Meet our team
Chris Moore was raised in Timaru and graduated from the University of Canterbury in 1967 with a Bachelor of Commerce in accounting and economics. After working in accounting roles in Wellington, he and his wife Penny purchased Land & Heighway Ltd in Hastings in 1975, later expanding with H D McBeath & Son Ltd, supplying leather and grindery goods nationwide.
Chris returned to Wellington in 1990 before moving back to Hawke’s Bay in 2002, where he spent 17 years as bursar at William Colenso College. He joined the Keirunga Board in March 2020 and became Chair during the first Covid lockdown. His interests include Keirunga, golf, reading, rugby and cricket, and his three daughters.
Chris Moore — Chairperson
Amanda Sowersby is a local artist, artistic therapist, and holistic healer who joined the board three years ago, representing the next generation committed to the future of the Keirunga Arts Society. Her connection to Keirunga began in childhood, growing up in Havelock North and spending time among the Keirunga oak trees.
Amanda holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Massey University, Wellington, graduating in 2005 with a major in painting. She later established a successful catering and event business, managing corporate, wedding, and cultural events for up to 2,000 people, and served as Marketing Manager for the FIFA Under 17 Women’s World Cup in 2008.
Amanda is the owner of Art & Alchemy Ltd, an art and wellness school offering art classes, art therapy, and creative wellbeing experiences, many of which take place at the Keirunga Arts Venue.
Amanda Sowersby — Venue Manager
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 — Treasurer
Dr. James Buwalda is an experienced governance professional specializing in multi-organisation collaborations and innovation strategy. He has chaired and served on boards across sectors including science, primary industries, biosecurity, and environmental sustainability.
Key roles include:
— Chair, OSPRI Stakeholders’ Council (2018–present)
— Trustee, Biodiversity Hawkes Bay (2018–present)
— Former Chair: Better Border Biosecurity, PlantTech Research Institute, and the Biological Heritage National Science Challenge
— Dr. Buwalda previously held executive leadership roles as Chief Executive of the Department of Labour and the Ministry of Research, Science & Technology. He holds a PhD from the University of London and is a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Management.
James Buwalda
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.