Eastern Community Board Members - Eastern Community Sport and Recreation Inc

Rob Smith

Board Chair

A communications professional for more than 30 years, Rob has provided communication consultancy in the Christchurch market since 1995, serving a range of corporate, commercial and government clients, developing a proven track record, and delivering award-winning results.

Rob has been involved with another sports hub and Canterbury Korfball setup in Christchurch.

Wayne Turner

Treasurer

Wayne Turner is currently Club Manager of the Waimairi Beach Golf Club, a role which includes oversight of all elements of the Club operations.

Wayne has a wealth of sports administration -

Former Chair of the New Brighton Rugby Football Club 2003 - 2018, currently Board Trustee elected 2023.
Manager of the New Brighton Rugby Football Club Premier side for 20 years
10 years on Canterbury Tennis Match committee
30 years on the Shirley Tennis Club Management Committee
Junior Administrator at the Shirley Tennis Club since 1989

Poto Williams

Board Member

Munokoa Poto Williams represents a lot of firsts in New Zealand politics.

One of the first Cook Islands woman in parliament, Williams was also the first Pasifika MP to be elected from the South Island.

She held onto the Christchurch East seat at 2020 general election winning by over 14,000 votes against her nearest rival.

Retired from politics, Poto joined our board to improve our governance and community presence.

Alan Direen

Board Member

Alan works in strategic planning and project management for sports and venue developments. He has a background in education and has managed QEII Park. Played rugby for New Brighton back in the days of Saturday shopping.

Geraint (Geg) Howells

Board Member

Geraint Howells has a degree and post graduate diploma in Landscape Architecture and a background in multi disciplinary design. With over 30 years experience in Landscape Architecture & Planning, Design Consultancy, Interior Design and Architecture; Geg project managed the Eastern Canopy, Softball Diamond and Guardians of Rawhiti Natural Playground and Butterfly park development.

Jane Sullivan

Board Member

Jane is a Business Analyst and Project Manager with over 15 years experience delivering projects across Asia Pacific. She has an extensive IT background and will bring a positive and supportive attitude to the Board. Jane has been the Treasurer for New Brighton Netball and still is involved in the club.

Charlie Due

Board Member

Charlie grew up in New Brighton, played rugby for New Brighton and is back living here with his partner. He has been a driving member of American Football Canterbury and led them to join ECSR back in 2023. He is Senior Credit Strategy & Policy Manager at Westpac New Zealand Limited and welcome Charlie to the Board for his financial management and risk experience to improve our organisation.

Matt Vernick

Board Member

Matt is Kaiārahi Whaikaha |Disability & Inclusion Lead at Basketball New Zealand. Previously a high school PE teacher, Matt believes that sport is a powerful driver of community development, social cohesion and change. Matt is committed to helping make sport and recreation inclusive and accessible for everyone.

Matt is also a Board Member/Volunteer of TIMA NZ Charitable Trust, a Christchurch based charity who have Adapted Physical activity programs for disabled youth and adults.

Faye White

Board Secretary

As a Project Manager and environmental advisor for local tangata whenua, I bring a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, community, and meaningful outcomes for our local area.

I hold a Master’s degree in Applied Science in Environmental Management, with a focus on coastal environments and practical solutions to the challenges posed by rising sea levels.

Passionate about the outdoors and community-focused kaupapa, I value collaborative approaches that connect environmental knowledge, local perspectives, and practical action. As a member of the Board, I am committed to contributing my experience and perspective to support positive outcomes for our community.