New trustee appointed to Te Mata Park Trust board

Hastings District Council has approved the appointment of Jess Thomas, following a recommendation from its Community and Civic Futures Subcommittee, which oversees trustee appointments to the Board.

She will be replacing Jonathan Hensman who retired from the board on 25 October after serving the maximum nine-year term.

Thomas had already been contributing to the Trust as an aspiring trustee, helping improve financial reporting, reviewing investment arrangements and supporting the annual budget process.

Trust board chair Jon Lewin said she had shown real commitment to the Trust over the past year.

“We are proud to welcome Jess formally to the board. She brings valuable skills and fresh thinking at an important time. Her perspective will strengthen the Board, and she’ll help us continue to protect and enhance Te Mata Park for generations to come.”

Her appointment is for an initial three-year term, from 26 October 2026 to 26 October 2029.

“Te Mata Park is an incredible asset for our community, and I’m thrilled to be part of ensuring it will continue to be available for future generations,” Thomas said.

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

ENDS