New Trustee from Wairarapa appointed to the Board

13 Jan 2026

Eastern & Central Community Trust (ECCT) is pleased to announce the appointment of John O’Connell as a new trustee to its Board in 2026, alongside the reappointment of Josie Willis from Central Hawke’s Bay for another term.

Community Trust board appointments are made by the Minister of Finance under the Community Trusts Act 1999. Trustees are selected for their professional expertise and community-based experience and must reside within the Trust’s region.

ECCT warmly welcomes John O’Connell from South Wairarapa to the Board. John has lived near Greytown since 2009, where his children attended local schools. Originally from Christchurch, he holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Management (Finance Major) from Lincoln University and brings over 30 years of leadership experience in the community and not-for-profit sector.

Passionate about the power of communities, John believes in building strength from within and is excited about ECCT’s role as an enabler of positive change. He currently serves as Presiding Member of the Wellington-Wairarapa NZ Lottery Grants Board Committee and is a Board member of Life Education Trust (NZ). John is married to Anna and has three adult children—one living in Hawke’s Bay and two studying at the University of Otago.

Troy Hobson, ECCT Board Chair, welcomed the appointment, saying:
“We’re delighted to have John join the Board. His extensive experience and commitment to community development will bring valuable insights and strengthen ECCT’s ability to support transformational initiatives across our region.”