New Te Mata Park trustees appointed

New Te Mata Park trustees, Shannon Bray and Liz Read.

Two new appointments have been made to the Te Mata Park Trust board to fill vacancies left by Michael Bate and trust chair Mike Devonshire who are stepping down after having served the maximum term of nine years voluntary service.

Hastings District Council is responsible for making these appointments to the Trust Board, which involved the Board’s chair in the short-list and interview processes.   

Councillor Malcolm Dixon, one of Council’s representatives on the trust board, said the contenders for the positions were all of a high calibre.

“It was a very robust process, with quality candidates, five of whom were interviewed for the position.”

The successful appointments were Liz Read and Shannon Bray.

Shannon lives in Havelock North, and said he was a regular park visitor.

“After three years acting as an aspiring trustee, I’m excited to be officially joining the trust board and I look forward to continuing to ensure that Te Mata Park is the best it can be.”

Liz said she was delighted to be joining the trust board.

“It’s a huge privilege to be able to contribute to ensuring the Park remains a protected taonga, valued and enjoyed by current and future generations.”

Outgoing trust board chair Mike Devonshire said the two appointments would bring strong skills to the table.

“This will help build on the good relationship we have formed with Council, and the good governance practice in place. Everyone at heart wants the best for Te Mata Park.”

The appointments are for an initial period of three years, and can be renewed for a further two terms.

The board is made up of eight voluntary members, including two Hastings district councillors.

3 July 2025

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