Steering Committee

Philip Macey – Chairman & Funding Management

Phil has over 30 years of experience operating as a chartered accountant in Taranaki, specialising in business strategy and restructuring, thus bringing an expert business financial lens to the table. With a previous life as a racehorse trainer, and now an avid Historic Muscle Car enthusiast and racer, supporting the Stratford Park project was a no brainer. “The significant economic and social benefits the project will bring to Stratford and the wider community cannot be denied- the multiple purpose facility is going to bring so many people and organisations together.”

Angela Paton – Environment

With a background in Agricultural Science, Angela worked in the primary sector for many years including seven in the thoroughbred breeding industry. She worked overseas in both the UK and Ireland for thirteen years, before returning home in 2010. While completing her law degree she continued to work in several areas, including the dairy manufacturing industry, the management of foreign trusts and ecological contract delivery for green spaces for the District Council. In addition to her work experience, Angela is passionate about everything community and outdoors, so being involved in the growth and development of the Stratford Park project is a perfect alignment.

Larni Burkhart – Engineering Design

 

With a wealth of knowledge in strategic infrastructure design, and making things go in the right place for long term success in her day job, Larni naturally slots into this role to drive the design of Stratford park, and all its associated nitty gritty. It is these skills, combined with her affinity for all things with wheels (with or without a motor) that make Larni involvement make sense. The vision of having a multi-purpose motorsport complex in the local neighbourhood, with the potential to gain international attention is something special for Stratford, and she is driven it get it off the ground.

Daniel Fuemana – Education

Daniel has 27 years of teaching and management experience in the Private Training Establishment (PTE) and Tertiary Education Institutions (TIE) teaching adult learners, leading applied research, developing new programmes of studies, and Head of Departments.

Prior to taking up a role in the education sector, Daniel spent over a decade in the building and construction industry as a contractor and project manager.  Daniel has extensive knowledge and experience in both education and industry and we are delighted to see him joining our team to support learners throughout the community and work with key partners and stakeholders around education opportunities.

Ian McCaul – A&P

Living his whole life in the Lepperton district, North Taranaki, Ian left Waitara High School at 16 and started work on the family farm and milked cows for a little over 40 years. Never wishing to do anything but work the land, Ian has been fortunate enough to do so, living still in Lepperton with his wife Mary, where they have raised their two children. 

Ian first began showing at the Stratford A&P back in the 1960’s, and it was a natural progression to be involved with the A&P executive, where he was President for many years.

Paul Vanner – President A&P

President of the Stratford A&P Assn, Paul has been a dairy farmer all his life. Living in Kaponga and milking 180 cows,. Paul’s children showed calves for many years and eventually he began showing cows. As an extension to this, Paul joined the A & P Assn about nine years ago to be part of the future of maintaining and growing the annual show. 

Paul is excited for the Project to advance and in not only what it will bring to the A&P Assn, but what it will bring to the local Stratford community.

Marion Webby – Driver Education

With an extensive career in Driver Education and Driver Safety and Fatigue, Marion was the perfect person to lead our Driver Education section of Stratford Park.

The face of Road Safety Taranaki in Hāwera, Marion is committed to leading the project in this area forward and welcomes any involvement from the community.

Vicki Jagersma – A&P 

 

With many years served as the A&P Executive Secretary, Vicki felt it was a natural progression in her career of Customer Service and Local Authority, that she gives back to the community that has supported her all my life.  

She believes that being able to be involved in the Stratford Park project where the Community can play, have fun and be entertained is special and a privilege.

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Kim Sharpe – Community

Living and working in the region for over 20 years, Kim and her husband own a dairy farm in Eltham.  Kim’s involvement with the A & P Association started over four years ago when she took up the Secretary’s role of the Taranaki Stockcar Car Club Inc (Stratford Speedway) where she now finds herself as President. 

Leading the club into the feature and ensuring it continues its reputation as one of the most outstanding Stockcar Clubs in NZ is a focus and Kim is excited to not only sit on the Steer Co Committee but also on the Management Board.

Emily Perrin – Equestrian 

Originally from suburban Wellington, in her work life Emily works as a contract Business Analyst, with a background in project delivery, change management and government administration. Growing up, she started riding as a teenager and was fortunate to ride and compete on other people’s horses for many years. With a deep passion for classical dressage, historical riding, and horsemanship, Emily moved to Taranaki about nine years ago.

Now based on a lifestyle property in Central Taranaki with her partner and horses, Emily is one of the founders of the local Working Equitation group and is actively involved with the Adult Riding Club. She organises and attends events, lessons and clinics, driven by a passion for fostering connections and learning experiences among people and their horses. In addition to her equestrian pursuits, Emily and is also a part of the Stratford Shakespeare Trust contributing to the vibrant local culture in Taranaki.

Brendan Attrill – Equestrian 

Graduating from Massey with a BAgSci, Dip Agr Sci, Brendan has continued to work in Agriculture, both in research and in managing Fonterra Farms and in the Agri Business sector. Having just completed a contract for Dairy Trust NZ, he runs his contracting business in Stratford and currently sits on the board for the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust.  Over the past 11 years, Brendan has been in partnership with the Taranaki Regional Council and FarmSource Sustainable Dairy advisors and has intensively planted riparian areas on 15 dairy units. He is actively involved in three community environmental projects, with a special interest in the protection of wetlands, on-farm tools to improve freshwater quality and the enhancement of biodiversity on Taranaki Dairy, Sheep and Beef properties. 

Brendan’s governance experience and previous experience working building sponsorship, relationships with the corporate sector whilst the National Manager of the Kiwi Dairy Farmer of the Year competition, makes him the ideal leader to drive the Equestrian project forward.

Board Members

Tony Ewens, Chair

Arun Chaudhari

Allie Hemara-Wahanui

Hemi Haddon

Sam Tamarapa

Jon Holmes

Phil Dally

Kim Sharpe

Philip Macey, Steer Co Chair

Stratford Park Heroes

Andrew Murphy

Passionate about leading the Stratford Park Project ahead, Andrew Murphy’s dedication and commitment to the cause has been exemplary.  With a love of all things motorsport, Andrew lead the Steer Committee, with the assistance of Phil Macey, to where it is today.  In early 2024, we sadly saw Andrew, wife Winnie and their son move to Australia to take up a new role in the oil industry where Andrew’s career is focused.

We know Andrew continues to support us from afar, and we look forward to catching up with him when he returns one day, hopefully soon!

Stratford Park Organisational Structure