Pacesetter appointed to lead the Manawatū Community Trust

Photo: Manawatū Community Trust General Manager Teresa Hague. — **Photo:** Manawatū Community Trust General Manager Teresa Hague.

Newly appointed General Manager of the Manawatū Community Trust Teresa Hague brings with her a wealth of experience and a reputation for ‘working at pace’. “I’m very mindful of my tendency to want things done quickly and well!”

With a background in Nursing and Midwifery during times of change in the primary health sector, Teresa acquired a strong interest in policy making and management. “It was the beginning of the business progression of my career.”

That progression has since seen her gain a Bachelor of Applied Management, and a Master of Business Administration.

Teresa has most recently been the Business Manager for the Whanganui Regional Health Network which is a charitable trust providing primary health services across Whanganui, Ruapehu and Taihape. Teresa’s role also covered the service management aspects of the Whanganui Accident and Medical Clinic.

“I have been involved in the health sector for a long time, but I felt the need for a new challenge,” she says. “A different industry, but with a charitable purpose.”

The Manawatū Community Trust (MCT) owns and manages 205 flats for pensioners and those with disabilities in Feilding, Rongotea and Sanson. It has also built and developed the site for the Feilding Health Centre and its soon to be opened Clevely Wing.

Teresa is looking forward to learning more about the Trust, developing relationships with its key partners and driving its strategic vision.

She says she is excited to be working with a young and energetic Trust Board brimming with future plans and fresh ideas.

MCT Chair Tyson Schmidt says, “the Board sought a Manager that could continue to build on the solid foundations we have developed, and help the Trust mature into its next phase of continuing our asset management work, further property developments, and exploring Community Housing Provider status. Teresa’s relaxed yet focussed approach is a perfect fit with our organisation.”

Teresa replaces Kevin Petersen who has retired after managing MTC operations for four years.

Schmidt says, “Kevin was only the second Manager the Trust has had since it was formed in 2008. I don’t think we could have got a better person for firstly navigating through a difficult initial period, and then building the team that performs so well today. Added to that Kevin also had to support pretty much a whole new Board in the last 18 months. To do all of that and to leave the Trust in such a strong position, is testament to Kevin’s skills and hard work.”

The Manawatū Community Trust was established as a not-for-profit organisation in 2008 by the Manawatū District Council.

In its undertaking to meet the high demand for affordable housing in the area, the Trust has recently gained resource consent to build a further ten single bedroom flats and two double bedroom flats in Feilding. The cul-de-sac of units, accessible off Beattie Street, will be known as Corrick Court and is expected to be completed early in 2023.

The MCT also supports the Senior Hub of Manchester Social Services and the MENZSHED.

For further information contact Teresa at teresa@mctrust.org.nz or 022 3477 618.