Hawke’s Bay born and raised, Kara is an established marketing specialist who works with national and international brands in strategic growth development. Kara has a passion not only for helping people grow their businesses, she has a genuine passion for helping people.

“I love Hawke’s Bay and I am proud of the incredible things our region has to offer, but there are many areas for improvement. It is up to those of us with the skills, capabilities and resources to make meaningful change for those who are struggling in our community, and I’m excited to be part of an organisation doing just that.

“I have followed the Hawke’s Bay Foundation for some time and am inspired by their work.”

Kara was brought up on a sheep and beef farm in Poukawa, Hawke’s Bay. Although she travelled the world for many years, Kara came home to roost in 2008. She lives in Havelock North with her husband Gareth and three girls.

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Kate Tokeley comes to the board of Hawke’s Bay Foundation as an Associate Professor of Law at Victoria University of Wellington. Kate’s area of speciality is consumer law and policy where she has established herself as an internationally published author of several academic articles. Kate also sits as the Deputy Chair of the Consumer NZ Board and is a board member of the Telecommunications Disputes Resolution Council.

She is relishing the opportunity to lend her expertise giving back to the community.

“I have really enjoyed my work on boards. I like being part of a team that is working toward a meaningful common purpose in a collaborative environment. I was interested in finding a board to work with in Hawkes Bay and like the idea of sharing my expertise in the volunteer sector. My legal expertise and governance expertise will hopefully be useful to the work of the Foundation’s Board.

“Our youngest child is leaving home to go to University next year so I feel it is a good time for me to give something back to the community. I love living in Napier and think it has been the best place in world to bring up our kids. I am deeply committed to the Hawke’s Bay region but I recognise that the Hawkes Bay I have experienced is not the one that those less fortunate experience.

“I am very impressed with the work of Hawke’s Bay Foundation and look forward to working for an organisation that is truly helping to improve the lives of people in our community.”