Changes at the Sport Bay of Plenty Board

Chairman of the Board Grant Utteridge earlier this year signaled his resignation after nine years at the helm. Photo/File

As Sport Bay of Plenty edges closer to its 30th anniversary changes at the helm of the Board of Trustees have been confirmed.

Chairman Grant Utteridge signalled his resignation after nine years at the helm earlier this year.

Sport Bay of Plenty chief executive Heidi Lichtwark said Mr Utteridge would be greatly missed.

"Over the past nine years he has made a huge contribution to Sport BOP governance. His calm and considered approach to all situations has provided both stability and direction to the organisation.

"Grant has shown his commitment to sport governance in many formal and informal ways - he always walks the talk; and is an inspiration to the Sport Bay of Plenty board and employees. As CEO his ability to both support and challenge me in equal measure has provided a guiding light for leadership. A truly dedicated person."

Mr Utteridge stepped down last month as the new chairperson, Paul Wollaston, was confirmed in the role.

Mr Wollaston has been a trustee for the past six years alongside his full time position as the Director Finance & Corporate Services at Waiariki Bay of Plenty Polytechnic.

"Sport BOP is thrilled that a long standing board member, accountant, and experienced business professional has become the new chair of the board," said Ms Lichtwark.

"Paul has demonstrated his commitment to quality governance over the past 6 years and we look forward to his leadership."

After 9 years of service Paul Owen from Opotiki has also retired from the board. He had many years of sports governance experience and a wealth of knowledge of sport in the Bay of Plenty.

Vaughan Bidois and Rawinia Kamau are the new trustees to the board.

Mr Bidois lives in Tauranga but works in Whakatane as a senior lecturer and researcher for Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi.

"I am extremely humbled to be a part of a talented group of board members and look forward to contributing to the goals and aspirations of Sport Bay of Plenty," he said.

Ms Kamau is closely connected to the community through her role as Eastern Bay Energy Trust Manager. She has almost two decades of governance experience across a range of sectors ranging from the Chamber of Commerce and Iwi Trusts through to Credit Union and scholarship trusts.

"I am pleased to be a part of the Sport Bay of Plenty board to build on the strengths of the organisation as well as bring a perspective from an individual that has chosen to live and raise my active family in the Eastern Bay of Plenty."

Sport Bay of Plenty Board Members:

Paul Wollaston - Chairperson
Graham Young
Jo Tisch
Mary-Ann Nixon
Rawinia Kamau
Shirley Baker
Vaughan Bidois
Grant Utteridge - ex officio role till the end of 2016