Georgina Fletcher Brings Fresh Perspective to Trust Horizon Boardroom

A familiar face in the Eastern Bay’s business and community circles is taking on a new perspective on the region’s development.

Georgina Fletcher has been appointed as Trust Horizon’s latest Board Observer through the Institute of Directors’ Future Directors programme, bringing experience spanning commercial property law, local government, business and community leadership to the role.

Fletcher, owner and director of Eastern Bay Distributors (Anchor Whakatāne), previously spent several years at Whakatāne District Council, where she was General Manager of Community Experience.

She is also Community Committee Lead at the Whakatāne Surf Lifesaving Club.

Her appointment comes at a time when community organisations across the Eastern Bay are navigating questions around long-term sustainability, investment and local wellbeing: areas Fletcher says she is keen to better understand from a governance perspective.

“My passion is giving back and applying my skills towards kaupapa that benefits communities,” Fletcher said.

She said the role would allow her to reconnect with organisations she worked alongside during her council career, but from a different position.

“I’m really excited to get around the board table, and find out more about the aspirations, plans, and progress of the Eastern Bay’s brilliant community organisations,” she said.

Trust Horizon Chair David Glover said Fletcher’s combination of governance, operational and community experience made her a strong fit for the role.

“Georgina brings a wealth of experience in strategic thinking, operational governance and community partnership,” Glover said.

The appointment also marks the second year that Trust Horizon has participated in the Future Directors programme, which places emerging governance talent with host boards for 12 to 18 months.

Outgoing Board Observer Kataraina Monika said her year with Trust Horizon had given her a stronger understanding of strategic and values-led governance.

She said the experience had strengthened her perspective and commitment to governance “grounded in lasting prosperity for our people and places”.

For Trust Horizon, the programme provides more than an opportunity for an emerging director to gain boardroom experience.

Fletcher’s appointment also gives the organisation access to someone with established relationships across the Eastern Bay’s local government, business and community sectors.

Glover said Fletcher would bring “valuable new connections and insights” to the boardroom.

For Fletcher, the immediate focus will be on listening, learning, and gaining a deeper understanding of the priorities facing the region’s community organisations.

Her 12 to 18-month term will allow her to see those decisions made at governance level, while giving Trust Horizon another perspective on the communities it serves.