New Board for Opera House
The recently completed Hawke’s Bay Opera House will now be run by a Business Unit Board put in
place by Hastings District Mayor Lawrence Yule.
The Board met for the first time on Monday 3 December and is made up of John Buck, Anna
Jepson, Bryan Hutchinson, Dianne Abraham and Deputy Mayor Cynthia Bowers. The new
Hastings District Council Chief Executive, when appointed, will also have a seat on the Board.
John Buck, who has been involved in the upgrade of the Hawke’s Bay Opera House for several
years, was appointed to the position of Chair.
John Buck, owner of Te Mata Estate Winery, said the purpose of the Board was to advise the
Opera House team as they move forward from a construction phase to a fully operational phase.
“Importance has been placed on making the most of the facility, keeping to budgets, and ensuring
the wishes of sponsors and the public are recognised in the best possible way,” he said.
“All members of the Board are extremely passionate about the facility and the benefits the Opera
House will bring to the community,” said Mr Buck.
The Hawke’s Bay Opera House Business Unit Board will meet monthly for the first six months,
then bimonthly going forward.
Brief Biography of Board Members
John Buck
Executive Chairman of Te Mata Estate Winery
Has received Fellowship of the New Zealand Wine Institute
Has received an O.B.E from the Crown for services to the wine industry.
Former Chairman of New Zealand Wine Institute and Hawke’s Bay Vintners Association.
Was significantly involved in the fundraising efforts for the Hawke’s Bay Opera House.
Business Owner of Urban Retreat Clinics for 21 years
Advocate of doing business in Hastings City
Believes strongly in setting and maintaining international standards within business
Involved with Hawke’s Bay Opera House fundraising appeal during the construction period
Bryan Hutchinson
Business Owner of Bryan Hutchinson Ltd in Hastings for over 40 years
Awarded Businessman of the Decade in 2006
Business tenant of the Hawke’s Bay Opera House complex
Former Hastings District Council Councillor and Deputy Mayor
Dianne Abraham
Employment Relations business owner for 12 years
Current franchise owner of Smart Hastings
Current Chairman of Opera Hawke’s Bay
Neighbouring business to the Hawke’s Bay Opera House
Has extensive knowledge in the business service sector
Extensive experience and understanding of musical theatre and Opera both on and off stage.
Cynthia Bowers
Is serving a fifth term as a Councilor for the Hastings District Council.
Has been appointed Deputy Mayor for three concurrent terms.
Is a member of Institute of Chartered Accountants of New Zealand
Member Hastings District Landmarks Trust, Art Deco Trust, NZ Historic Places Trust,
Chairperson Creative Hastings
ends