OUR TRUSTEES
Meet the dedicated individuals who help guide the vision and future of the Pohlen Hospital Charitable Trust. Our Board of Trustees bring a wealth of experience, leadership, and a shared commitment to supporting quality healthcare and community wellbeing across the Matamata region. Together, they work to ensure the Trust continues to make a meaningful and lasting impact for generations to come.
Louise Trower
Chairperson
Read about Louise
Louise has been an active member of the Matamata community since relocating there with her husband, John, in 2002. Together they have a family of four children who are living all over the place, currently in Hamilton, Brisbane, Melbourne and Tauranga. Over the years, Louise has actively contributed to a range of local organisations, reflecting her strong commitment to community involvement. Professionally, Louise has been self-employed since 2005, specialising in human resources and recruitment.
Louise joined Pohlen Foundation in 2015 and became chairperson in late 2019.
Louise enjoys staying active through walking, going to the gym, and doing pilates. She also enjoys time spent reading, tending to her vegetable and flower garden, cooking, being with the children and travelling.
Elisabeth Stead
Foundation Trustee
Read about Elisabeth
Liz was proud to organise the ninth Real Homes and Gardens Tour at the end of last year - an event that brought together community, creativity, and inspiration.
Nine years ago, she moved to Maungatautari to join life on a dairy farm, and three years ago, she married the farmer. Between them, they have a wonderfully blended family of seven adult children and five grandchildren, which certainly keeps life busy and full of joy.
Liz works part-time at Jane’s Fashions, and while she doesn’t find as much time to paint these days, still considers herself a creator at heart. Liz and her husband have built a new home and she is loving spending time developing the large garden.
On the farm, they also run a glamping site and a wedding venue - where they were the very first couple to be married. These days, they host around five events each season, all woven into what is a busy, happy, and very rewarding life.
Sue Bruce
Foundation Trustee
Read about Sue
Sue was born and raised in Matamata. She taught at Otumoetai College before marrying George. They farmed at Walton and have three adult children and five grandchildren.
Sue has served on the Waikato Netball Board. Netball is a passion for Sue, and she is actively involved in the Matamata Netball Centre, coaching umpires in both theory and practical applications.
Sue’s dad resided at Pohlen Hospital for almost three years; this made Sue realise what a hugely valuable asset Pohlen is to Matamata, therefore would like to give back and contribute to its growth.
Hayden Wright
Foundation Trustee
Read about Hayden
Hayden and his wife Lily are both born and bred locally and are proud to be raising their three young children — Maya, Harrison and Amelia — in the same community. Life is kept busy with family activities, and whenever there’s a spare moment, Hayden enjoys getting out fishing or following horse racing.
Hayden is a director and part owner of local company Comag. As a certifying plumber and gasfitter, he has spent over 20 years working within the local community and further abroad, building strong relationships along the way. In his role as General Manager, Hayden brings a practical, hands-on approach, along with extensive construction and trade knowledge. He is passionate about contributing to the community and supporting the Pohlen Foundation Trust to continue its excellent work.
Vaughan Nowell
Foundation Trustee
Read about Vaughn
Vaughan Nowell is a highly respected member of the Matamata community, known for his integrity, strong family values, and genuine approach to people. Alongside his wife Debbie, Vaughan has built a successful partnership at Bayleys Real Estate in Matamata, where trust, honesty, and long-term relationships are at the heart of their work. A proud husband and family man, Vaughan and Debbie have been married for many years and are the proud parents of Emily and Caitlin. Family has always been central to Vaughan’s life and values, shaping both his personal and professional relationships. Outside of work, Vaughan enjoys golf, snooker, horse racing, and spending quality time with friends and family. He is naturally social, values meaningful connections, and is well regarded for his approachable nature and community spirit.
Tony Wright
Foundation Trustee
Read about Tony
Tony has four sons, two stepdaughters and is married to Miriam. He was born and raised in Matamata and has lived there for over 50 years. He owns a local Plumbing Company and is a member of the Matamata Lions Club. He is a keen sports person and was a past NZ Surf Lifesaving representative.
He also enjoys mountain biking, tramping and general exercise, and has spent a lot of time in the last couple of years renovating his house.
Tony feels that our town is lucky to have such a great facility in Pohlen Hospital and wants to help ensure it has a strong future.
Lea Nola
Foundation Trustee
Read about Lea
I am married to Kev, and together we have three children and one granddaughter. We live and work on a dairy farm in Matamata. We milk around 540 cows, so life is busy but rewarding. Family and farming are a big part of who I am, and I enjoy the lifestyle and community that comes with it.
Jodi Conning
Administration & Events Manager
Read about Jodi
Jodi is Matamata-born with roots dating back over 100 years, based in Matamata with two young adult children Jodi has been with the Foundation for 4 years, proudly supporting Pohlen Hospital and the local community. Her hospitality background spans Auckland, London, and Europe, followed by over a decade in Health & Disability. Jodi is a passionate baker and loves the Matamata community and all it has to offer.
Gilly Alexander
Pohlen Hospital Board Representative
Read about Gilly
Gilly is a Trustee on the Pohlen Hospital Board and the Board Representative. Gilly spent five years with the Pohlen Foundation Managing Administration and Events and still assists with events on a Contract basis.
Gilly spent over 30 years living in Okoroire where she farmed with her husband Ross – both their children were born in Pohlen Hospital. Gilly and Ross now live in Cambridge, but still have a passion for Pohlen Hospital and the Matamata Community.
Gilly has spent the last few years contract Event Managing working for Chiefs Rugby Club, FIFA and Sport Bay of Plenty. Gilly enjoys cycling, walking, travelling and time at Matarangi beach
