HNZT Trustees
Our volunteer trustees have decades of experience and are well-connected to our community.
Anthony Young - Chair
Antony spent 20 years in New York, London and Asia leading media and communication firms before settling in the Horowhenua. He advises companies on digital and media strategy; is a board member of Business Kāpiti Horowhenua; and previously co-owned a local blueberry farm.
Ron Turk
More than fifty years ago, Ron Turk and his family moved to Foxton where they founded their successful poultry business, Turk’s Poultry. Since then, Ron has helped transform a small egg business into a prosperous company employing almost 270 people - as well as raising three children. A strong believer in ethical and sustainable farming practices, Turks has been accredited as a Conscious Consumers supplier. Ron applies the same ethics to his community, with Turk’s supporting a variety of community groups and initiatives including the Foxton Rugby Club, the Horowhenua Taste Trail, Manawatū Boating Club and Rescue Helicopter.
Jo Mason
Horowhenua has been home to Jo for many years after being raised in rural Kapiti. Jo brings a strong background in leadership, management, and governance with a focus on achieving best practice through a collaborative leadership style. Jo has a Bachelor of Applied Management and previously worked in the Social Service sector regionally and owned her own local Automotive business. She is a former elected member of the Horowhenua District Council completing 3 terms as a district councillor. In her final triennium (ending October 2022) she held the role of Deputy Mayor as well as Chair of the Hearings Committee and deputy Chair of Community Wellbeing . Jo continues working in the Horowhenua community through her engagement with both business and voluntary work with a belief that wellbeing for a district is both socially and economically intertwined.
Stuart Pescini
Stuart has been involved in the real estate industry since 1986, being a business partner at Harcourts Team Group Realty until 2022. Stuart now works as a consultant to Harcourts in the Manawatū having recently passed the batten on to new owners. Over his long tenure, the business grew to be the second largest real estate franchise in New Zealand. He has developed vast experience in residential, commercial and the rural field, and is adept at managing and developing highly effective teams. He has made a significant contribution to the Horowhenua District and has helped shape the landscape of Levin. With interests in sport, farming and real estate, Stuart welcomes the challenge to explore opportunities which will benefit the communities within Horowhenua.
Troy Hobson
Troy has over 25 years’ experience in the finance and banking industry in both NZ and the UK dealing with complex financial instruments, as well as an established executive leadership career in agribusiness management and governance of iwi farming and commercial property interests. Troy is a member of the NZ Institute of Directors. In 2013-2014, he acted as a member of the Commercial Negotiations Advisor for the interests of all Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairarapa-Tamaki Nui a Rua in its Treaty of Waitangi settlement negotiations with the Crown and was an active Director and Chair of Tahamata Incorporation, an Iwi owned Dairy Farming Business located in the Horowhenua District, from 2003 until 2021. Troy holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in AgriBusiness,Post Graduate Diploma of Commerce from Lincoln University and was a Kellogg Rural Scholar in 2022.
Rebecca Kilsby-Halliday
Rebecca has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Agriculture & Rural Valuation) and worked for the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and Meat & Wool NZ prior to moving to Levin. Rebecca is a dedicated member of the Horowhenua rural community with diverse business interests that encompass dairy, sheep and beef farming, as well as an apple cider orchard. Additionally, she manages a rental housing portfolio in Levin.