Manfeild Park CEO resigns

Manfeild Park’s national and international status has improved significantly during the five years of stewardship under Heather Verry, the chairman of the facility’s trust board has noted.

Ben Vanderkolk says Mrs Verry, who has resigned as chief executive officer with effect from November 28 to become chief executive officer of the New Zealand Police Association in Wellington, has successfully steered the Feilding operation through a period of significant growth, sometimes under trying circumstances.

"We can credit Heather with a substantial turn around in the integrity, presentation, reputation and standing of the Park at all levels," Mr Vanderkolk commented.

"Heather has immersed herself in the objective of making Manfeild Park the best enterprise and events centre in New Zealand.

"There can be no question of her dedication, her energy, advocacy and her commitment."

Mrs Verry came to Manfeild Park in April, 2009, having been acting Chief Executive for Victim Support, taking that organisation from a deficit to a strong financial position.

She also arrived with an impressive background in event management - including involvement with Wellington’s final touring car street race, the FINA Diving World Cup and NZ Golf Open - and in competition sport, events, marketing and public relations.

Mr Vanderkolk said her track record in securing significant sponsorship, along with an extensive central and local government experience, had been of great benefit.

Mrs Verry had held together a capable management team and exhibited significant ability managing multiple events, sponsorship and grant proposals, occasionally having to overcome significant challenges.

Mrs Verry said she took considerable pride in having helped build on Manfeild’s reputation as a premier event and function centre. She had also enjoyed immersing into the Manawatu and had learned a lot about the region and its people.

"Manfeild is proven as a leading financial generator in the region and our events pump significant direct spend into the regional economy," she said.

"I can depart having taken immense pride in knowing that our venue now features in so many New Zealand and international success stories, particularly in motorsport and equestrian competition insofar as sporting activity goes. "

While not all projects realised their full potential, Manfeild Park is well-positioned for the future. Local confidence and pride in Manfeild Park having firmly secured host rights to many new events during her tenure was evident and heartening.

"I will move on knowing that local and regional pride in Manfeild Park has flourished; it has won recognition as being a true treasure that so many have enjoyed in so many ways."

Manfeild Park was a venue of international quality whose attractiveness as a multiuse venue was enhanced by a geographic location equidistant for national opportunity and a sense of ever-strengthening regional support.

The New Zealand Grand Prix and the Bates National Dressage Championships, having been secured for long-term tenure, were among many standout occasions among the 370 events now held annually at Manfeild Park.