Sport Bay of Plenty Chief Executive to Leave After 24 Years

Sport Bay of Plenty chief executive Heidi Lichtwark will leave the organisation at the end of March 2027 after 24 years, including 13 years at the helm, as she prepares to relocate to another region.

Lichtwark has made the personal decision to step down and begin a new chapter, bringing a long leadership tenure with the regional sport and recreation organisation to an end.

Sport Bay of Plenty Board Chair Jeremy Mihaka-Dyer said the extended notice period would provide certainty for the organisation while allowing time to recruit and induct a successor.

He said Sport Bay of Plenty remained in a strong position, with a clear strategic direction, an experienced Board, and a committed team.

During her time with the organisation, Lichtwark has helped shape its approach to sport, recreation, play, physical activity and wellbeing across the Bay of Plenty.

She joined Sport Bay of Plenty in 2003 and has built partnerships with BayTrust, Sport New Zealand, councils, health and education agencies, regional sports organisations, clubs, funders and community groups.

Mihaka-Dyer said Lichtwark would leave a legacy across the sport, recreation and play sector.

“Her collaborative, relational style and care for our people and stakeholders have driven the organisation to an enviable position in the sector,” he said.

Lichtwark said she was proud of what had been achieved during her time with Sport Bay of Plenty and grateful to the people and organisations she had worked alongside.

“I’ve always believed that being active can make a real difference in people’s lives. What means the most to me is seeing what we have been able to make possible by working together,” she said.

The Board will oversee the recruitment of the organisation’s next chief executive and work with Lichtwark and the senior leadership team to ensure continuity during the transition.