Board of Directors

MARK SOWMAN

A self-employed Insurance Adviser, Mark has always lived and worked in Hawke’s Bay. He has been involved in Gaming Trust administration on and off since 2002 and has a wide knowledge of many local sporting and community organisations. He served 7 years as Chairman of the Hawke’s Bay Community Law Centre.
Whilst a keen follower of most sports his passion is rugby and was recently elected to the Board of Hawke’s Bay Rugby Union. He is a Life Member of Hastings Rugby & Sports Club.
Mark joined as a Director in 2015 and is the Chairman.

DENNIS OWEN

Another local, Dennis is retired after 45 years’ service as a Trust Administrator with the Public Trust. Whilst a keen golfer and Club Board Member his first passion was hockey and is a Life Member of Akina Rovers Hockey Club and Hawke’s Bay Hockey Association. He continues to volunteer in this regard. Dennis was a founding Director in 2012.

GORDON TRIPP

Educated at Hastings Boys High School, Gordon has spent most of his life in the Hastings District. A Civil Engineer and former CEO of Infracon Ltd for 15 years he is currently an Operations Manager for the Hastings District Council. He has a keen interest in most sports, but Pigeon racing has been a life long passion. He is Chairman of Central Districts Pigeon Racing. A key driver for Gordon is ensuring the funds raised are returned responsibly to the community. Gordon was a founding Director in 2012.

PAUL DANIEL

Born in the South Island, Paul moved to the Hawke’s Bay in the 1980’s.
Now semi-retired he has been involved with orcharding, building, hospitality, and accommodation industries.
He has a long association of service to rugby and the Hawke’s Bay Rugby Union, being the immediate past President. Paul maintains a keen interest in all sports, especially Polo.