Bay of Plenty Local Advisory Committee - mihi mai rā.
Read more about the members of the Bay of Plenty Local Advisory Committee.
SOIFUA PEARSON (Chair) | |
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Soifua works for the National Public Health Service, Health NZ, and has an extensive governance background. She serves as Co-Chair of SociaLink, Deputy Chair of Amanaki Trust, and Board Member for Tautoko Mai Sexual Harm Support, Bay Financial Mentors, and Hui!E Aotearoa. Deeply connected across health, social services, and arts sectors, she mentors emerging leaders and champions resilience and inclusivity across the Bay of Plenty. |
TE RIKA TEMARA-BENFELL (Deputy Chair) | |
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Te Rika, of Ngāi Tūhoe, Waikato-Tainui, Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Manawa, Ngāti Whakaue, and Ngāti Pikiao descent, is a governance leader with experience across charitable, Māori, political, and public service sectors. He serves as Kaitohutohu Matua (Iwi Partnerships) at Te Puni Kōkiri, member of the advisory boards such as Toi Kai Rawa and the LEGO Foundation SPIRIT Global Council, and his Marae, Hapū, and Tribal Authority. |
SAM FELLOWS (Member) | |
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Sam is a Manager of City Partnerships for Tauranga City Council, with extensive governance experience across the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union, Momenta Charitable Trust and Institute of Directors. He is passionate about supporting the disabled community, education, rugby, and contributing to resilient communities. |
CLINTON NAUDE (Member) | |
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Clinton is a former senior leader in Civil Defence Emergency Management in the Bay of Plenty, now running Strategic Blue Consultancy. Originally from South Africa, he brings decades of emergency and crisis management experience and remains strongly connected to governance and community development in the region. |
MIKE CHAPMAN (Member) | |
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Mike was a Chief Executive of Horticulture NZ until 2021 and brings extensive governance and advocacy experience. With strong connections in the horticulture sector, Mike has led lobbying efforts for improvements in employment and immigration policy, supporting sustainable primary industries. |
GEORGIA MISCHEFSKI-GRAY (Member) | |
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Georgia is a Strategic Policy Analyst at Whakatāne District Council, focused on climate change. A passionate advocate for sustainability and rural community development, she draws on previous experience in farm management and extensive volunteer involvement across environmental and community organisations. |
JAY BOCOCK (Member) | |
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Jay has held senior leadership roles across tertiary education, iwi development, business and emergency management. While serving as a CEO for a security company, he stepped in as a coordinator for the Whakaari White Island response in 2019. Jay brings strong governance and advisory experience to community safety and resilience efforts. |
CAREY URLICH (Member) | |
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Carey has a background in governance and business, currently working with Zespri International. She is a Trustee at Te Kura o Matapihi, Bay Venues, Digital Seniors and a Board Chair of Te Kohanga Reo o Te Akau. Carey is deeply connected across vulnerable sectors, industry and rural communities. Carey has links to multiple iwi, including Tūhourangi (Rotorua). |
The map below shows the area that the Bay of Plenty LAC covers