Proven Experience. Community-focused. Future-ready.
About TECT Community Trust
TECT Community Trust manages a fund of over $1 billion, one of the largest community trust asset bases in New Zealand. Since 1993, TECT has distributed more than $228 million in grants, including $26.3 million across 316 grants in the last financial year, supporting community organisations, facilities and services across Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty.
Most of us living in this region have benefited from TECT funding at some point in our lives. Through a sports club, a community event, a local facility, a school programme or a community organisation.
TECT’s six trustees are responsible for safeguarding this asset base, growing it for future generations, and ensuring grants reach the communities that need them most.
If you’re on the Electoral Roll here, or you own property in Tauranga/WBOP, you can vote.
WHY I’M STANDING
Tauranga Moana is my home. I’ve built my business here, raised my family here and contributed through governance, volunteering and community involvement.
I’m standing for TECT because I care deeply about how our region grows, how our communities are supported, and how we make decisions that serve people well – not just today, but for generations to come.
We’re living through a period of rapid change, and I want to help ensure TECT remains a steady, trusted and future‑focused partner for our community. My commitment is simple: protect the fund, listen to our people, and help prepare our region for what’s ahead.
LinkedIn: Debbie Ireland
🌿PROTECT
Safeguarding TECT’s billion‑dollar fund through strong governance, disciplined decision‑making and long‑term thinking.
🔗CONNECT
Listening to communities across Tauranga and the Western Bay so TECT’s decisions reflect real needs and strengthen trust across the whole region.
💡PREPARE
Bringing a future‑ready perspective to ensure today’s choices still serve our people, organisations and communities for decades to come.
My Governance and Community Experience
Governance and Leadership
- Chair, Tauranga Business Chamber – listening to businesses and communities across our region and understanding what support makes a real difference.
- Chartered Member, Institute of Directors – committed to governance discipline, good process and clear accountability.
- Former Chair, YSAR (Youth Search and Rescue) – experience in community‑based organisations and youth development as an active volunteer and board member.
Business Ownership and Commercial Accountability
- Founder & Managing Director, Digital Workplace Results – nearly 20 years leading a successful New Zealand business.
- Financial accountability – responsible for budgets, sustainability, and long‑term performance.
- Risk management – experienced in navigating economic shifts, industry disruption and organisational change.
- Practical financial literacy – confident reading financial information, testing assumptions and making disciplined decisions.
- People leadership – close, hands‑on experience working with teams, clients and community organisations.
- Real‑world governance discipline running a business requires clear strategy, strong processes and accountability — directly relevant to trustee responsibilities.
- Practical, plain‑language communicator – known for explaining complex change in ways people can understand and act on.
Future Readiness
We’re living through rapid change. Many of us remember life before the internet and smartphones, yet now help shape how AI serves our future. We are the Bridge Generation – navigating change while ensuring no one is left behind. We need to:
- Ask better questions about emerging community needs.
- Understand how disruption affects local organisations and people.
- Make decisions that keep our region connected, resilient and inclusive.
How to vote
- Voting method: Online only.
- Voting pack: You’ll receive a letter in the mail with your unique PIN and instructions from 25 September 2026.
- Voting period: From receipt of your letter until 12 noon, Friday 23 October 2026.
- More info at TECT.ORG.NZ
Once your letter arrives:
- Go to the official TECT voting website listed in your letter.
- Enter your PIN and details as instructed.
- Select “Debbie Ireland” for TECT Trustee and submit your vote.
Every eligible resident and ratepayer in the TECT district has a voice in this election. Your vote helps decide who will protect TECT’s legacy and prepare our community for the future.
Are we still going to get our two Yearly payments from the trust.
Hi Robyn, Yes I believe they still get paid, as the consumer rebate