"Graeme is very well respected within the sport community, both locally and nationally. He also gives us an additional connection with Napier City Council and Napier residents."
Sport Hawke's Bays constitution doesn't provide for council appointees to the board. However, Mr Taylor's appointment further strengthens the Regional Sport Trust's relationship with Napier City Council. That complements the connection the trust has with Hastings District Council through Malcolm Dixon and Mr Harvey's roles as district councillors.
Sport Hawke's Bay chief executive Mark Aspden said there had been many operational highlights during the last year as well as a "steadying of the ship" following some key appointments.
"In the last financial year we reported a larger than expected financial surplus but that wasn't a true reflection of our position as we had periods without key personnel, including the chief executive and commercial manager positions."
"In the 2015/16 financial year we budgeted for an operating loss of $5169 but achieved an operating surplus of $4382, which was a pleasing result, particularly as changes to Accounting Standards resulted in some of our 2015/16 revenue being re-allocated to prior periods."
Mr Aspden signalled that the organisation has also entered in to a new four-year funding contract with Sport New Zealand which is slightly reduced from the previous term.
"Like many organisations in the sporting sector, we are finding funds increasingly difficult to attract.
"We will continue to manage expenses closely and we will look to develop new revenue streams so that we can maximise the services we provide to the region."
