Central Hawke’s Bay business and community leader Maitland Manning says more work is needed to keep raising awareness about supporting vital social services across the region.
Mr Manning, chairman for Presbyterian Support Services East Coast (PSEC) , Presbyterian Support New Zealand ( PSNZ) and Family Works New Zealand ( FWNZ), is the latest member of the Institute of Directors (IoD) to be made a Chartered Fellow.
“One of the greatest contributions anyone could make was in giving back to their local community,” Mr Manning said.
The Chartered Fellowship recognises a member’s qualifications, background, character and experience as a role model for others, their organisations and the contribution to their community as a whole.
A former CHB district councillor from 2004 to 2016, Mr Manning has been Waipawa RSA’s president, has been the District vice president of the Hawke’s Bay, Wairarapa and East Coast RSA, since 2011, a board member of the Royal New Zealand RSA and he served on the HB Crematorium from 2005 to 2016, including six years as chair and six as deputy chair.
Mr Manning said he enjoys working and being part of organisations, which are making a real difference in people’s everyday lives.
“I’m always humbled by the work of others. At PSEC all our staff, the hundreds of volunteers, donors, and sponsors are the real champions who are working hard and giving so generously to support our different causes.
“Demand on social support services is increasing for families, children and our elderly but each one of us can help in a range of different ways and see the results,” Mr Manning said.
“Across all sectors of the community – young and old, from all walks of life, people are coming together through organisations like the RNZRSA and PSEC to help do more for others in need.
Hawke’s Bay Regional Councillor Debbie Hewitt said Mr Manning’s ongoing contribution, especially to the CHB community, was significant.
“Communities like ours can be truly proud of the work and role Maitland plays both in leadership and governance, especially in the areas of supporting others and raising more awareness on social support services including family violence and getting more social workers in schools,” she said.
PSEC Deputy Chair, Peter Barnes said he enjoyed working with Mr Manning, who encouraged director participation and who has built strong relationships with the management of PSEC, while always respecting the responsibility of Governance.
“Maitland and his governance experience are a real asset to Hawke’s Bay, the wider East Coast area, and to those National organisations he serves,” said Mr Barnes.
Hastings mayor Lawrence Yule said Mr Manning has been a strong leader as chair of the Hawke’s Bay Crematorium Joint Committee that is responsible for the only public crematorium in the region. He has successfully managed fast emerging trends in the funeral industry including the recent installation of a modern new cremator.
Pictured left to right, PSEC chief executive officer Sanja Sajatovic-Majstorvic, PSEC board members Tobias Taylor, Mike Devonshire (deputy chairman) Maitland Manning (chairman), Julie Ball, Alison Prins and Stuart Signal.