Former Magpie appointed as Iwi representative on Sport Hawke’s Bay Board

Former Hawke’s Bay Magpie Aayden Clarke has been appointed to the Sport Hawke’s Bay board as the Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi representative.

Sport Hawke’s Bay chairman Damon Harvey said Mr Clarke brings a wide range of skills and stakeholder connections to the board. He replaces Kevin Tamati who stepped down earlier this year following a move to Australia for business opportunities.

“Aayden is an up and coming leader in the community and brings strong tertiary education, entrepreneurship and professional sporting experience to our governance team. We are thrilled to have someone of Aayden’s calibre joining us as we look to launch our new strategic plan in the next couple of months,” Mr Harvey said.

Mr Clarke is a consultant for various iwi across New Zealand focusing on tertiary education and Māori economic development. Prior to this he was assistant head of school for Trades & Technology at EIT.

He has a passion for entrepreneurship and business with several business ventures of his own as well currently contracting to the New Zealand Rugby Union assisting rugby players with personal development their off field careers and skills.

Mr Clarke said he was honoured to be asked by Ngāti Kahungunu to represent the iwi on Sport Hawke’s Bay.

“Being from Wairoa I am very proud to be representing my Iwi on the board. We have many challenges in getting people active and healthy and I’m looking at making a valuable contribution.”

Dr. Adele Whyte, Ngāti Kahungunu Chief Executive Officer added “We are very keen to maintain and develop the strong relationship between our organisation and Sport Hawke’s Bay and we see Aayden as being the ideal person to do so.”

Mr Clarke played 46 games for the Hawke’s Bay Magpies from 2004 to 2009.

He continues to be actively involved in club rugby as a player, supporter as well as board governance.

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