Masterton Trust Lands Trust

Jonathan Ayling

My principal place of residence is not in the Masterton Trust Lands Trust area. I am an experienced senior leader with over a decade in political advisory roles and the not-for-profit sector. As Chief Executive of a prominent national NGO, I’ve overseen major organisational growth, consistently delivered budget surpluses, and raised millions for causes I believe in. My governance credentials are robust: I serve on the boards of Internet New Zealand and the Atlum Academy Trust, and bring commercial experience as the owner of a working vineyard in Ōpaki.I bring principled conviction and operational pragmatism to leadership, and I’m known for strategic foresight and integrity. I understand the balance of risk, opportunity, and accountability that effective governance requires.To me, leadership is service - offering time, skill, and judgement for the good of others.

Craig Bowyer

My principal place of residence is in the Masterton Trust Lands Trust area. I am also standing for Mayor and Masterton/Whakaoriori General Ward.

Craig Bowyer – Vote Trustee MTLT

I have completed my first term on Masterton District Council and believe I can complement the strong governance that already exists within the Masterton Trust Lands Trust. Currently I am National Counsellor for the NZ Automobile Association, a graduate of the Institute of Directors Company Directors course as well as being a current member of the IOD and an accredited RMA Hearings Commissioner. I also am a founder of the Remutaka Road Action Group. My roles on MDC include being the Chair of the Hearings Committee, Vice-Chair of the Licensing Committee. I sit on Audit and Risk, Grants and Awards, the District Bylaws Committee and am Hearings commissioner on the PCDP.

Gary Caffell

My principal place of residence is in the Masterton Trust Lands Trust area. I am also standing for Masterton/Whakaoriori General Ward.

I am seeking my second term on Masterton Trust Lands Trust with the aim of simply continuing to maintain and grow what is already a very successful operation. The value of land and buildings held by the trust in and around Masterton at the end of last year was over $100 million and is a tribute to the integrity and skill of the management team. As a board member I have always been right behind moves to enhance our support of the many educational, cultural and community groups and organisations who are such a vital component of the trust district. So it delights me that grants funding from the board has now reached the stage where it comfortably tops the $2 million mark per year, providing as it does an important lifeline for some beneficiaries and a chance to better facilitate projects and events for others.

Ross Cottle

My principal place of residence is not in the Masterton Trust Lands Trust area.

I was raised and educated in the Wairarapa and have spent my whole working life here. I ran an Agricultural Contracting Business for approximately 35 years in the Wairarapa. The last 15 years of my working life I spent farming. I became a member of the Masterton Amateur Theatrical Society in 1975 served on the committee and became president until its merger with Harlequin becoming Masterton Theatre Company. I am the current Treasurer of that organisation. I joined Ducks Unlimited, a conservation organisation 30 years ago and am the current national president. I first learned of the Masterton Trust Lands Trust at Wairarapa College and have always been fascinated as to how it came into being and it’s continuing existence. I would love to be a part of it.

Chris Gollins

My principal place of residence is in the Masterton Trust Lands Trust area.

The Trust is one of our most valuable community assets - but it’s nowhere near full potential. With $100 million in assets, it delivers far too little to the people of Masterton. Right now, every dollar counts. By my estimate, the Trust is missing out on around $5 million in annual returns. Its assets aren’t being managed as well as they should be. Please give me one of your four votes and I’ll work to change that. I bring decades of successful experience in property and investment. I know how to ask the right questions and make the most of what we own. We can do much more to attract businesses you want like K-Mart or Rebel Sport. We can create vastly more local jobs, and grow our economy. The Trust should lead growth - not watch from the sidelines. I’ll fight to deliver more for Masterton’s people and future.

Nathan Haglund

My principal place of residence is not in the Masterton Trust Lands Trust area.As a dedicated member of the Masterton community, I am excited to stand for election as a trustee for the Masterton Trust Lands Trust. With professional qualifications as a chartered accountant, I bring extensive financial expertise, managing my own accountancy practice and co-owning a successful veterinary practice. My business background equips me with the skills needed to contribute effectively to the trust, ensuring responsible stewardship of our land and resources. I am passionately committed to the Masterton area, where I live happily with my wife and three children. I believe my experience can add significant value to the trust and help enhance the prosperity of our community.

Ben Matthews

For a Tiriti-led community partnership

My principal place of residence is in the Masterton Trust Lands Trust area.

I am a proud son of Wairarapa, born and raised in Masterton, with 17 years of experience in Māori economic development across government. My career has been based around building Treaty-based partnerships with iwi, advancing Māori leadership in trade and land-based industries, and fostering Indigenous collaboration globally. I have worked at Taratahi, Lincoln University, and Telford, supporting student success, iwi engagement, strategic development, and cultural capability. I have contributed to national Māori development strategies and strengthened iwi relationships in trade. I hold a Bachelor of International Business and a Master of International Relations and Diplomacy, and I am fluent in Japanese, with experience living in Japan. I have a wife and three kids.

David McHattie

My principal place of residence is in the Masterton Trust Lands Trust area.

As a fourth-generation Mastertonian – with two following generations also in town - David McHattie is deeply invested in our community's future. His family’s commitment and gratitude to Masterton drives his desire to give back as an MTLT trustee.

David brings over 40 years of successful business experience in Masterton, with comprehensive commercial sector expertise that aligns perfectly with assisting MTLT's substantial property portfolio. He has been instrumental in attracting new businesses to town through his extensive national business network, demonstrating his ability to identify and fulfil opportunities that benefit the community.

Lyn Patterson

My principal place of residence is in the Masterton Trust Lands Trust area.

My commitment to our community is reflected by my involvement and volunteer work with numerous community and service organisations, the District Health Board and as an elected member of Council for fifteen years.

I am enthusiastic and keen to continue working for our community.

Why stand for election to the Trust? I bring an independent perspective with no conflicting elected governance roles and no commercial property interests.

My focus is to ensure that commercial returns from the Trusts substantial asset base is supporting a diverse range of community, service, and educational organisations. However, this is only achievable through wise and strategic investments of the commercial assets of the Trust.