Leanne Stewart is Thrive’s community initiatives go-to, bringing her extensive experience in the greater Waikato region through her previous role as Regional Facilities Advisor at Sport Waikato. 

Leanne had worked in the Sport and Recreation sector for over 25 years. During that time Leanne has worked in regional sports trusts, national and regional sports organisations, and has had experience in corporate business.  Leanne has sat on a number of sports committees, local community working groups and more recently appointed as an Independent Board Member on Easthub Community Hub in East Hamilton.  Having project managed three reviews of the Waikato Regional Facilities Plan and worked alongside a number of local, regional and national organisations to facilitate needs assessments, business cases and feasibility studies, key requirements of the Regional Facilities Plan, Leanne’s ability to plan and manage projects, communicate and collaborate with community and key stakeholders is well respected and a key strength.