Jon Lewin appointed Chair of Te Mata Park Trust

A lawyer with over 25 years’ experience in both private practice and corporate roles, Jon is currently a Senior Commercial Lawyer at Datacom. He is also Chair of the Te Mata School Board of Trustees, and a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors in New Zealand.

Jon takes the reins from outgoing Chair Mike Devonshire who served on the Board for the maximum term of nine years, eight of these as Chair. Devonshire said, “It’s been my privilege to serve as Chair and I am excited to see how the next chapter unfolds.”

“Jon brings strong legal and commercial skillsets to the board, and an ability navigate complexity while keeping the preservation and enhancement of Te Mata Park at the heart of every issue,” added Devonshire.

Speaking about his appointment, Lewin said, “I am delighted to take on the role of Chair and look forward to working with the Board, Mana Whenua roopu, staff, and the community, for the benefit of Te Mata Park.”

Jon and his young family live in the Tuki Tuki valley beneath Te Mata Peak. They enjoy mountain biking, dog walking, and trail running in Te Mata Park.

About the Te Mata Park Trust Board and Mana Whenua Roopu

The Te Mata Park Trust Board is made up of eight voluntary members, including two Hastings District Councillors. The Trust Deed stipulates that the Board include a descendant of the original grantors, and a Mana Whenua representative as approved by Ngati Kahungunu. 

The Trust adopted a co-governance model in 2018, with the creation of the Te Mata Park Trust Mana Whenua Roopu, which sits alongside the Trust Board in an advisory position. This model acknowledges that Te Mata Park is a taonga for tangata whenua and ensures that mana whenua views and values are central to the strategy and management of the Park. To find out more about the Trust Board, and the Mana Whenua Roopu, go here.