Eastern Community Board Members

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

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 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.

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.

Poto Williams has a background working on family and sexual violence issues. She has worked for the Ministry of Education, BirthRight, Healthcare NZ and disability agencies. She has served as a member of the Community Child Protection Review Panel, was involved in the Waitakere Community Law Service and Community Waitakere, and was part of the Living Wage Campaign and the LIFEWISE Big Sleepout.

She moved from Auckland to Christchurch's suburb of New Brighton in January 2013 to take up a position as regional manager of the St John of God Hauora Trust but resigned from that role to run for Parliament later that year.

New Zealand Labour Party politician and a member of Parliament. She was elected in a 2013 by-election and served as Minister of Conservation and Minister for Disability Issues in the Sixth Labour Government. Poto stood down at the 2023 election.

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.