Hon Mark Mitchell
Minister for Sport and Recreation

Two new members have been appointed to the board of Eden Park Trust, Sport and Recreation Minister Mark Mitchell says.

“Marama Royal MNZM (Ngāti Whātua) and Hon Simon Bridges (Ngāti Maniapoto) will be bringing their extensive governance experience and passion for the Auckland region to support the leadership of New Zealand’s largest stadium.

“I am confident that these appointments will add fresh perspectives and expertise to help lead Eden Park through the current conversations about the park’s future.

“Marama Royal MNZM is Chair of the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust Board and has extensive governance experience. She is an esteemed and experienced iwi leader who will bring significant governance experience, strong networks and deep understanding of the whenua to the role.

“Hon Simon Bridges is well known for his political experience where he served in several Cabinet positions, and more recently for his role as CEO of Auckland Business Chamber. His experience in both political and commercial settings offer unique perspective, skillset, and networks that would enable the board to thrive.

“I have also reappointed Kereyn Smith CNZM and Bill Birnie CNZM as members of the board to continue their steadfast commitment to the future of Eden Park.

“These appointments and reappointments will ensure strong leadership and a commitment to the future success of New Zealand's iconic stadium,” says Mr Mitchell.

“I also acknowledge outgoing members, Victoria Toon and Renata Blair, whose terms ended in February. They have been influential in supporting relationships with residents, iwi and commercial entities, and I thank them for their services to the board over the years.”

Notes:

Eden Park Trust is governed by a board of nine trustees operating under a trust deed.

Up to five of these trustees are appointed by the Crown. Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage helps the Minister for Sport and Recreation make these appointments. Two trustees are appointed by Auckland Cricket and two by Auckland Rugby.

Find out more about the current Board membership on the Eden Park website.

The Eden Park Trust Board (Eden Park)

Biographies:

Marama Royal MNZM (Ngāti Whātua) is Chair of the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust Board and has considerable governance experience across various sectors including education, horticulture, international aid, charitable and community. Her earlier career includes 20 years with the Ministry of Justice and Courts, and 18 years with Victim Support New Zealand. Ms Royal has led Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei to establish strategic and relationship agreements with Foundation North, Sky City Auckland, the University of Auckland, Eden Park and the Ministry of Pacific Peoples. She has facilitated growth of the iwi through such relationships. In 2025, Ms Royal become a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori and governance.

Hon Simon Bridges (Ngāti Maniapoto) is a former politician, lawyer, and a businessperson. He is currently CEO of Auckland Business Chamber, and Board Chair for NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi along with other current business interests. Previously, he was the National MP for Tauranga and is a former Leader of the National Party and Leader of the Opposition; he served in several Cabinet positions, including Minister for Transport and Minister of Economic Development. Before his political career, Hon Bridges was a litigation lawyer for a major New Zealand law firm, Dentons (previously Kensington Swan), and was a Crown prosecutor in the District and High Courts.

© Scoop Media