There are three new faces on the Central Lakes Trust (CLT) board following its recent election.

Lake Hāwea resident Dave Currie, CNZM, Dr Chris Phoon, and Neil Gillespie have been newly elected to the board.

They join re-elected trustees Kathy Dedo - who is also the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB) deputy chair - and Trudi Webb.

The CLT also has three appointed trustees: Linda Robertson, Kathy Grant, and Simon Flood.

“We’re excited to welcome our new trustees to the board,” CLT chair Linda Robertson said.

“Their fresh perspectives, combined with the experience of our re-elected and appointed trustees, will strengthen our ability to deliver on CLT’s mission.”

CLT operates as a charitable trust that offers financial support for charitable initiatives with the goal of improving the lives of local residents and creating lasting positive impacts in the region.

Each month it distributes grants to a range of community organisations and not-for-profits.

Kathy, who said she felt incredibly privileged to be re-elected, said the mission was to “enhance assets and enrich lives”. 

“This means making wise investment decisions to maintain and grow our portfolio - this takes more of our time than granting does,” she told the Wānaka App. 

“This in turn enables us to support community groups and projects that enrich lives throughout the region.”

Linda said the new board was a “fantastic team committed to supporting vibrant, resilient communities across our funding region".

All three of the new trustees bring extensive leadership and governance expertise to the table, she said. 

Dave Currie has held prominent roles including Chef de Mission for New Zealand Olympic and Paralympic Teams, executive director of the Halberg Trust, and manager of the Black Caps. 

Dr Chris Phoon contributes significant governance experience through his involvement on national and international surgical committees and he is a founding member of the Mahu Whenua Traverse.

Neil Gillespie, an Otago Regional Council councillor, has a wealth of local government knowledge with over 27 years’ experience on community boards and council, Linda said.

The voter return percentage for the election was 20.45 percent.

PHOTOS: Supplied