The Eden Park Trust Board

Kereyn Smith

Chair: Kereyn Smith, CNZM, is a Director and Consultant, with significant experience and a proven track record in governance, leadership and executive roles within New Zealand and internationally.  These roles span sport, education, government and non-Government and include oversight of complex global projects. She is an acclaimed leader and trusted mentor across various settings and sectors.

Kereyn is presently providing advisory, consulting and leadership services, including being an Expert Advisor for Portas, a premier global management company dedicated to sport and physical activity.

In a governance capacity, Kereyn was a Vice President of the Commonwealth Games Federation and on International Olympic Committee (IOC) Commissions, notably the IOC Evaluation Commission responsible for selecting the 2024 and 2028 Olympic Host City. She served as Vice President of International Netball following her work as Chair of Netball New Zealand.   She has also been a Trustee of the Forsyth Barr Stadium, Council Member of the University of Otago and Director of the Highlanders Rugby Franchise, amongst other roles.

Kereyn was CEO of the New Zealand Olympic Committee for three Olympiads, following her time as CEO of the New Zealand Academy of Sport – South Island.

Kereyn was named a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to sports governance in the 2023 New Years Honors.

Nicholas Albrecht

Nicholas is the owner and director of a government relations company Massey Coates Limited. He previously headed Vector Limited’s government relations for over 14 years. Nicholas has been a member of the Eden Park Trust board since 2018 and a member of the Auckland Cricket board since 2014. He is also the chair of the Victoria Park Sports and Cultural Trust, and a member of the Institute of Directors. He holds a Master of Arts (Hons) in Political Studies from the University of Auckland and a Bachelor of Business Studies from Massey University.

Bill Birnie

Bill brings extensive governance experience to the Board.  With a long career in investment banking, Bill previously served as Deputy Chair of Sport New Zealand, High Performance Sport New Zealand and the New Zealand Film Commission.  He was a Founding Trustee of the Wellington Stadium Trust, a Director of the New Zealand Screen Council, Director of Equestrian Sports New Zealand from which he received an Honorary Life Membership, and Chairman of the KidsCan Charitable Trust.  He is currently a Trustee of the Parliamentary Education Trust, Director of TAB NZ, Director of Cricket New Zealand, Chairman of Far North Holdings Limited and Christchurch based orthopaedic instrument manufacturer, Enztec Limited.

Bill was recognised for his work in many sectors in 2018 when he was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) for services to governance, the arts and sport.

Renata Blair

Renata is Deputy Chief Executive Māori at ACC, and is also an experienced director as an elected member of the Ngāti Whātua Orākei Trust and Whai Rawa Ltd.  He previously owned a company involved in many of Auckland’s largest such as the 2011 Rugby World Cup, the America’s Cup and The Ultimate Waterman and brings this global event experience to the Park. He is of Ngāti Whātua descent and loves all sports representing touch at the international level.

Graham Child

Graham is an experienced leader and strategic thinker with a deep commitment to community development. Graham brings a wealth of knowledge in governance, operations, and stakeholder engagement. His background spans a range of industries including sports, business, and the not for profit sector, where he has contributed to shaping impactful initiatives that benefit both local and national communities. Graham is currently on the NZ Olympic Committee (Chairing the Finance Audit and Risk committee); a director of Four Winds Foundation Ltd (Gaming Trust); a member of the Commonwealth Games Federation Audit and Risk Committee; and Chair of Loaded Reports Limited. Graham has a background in hockey, having represented NZ and coached at all levels. He is currently a Black Sticks Men’s selector.

Brendon Gibson

A Partner at Calibre Partners, Brendon has more than 30 years’ experience as a specialist in restructuring and business advisory. Having been involved in many of New Zealand’s large above and below-the-radar corporate restructuring and insolvency mandates, Brendon has extensive experience in corporate advisory, financial review, capital and business restructuring, receivership and voluntary administration. Brendon is an Auckland Cricket appointee to the Eden Park Trust board, and an avid sports fan and community advocate.

Lara McKittrick

Lara McKittrick is a seasoned leader with over 15 years of experience in digital transformation, strategic development and governance, and business innovation. Her career spans various industries, including manufacturing, wellness, agri-tech, supply-chain, telcos, consulting, where she has led teams in driving business led transformations, strategy development, business model shifts, optimising customer experiences, and implementing agile delivery frameworks, ensuring that organisations remain competitive, forward-thinking, and focused on long-term growth. Her experience working with diverse stakeholders, guiding complex projects, and delivering measurable results enables her to offer strategic insights and governance that support organisational sustainability.

With a deep understanding of governance and the importance of strong leadership, Lara brings a balanced perspective to decision-making and risk management.

Lara has held senior roles including at Deloitte as a Director – Technology Strategy and Transformation, Transformation Director for tri-entity transformation programmes, and Executive GM of Product, Experience, and Marketing at Kotahi Logistics. She also serves as an Independent Director at Auckland Rugby Union.

Andy Roberts

Andy is the Chief Operating Officer at Star Hospitality. Star is the largest hospitality business in NZ with approximately 60 establishments across the North Island. Prior to Star, Andy practised law at Bell Gully in Auckland and at Linklaters in London, Paris and Singapore.

Andy holds a BCom and LLB from Auckland University. He is a member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors and an independent director of the Auckland Rugby Union and The Blues.

Victoria Toon

Victoria is a chartered accountant and restructuring specialist. She is the owner and director of Auckland insolvency firm Corporate Restructuring Ltd. Victoria has held various roles within the Auckland Branch of Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand and is currently the chair of the Auckland Public Practice Special Interest Group. Victoria has been a member of the Eden Park Residents Association for 15 years and is the first neighbour to be appointed to the Board.