Graeme brings more than 15 years of business development and strategic partnership experience across the sport, construction, and international events sectors. A lifelong advocate for youth sport and community health, Graeme has worked locally and internationally to drive funding streams, build impactful relationships, and grow brand ecosystems that benefit athletes and communities alike.

Originally from Hawke’s Bay, Graeme has led sales and marketing teams in Europe, launched businesses in Australasia, and most recently founded Athletic Bean - a community-focused coffee initiative that reinvests profits into grassroots sport. His diverse background includes leadership roles in new home builds, endurance event management, and commercial sponsorships for high-performance sport.

Graeme is focused on forging strong partnerships with local businesses, national sponsors, and funding bodies to support the long-term sustainability of the Trust and its mission to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for the region.

Kelly joined the trust when it was formed in 2016, playing a vital role in its growth from a small operation into one of Hawke’s Bay’s leading sport and fitness facilities.

With a background spanning HR, administration, and operations, she now manages the Trust’s 60-bed accommodation hostel, working closely with local businesses, schools, and sports teams to deliver a seamless and welcoming experience.

Originally from Wellington, Kelly has called Hawke’s Bay home for over 19 years. Her career includes time in London and New Zealand with American Express, where she developed her strong organisational and customer service skills. With two sport-mad kids, a passion for golf, and a seat on the board of Hawke’s Bay Cricket, Kelly values the way sport connects people and is proud of the Trust’s role in providing facilities that bring the community together.

Chris is no stranger to sport in Hawke's Bay. He's worked across the region and beyond as a strength and conditioning coach, performance coach, and mentor, including seven years with the Big Barrel Hawks, work with Cook Island Netball, Hawke's Bay United FC, Basketball Hawke's Bay, Hawke's Bay Cricket, and Premier grade rugby and football clubs. His career has also taken him most recently into education, lecturing at the Eastern Institute of Technology, while running his own business. Chris also spent 17 years in the Navy, an experience that shaped the discipline and leadership he brings to his coaching today.

Chris holds a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science, is a Certified S&C Specialist through CSCS, a Professional Level 2 S&C Coach with the ASCA, and a Specialist in S&C through ISSA. But what sets him apart isn't just the qualifications, it's the way he works with people. Approachable and down to earth, Chris has a strong connection to te reo and tikanga Māori, and believes in using health, fitness and whakapapa as a way to build stronger, more resilient and confident versions of ourselves.

As Head of Sport and Fitness, Chris is building relationships across our wider sporting community and helping shape the pathways that support athletes and everyday members. His belief is that success is never achieved alone, Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari, he toa takitini.

Aaron holds a Bachelor of Business Studies from Massey University, majoring in Valuation and Property Management, and brings a well-rounded professional background to his role as Facilities Manager. With over a decade of experience in vineyard management and as a contract grower in the viticulture industry, along with a previous career as a property valuer, Aaron combines property expertise with operational and plant management knowledge, underpinning his practical, hands-on approach.

In his role, Aaron oversees the operational performance and maintenance of all critical building services while managing key communications with local suppliers. His responsibilities include ensuring pool water quality, air management systems, and the aquatic plant room are maintained to the highest standards. Extending across multiple facilities, Aaron provides infrastructure oversight and asset management to support the Trust’s operations, prioritising customer safety and modern innovation.

As a parent of active sports kids who use the Trust’s facilities, Aaron understands firsthand the importance of delivering safe, high-quality, and future-focused spaces for the community.