Ensuring everyone in Manawatū experiences a comfortable standard of living
Our Story
Manawatū Community Trust was established in 2008 with the purposes of relieving poverty, providing housing, and promoting health and wellbeing.
News & Stories
Meet the MCT Team
Teresa Hague
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Teresa was appointed General Manager in May 2022 and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Trust and driving its strategic vision.
Teresa holds a Bachelor of Applied Management, and a Master of Business Administration. She has a background in working for community organisations and is committed to ensuring that MCT will continue to support the housing and wellbeing needs of the Feilding community.
“In the future I am confident that MCT will grow its role as a part of the Manawatū region’s housing response, and in doing so will increase the number houses available, attract additional revenue into the area, and generate employment/local contractor opportunities,” she says.
Phil Clark
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Meet…Phil Clark
Phil Clark feels he has come to the Manawatū Community Trust at the right time with the right skills. “It’s a match made in heaven,” he says.
With extensive Project Management experience, he is well prepared for the two distinctive roles of his position as Facilities and Project Manager.
“The first is mainly managing the repairs and maintenance of the various facilities of the 200+ houses the Trust stewards. The second focus is on Projects, which relates to new build developments which add to our housing stock, and also projects that relate to renovations of the existing units,” says Phil.
Before his appointment at MCT, Phil spent three years with the Homes For People Trust in Palmerston North, so he is acutely aware of the satisfaction of providing well maintained, warm and healthy homes to a proportion of the community that may have otherwise struggled to have that security.
A dedicated family man, Phil has three ‘very individual and unique’ teenage sons who he supports in their various endeavours. He and his wife also enjoy the company of their two fur children.
Sarah Goldsack
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Sarah’s extensive background in Property Management makes her the perfect fit in her role as Tenancy and Wellbeing Officer.
With a Level 4 Property Management qualification and a practical knowledge of the associated software among her skills, Sarah intends to strengthen relationships with allied housing organisations and will work closely with the MCT team.
Sarah is proud that Feilding has such an active housing Trust to look after their own. “It is lovely to see the look on people’s faces when you tell them they have a place.”
She also has a personal connection with the MCT as her Mum lived in one of the Trust’s Woodlark units for several years. “I know how important a warm and safe place to call home is.”
A mum of four daughters, Sarah loves to be active. Whether that’s as an avid gardener or out and about on walks or camping with her husband.
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We are currently recruiting to fill our Management Accountant role. If you would like information about this position please contact our office or view our job listing on Trade Me. #5956310855
Ed Kronast
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Ed Kronast reckons he’s found his ‘happy place’ as Maintenance Person for the Manawatū Community Trust.
Previously a self-employed builder, Ed says his fulltime role with the Trust utilises all his practical skills, without the stress of operating his own business.
“I’m working with a totally different clientele, and it’s fun,” he says.
Ed is responsible for all the general maintenance on the 200+ units, including painting, plastering, and arranging electricians and plumbers.
He is not afraid of being busy and encourages residents to make good use of his expertise.
In addition to surfing, Ed is a keen fisherman both in salt and sea water. “I love anything outdoors.”
Janine Hawthorn
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Meet… Janine Hawthorn
Janine says the newly created position of Operations and Engagement Lead at the Manawatū Community Trust could have been written for her.
With forty years of administration and governance experience at a high local government level, Janine has the skills to assist with the review of the Trust’s policies and frameworks, rules and regulations.
“This position is right up my alley,” she says. “I am looking forward to helping the Trust put in place clear and structured policies, as well as engaging with our tenants and key stakeholders.”
“I have felt very welcome in this small and friendly team from day one,” she says.
In addition to her professional credentials as a Life Member of the Association of Administrative Professionals of NZ (AdmiNZ), a Diploma in Social Policy and one in Business Administration, Janine has an early connection to the Trust.
“I was involved when MCT was first created and for a period, I looked after the tenants prior to them being transitioned across to the Trust.”
Now living in Foxton with the intention to retire there, Janine and her husband enjoy the coastal community. Less stress and less hours mean she can spend time pottering in her garden, reading and walking the beach. She says, “There may even be a little dog in our future.”
Meet the Board
Liam Greer
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Over the past 20 years Liam Greer has worked extensively in the facilities and estate management industry in senior leadership positions within social housing (Housing New Zealand), health (MidCentral District Health Board) and more recently, for the Catholic Diocese of Palmerston North.
Liam has tertiary qualifications in property, social housing policy, infrastructure asset management and Mauri Ora. He has a strong links with the region and has been a volunteer on several Boards focussed on families, mental health, and his community.
Liam is excited to be part of the Manawatū Community Trust’s mission to promote and provide housing and wellbeing services to Manawatū. He lives in Palmerston North with his wife Jannene of 25 years – they have two adult sons, one living locally, the other in France.
Allan Davey
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Allan’s association with MCT was developed during his tenure as Project Manager for the Trust’s Clevely Wing building refurbishment.
He has since been appointed to the Board and is keen to continue the Trust’s great work to make the Manawatū District a place where people can find ‘Community’ and enjoy the friendly, supportive environment they live in.
Allan has a background in Quantity Surveying and Operations Management, and a wide range of experience and skills in the Building, Civil Contracting and Solid Waste industries, in both private and Local Government settings.
His voluntary service includes 40 years of involvement with the Salvation Army and stemming from that, a variety of ancillary roles to help support people in the Manawatū region.
Allan says he would like to see the Trust continue to provide accommodation to the elderly and disabled, but also to be involved in providing an increasing level of ‘wrap around’ care and support, to enable residents to enjoy their independence in their own home, and their own community.
Joanne Shortall
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As a Feilding local with a community focus, Joanne says she was honoured to be appointed a MCT Trustee in 2020.
Joanne has a Bachelor of Commerce and Administration from Vic University and a Bachelor of University Studies from the University of New Mexico, USA.
She is currently a Chartered Accountants Australia New Zealand member and is presently working for a Manawatū-based software company.
Joanne brings her competitive sporting nature to the MCT team and is up for the challenge to enhance the Trust’s role in providing housing and wellbeing services to her local community.
Tracey Hunt
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Manawatū born and bred, Tracey attended Massey University and Victoria University where she gained a Masters in Public Policy.
She has worked in the Local Government sector for nearly 20 years in research, community development, strategy, and management roles.
Tracey was involved with establishing the Manawatū Community Trust in 2008 and is very proud to now serve as a Trustee.
Tracey says at the time of its founding, there was great long-term vision for what the Trust could achieve for the people of the Manawatū District, and excellent progress has been made to date.
“I enjoy being part of the team that has been given the challenge of ensuring that early vision becomes reality. I believe that quality housing, health and wellbeing services are essential to our community's overall wellbeing and vitality.”
Ian McKelvie
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Meet … Ian McKelvie
Well known for his active career in local body and central government politics in the Manawatū region, Ian has a long-held interest in the Manawatū Community Trust and its work.
In fact, he was instrumental in the formation of the Trust in his role as Mayor of Manawatū at the time.
“I’ve always believed that community housing is better run locally,” he says. “The care we can offer happens more quickly and the personal communication we have directly with tenants allows for better social cohesion.”
Ian admits he has ‘been around Boards’ for a long time and feels his knowledge of the region and interest in property, will be of benefit to the MCT.
Now retired, Ian says, “I have the time and I want to use my experience to contribute as a member of the Trust Board to help provide accommodation that enhances our tenants’ lives, and we have an obligation to offer more of the same.”
Our Why
So that everyone in the Manawatū community can experience a comfortable standard of living.
Our How
By providing good quality, affordable housing, and sustainable facilities that contribute to the health and wellbeing of people in Manawatū.