Sarah Austin-Smith appointed as Park Manager

Sarah is passionate about protecting and enhancing our natural spaces for everyone to enjoy, and has a strong background in organisation, stakeholder management, and administration.

Working with a close knit team of staff under the direction of the Te Mata Park Trust Board and the Mana Whenua roopu, the Park Manager role is instrumental in the operation of the Park and the delivery of the Trust’s objectives.

Mike Devonshire, Chair of Te Mata Park Trust, said, “We are delighted to welcome Sarah to the Park team and look forward to working alongside her as we continue to enhance and protect this treasured land.”

Speaking about her appointment, Sarah Austin-Smith said, “Taking on the role of Te Mata Park Manager feels like coming home. Te Mata Peak is a significant place for me, and I am honoured and privileged to be part of the kaitiakitanga of such a significant Hawke’s Bay taonga.”

Sarah spent her formative years in Hawke’s Bay and Auckland, going on to study geography, earth science and organisational management at Waikato University. Sarah broadened her wealth of administration, organisational, and customer service experience across a range of sectors, most recently as the Administration Manager for Biodiversity Hawke’s Bay.

“Bringing in Sarah’s biodiversity experience and network will enhance many of our projects, particularly our native restoration work and wetland development,” said Devonshire.

“I look forward to working alongside such a passionate group of trustees, mana whenua, staff, and volunteers, to protect and enhance our maunga,” Austin-Smith added.

Sarah can be reached on sarah@tematapark.co.nz.