Kate is a Central Hawke’s Bay District Councillor, Trustee of the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust, and an active volunteer firefighter. She has had long involvement with NZ Young Farmers and rural communications, winning the Rural Champion category at the NZI Rural Women Business Awards in 2019.

Rizwaana is the Engagement Lead (Health Protectorate) and a midwife for Health NZ, with over a decade of civil defence volunteering. She has strong connections with migrant, refugee, Pasifika and rainbow communities across Hawke’s Bay, and specialises in cross-cultural engagement and community capability building.

Jarrod is a Senior Advisor with Te Uru Rākau New Zealand Forest Service and works closely with members of the National Māori Forestry association. He has extensive experience in hapū engagement, Post Treaty Settlement Governance Entities, the finance industry and forestry advocacy. A trustee of local charities and active in supporting whānau aspirations, Jarrod brings strong community ties and governance knowledge.

Paddy is the former District Resilience Manager for Tararua District Council and previously served as a Principal Rural Fire Officer. An active RSA leader and community organiser, Paddy is passionate about strengthening emergency preparedness and resilience for small rural communities.

Gina (Ngāruahine, Ngā Puhi) is Business Group Manager for Partnerships and Enablement at the Ministry for the Environment. Her career includes leadership roles at Oranga Tamariki and Central Hawke’s Bay District Council. She is an Associate Member of the Institute of Directors, with strong community and governance experience.

Liz is the Welcoming Communities Coordinator for Hastings District Council and has a decade of experience in settlement support, injury prevention, and emergency management. She collaborates with local organisations to create safer, more inclusive communities for newcomers across Hawke’s Bay.

Hine is a Director at Health Hawke’s Bay and has over 30 years’ experience in rural education and governance. She served three terms as a Wairoa District Councillor and was Deputy Mayor. Hine has strong regional knowledge and advocates for rural and provincial communities.

Brian has a background in rural firefighting and forestry, working with Pan Pac Forest Products Ltd to deliver fire planning and training. He previously held senior rural fire roles with Bay Forests Rural Fire Authority and Fire and Emergency New Zealand.