Meet our team
Raewyn Fowler is a qualified accountant with extensive experience in financial management across the public sector and not-for-profit organisations. She brings a strong focus on governance, transparency, and strategic alignment to her work, ensuring sustainable financial practices that support organisational goals. Based in Havelock North, Raewyn is also an active advocate for community engagement and is passionate about preserving Keirunga Arts Venue as a cultural hub for arts, crafts, and heritage.
Raewyn Fowler - Chairwoman
Amanda Sowersby - Venue Manager
Born and bred in Hawke's Bay, Amanda brings a diverse background in business, marketing, events, catering, the arts, and community engagement to her role as Venue Manager at Keirunga.
As the owner of Art & Alchemy Ltd, she facilitates children's and adult art classes, artistic therapy, and a range of holistic wellbeing offerings that encourage creativity, connection, and personal growth.
Amanda has a special connection to Keirunga, having spent time here as a child. Today, she feels privileged to care for this much-loved community space, describing it as a sanctuary where people come together to create, learn, celebrate, and connect. She sees herself as a kaitiaki (guardian), helping to nurture Keirunga's unique spirit while ensuring it continues to thrive for future generations.
Passionate about supporting local artists, community groups, and memorable events, Amanda enjoys welcoming people to discover everything Keirunga has to offer.
Maggie Brown - Commitee member
I am Maggie Brown and my proudest achievement is that as a mother and grandmother.
As a retired person I have gained a number of practical and managerial skills from years as a dairy farmer, plant nursery grower and retailer, and as a manager of a number of large teams in the management of care of people with disabilities.
I enjoy a number of hobbies including, painting , quilting, biking and tramping and volunteering in my community.
James Buwalda - Commitee member
James joined the Committee in July 2024, following a career spanning strategy consulting, public sector management and science. His interest on the Committee is to lead strategy work, to help position Keirunga to succeed and thrive in the long term. While not an artist himself, James’s wife is a member of the Printers Group at Keirunga, so he has a special interest in ensuring she continues to have a great place and community in which to work. James enjoys assisting this community facility to attract and enable Hawkes Bay artists and crafts people.
Kim Howard - Commitee member
My role on the Board of Keirunga Gardens is chief fund raiser and I joined the Board because Keirunga is a beautiful special green space for everyone to use and appreciate
A short view of my history - has been varied, the early part was in the Apple industry mainly in California; after that
was owning a restaurant and bar in Havelock North called Diva. Moving on I spent 6 Years working for Sheihk Saleh Mohamed Al Sabar - running his properties in London and Windsor. Currently I am a tour guide taking overseas visitors around our wonderful Hawkes Bay. Achievements - Founder of the Clifton County Cricket Club, Co-founder of Keirunga Singers, Recipient of an honour from the Hastings City Council for voluntary work.