Woman to make Lands Trust history

Masterton chartered accountant Leanne Southey has been appointed chairperson Lands Trust Masterton. - the first woman to hold the position in the 144-year history of the Trust. She replaces J

For the first time in its 144-year history Lands Trust Masterton, previously known as Masterton Trust Lands Trust, has appointed a woman to lead it.

Chartered accountant Leanne Southey has been named as chairwoman, one of several personnel changes being made to the board and management of the community-owned trust.

She replaces John Bunny who resigned as chairman for personal reasons but who will remain as a trustee.

Long-serving secretary/manager Gary Percy will retire in April next year after 15 years in the role and his replacement will be named in the new year.

Masterton education consultant and registered teacher Colleen Douglas has been appointed to a new part-time position to co-ordinate the trust's extensive education grants programme that covers early childhood, primary, intermediate, secondary and tertiary sectors.

The role was established as a result of an independent review of the education programme and consultation by the trust with the education community.

Miss Southey was elected to the trust in October 2010, has been deputy chairwoman since 2013 and chairs the audit and risk committee. She is also deputy chairwoman of the Wairarapa DHB, serves on the UCOL Council and is active in a number of community organisations. She brings strong financial expertise to the role and, born and raised in Masterton, extensive community knowledge and connections.

"We thank John for his stewardship and contributions as chairman over the last two years and look forward to building on the strong results achieved for the benefit of the Masterton community and our property tenants," Miss Southey said.

Lands Trust Masterton is a public lands trust formed to own and manage surplus land not sold to Masterton's working class settlers. Income from the trust's property rentals is distributed in the form of grants to assist educational, cultural and community activities within Masterton.

The original 165-pound value of the trust lands has now grown into an asset base of almost $68 million.

This concept has played a key role in the evolution of the town since 1871 and continues to do so.