Hawke’s Bay Foundation is delighted to welcome Cam McLeay to our Board of Trustees.

A long-time yoga and mindfulness practitioner and teacher, Cam and his wife, Kate, manage Cape South, a holistic wellness retreat in Waimarama.

Prior to moving to Hawke’s Bay with their three children nine years ago, Cam and Kate operated a rafting and adventure company in Uganda.

Cam also became one of the first people in the world to discover the longest source of the Nile River in 2005, along with a fellow New Zealander and Briton.

Cam says he has been aware of Hawke’s Bay Foundation for some time and feels honoured to now be part of the good work it does for the region.

“Both Kate and I enjoy giving, and have seen first-hand the benefits of empowering others after owning and operating businesses in Africa for 23 years,” Cam says.

We were involved in a number of philanthropic endeavours in Uganda – building a local school, supporting a project in the slums of Kampala, funding women’s groups in rural communities, introducing whitewater rafting to the Nile, and empowering Ugandans (training them) and growing businesses.”

Cam says he is passionate about Hawke’s Bay and particularly enjoys living by the coast where he can surf, dive, mountain bike and paddle waka ama.

“I love the gifts nature has given Hawke’s Bay. Our region is blessed with rich soils, sunshine and space. I particularly enjoy connecting with nature and the health benefits that come from that.  Many people don’t share an appreciation for just how lucky we are in Hawke’s Bay and I enjoy opening their eyes to that.”

Hawke’s Bay Foundation Chair, Giles Pearson says he is thrilled to have Cam onboard.

“Cam’s expertise and experience in business and accounting, combined with his passion for Hawke’s Bay will be a huge asset to the Foundation.”