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Gisborne Manager To Take On New Role

Gisborne's Leighton Evans faces the biggest challenge in his meteoric career at the beginning of March when he steps into the role of Eastland Community Trust general manager.

Mr Evans, currently the manager of Quality Roading Services' (QRS) Gisborne branch, was appointed to the role this week and is excited about the challenges and opportunities that the trust and the community have before them.

"I am passionate about the Gisborne region and am excited about being a part of continuing to build the trust legacy of providing great services, good investment opportunities and a lifestyle we can be proud of.

"I am intent on establishing a strong connection between the ECT, community leaders and the wider community and I am really looking forward to driving projects that make a difference to Gisborne long term."

Mr Evans grew up in Gisborne attending Te Wharau Primary School, Ilminster Intermediate and Lytton High School and following a stint at university he began working at the Gisborne District Council.

For ten years he worked in a number of roles at the council from looking at natural resource issues in resource consents to being the water engineer responsible for the city's water supply. But three years ago a desire to further his commercial experience saw him take on the role of Gisborne branch manager for Wairoa based Quality Roading Services.

In this role Mr Evans set up the local branch, won contracts and built a competitive local presence for the business.

"The opportunity with the Eastland Community Trust was an ideal step for me. I love Gisborne and the Tairawhiti region, and this gives me the chance to work in a role that can make a difference whilst offering a whole host of new challenges.

"One of the things I am most looking forward to is reconnecting with the community, I love people and working with different groups and challenges," he said.

Mr Evans' family is a large part of his life, married to Cherith, the couple has four daughters and a son aged between 18 months and nine years old. They are a close knit family and like nothing better than spending time together.

Mr Evans also plays football for the Eastgate Football Club, loves fishing, and is one of the leaders at the Zion City Dwellers Youth Club - which offers a weekly programme for teenagers to share experiences they may not otherwise get.

Mr Evans begins his role on March 1, just in time for the trust's monthly meeting.