher WANG 

Kia ora koutou, its been an honour to serve you as our community’s youngest Councillor and on many community organisations across our beautiful district. I’m born and raised in Rotorua, and spent a few years studying overseas in Taiwan. I’m a qualified Resource Management Act Commissioner, and serve on boards for local organisations like the Rotorua Community Youth Centre Trust, Kai Rotorua, Rotorua Sustainable Charter and Life Education Trust, nationally with LGNZ and the Department of Conservation and internationally with the Global Covenant of Mayors on Climate and Energy. I’d love the opportunity to utilise my experience in governance and relationship building with a youth perspective to contribute to the strategic plan and vision of the Trust to make decisions with a positive benefit to our community. With your vote, I will work hard for our community so that together, we can build a positive future for Rotorua. 

Mercia YATES 

Rotorua is in my DNA – I am so proud to call this beautiful city, home. It is where my family has lived for 24 generations. Through my experiences; including in senior management, as a volunteer, Trustee, JP, Broadcaster and most recently as a Councillor (Lead of Arts and Culture), I believe that I have a skillset that would enhance the Trustee team. 

I have worked across our educational sector in Rotorua and hold extensive roles within our wider community on Boards and Trusts that support Schools, the Arts, Marae and Iwi. Nationally I hold Committee roles, including the Lotteries Individuals with Disabilities Committee that provides funding across Aotearoa NZ. 

Like the Trust, I work to make a real and positive difference to our Rotorua communities. I am super excited to be your representative on the Trust.