Board Members

Toi–EDA’s board members or trustees are experienced businesspeople and community leaders who play a vital role in leading and guiding the organisation. They bring with them a wealth of experience and skills spanning commercial, finance, governance and business development, as well as entrepreneurial skills. 

The board’s role is to:

  • Provide strategic leadership and oversee strategy
  • Meet and network with key stakeholders
  • Provide advocacy
  • Monitor progress
  • Provide Governance
  • Generate ideas / Foster growth
  • Influence the community and stakeholders
  • Support staff
  • Perform a custodial role over resources

The six trustees are:

Jeremy Gardiner - Chairman

Jeremy Gardiner is chief executive of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa, an iwi authority representing about 15,000 descendants of Ngāti Awa. Ngāti Awa’s rohe (tribal area) is located in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, Aotearoa/New Zealand. The Rūnanga has responsibility for progressing the economic, cultural, social, political and environmental interests of Ngāti Awa. More...

Don Riesterer

A local and district councillor for 16 years, Don is a previous mayor of Opotiki and a former sports representative. He has also been involved with a variety of education and social welfare services and was chairman of the governance establishment group for the Eastern Bay of Plenty Regional Economic Development Trust. More...

Alan Cairns

Alan Cairns is a governance and financial management specialist experienced in international consultancy. He provides professional financial management and consulting services to government and commercial clients in New Zealand and overseas. More...

Anthony (Tony) de Farias

Anthony (Tony) de Farias is a director of several companies in the kiwifruit industry including Zespri. He has extensive commercial business and governance skills and for 17 years was managing director of Seeka Kiwifruit industries Limited. More...

Des Fermah

Des Fermah is a well known Whakatane businessman who has been involved with economic development in the district as chairman of the Economic Development Board for five years. Des, who has had a passion for business since his teenage years, has been involved in the development of several business activities including retail, property, farming and financial services.

Anthony Olsen, Trustee

The chief executive of Matata Eco Tours, Anthony Olsen is a representative appointed by the Mataatua Iwi Forum.