Patron
Sir Patrick Hogan is internationally renowned for his outstanding contribution to the thoroughbred industry, less known is the extraordinary support he gives to the Cambridge community, sporting individuals, and numerous sports teams. As such a great leader of New Zealand sport, Perago are honoured to have his endorsement and mana behind the Trust.
Ambassador
While Sarah's performances over several Olympics and Commonwealth Games captured the nation, it is her outgoing nature and enthusiasm for life that resonates most. Sarah is a very passionate Cambridge resident and has done a huge amount to make the town a great place to live, especially generating funding for the Te Awa cycle trail and extensions to the greenbelt running and cycling trail.
Ambassador
Rob has a place etched in New Zealand sporting history following his performance as a single sculler at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. He has worn many hats as an athlete, from Waikato rugby player to grinder with Team New Zealand. Post retirement Rob has been just as busy including being a key driver of the Avantidrome and the Te Awa cycle trail in Cambridge, and Chef De Mission for the NZ Olympic team.
Chairman
Born and raised in Cambridge, Jake is a retired farmer and now devotes his time to the governance and administration of local and regional sporting organisations. After recognising there was a need for an organisation to identify, capture and assist promising young athletes Jake co-founded the Perago Trust with Kevin Burgess.
Secretary
Sharon is the Executive Officer for ExportNZ and is a Business Mentor with Business Mentor NZ. She is passionate about helping young athletes achieve their goals, and coming from a family that has had representatives at 7 Olympics she understands the need for athlete support. Sharon is also an Honorary Member of the Canterbury Rowing Club.
Treasurer
Charlie was a successful Harness Racing Trainer and Driver in New Zealand, Australia the USA and Canada. He is the Past President of the Cambridge Harness Racing Club and previously an Executive member of Harness Racing New Zealand and also The NZ Racing Industry Board.
Co-founder & Trustee
Kevin has been a community pharmacist in Cambridge since 1981 and has had a long and active involvement within the Cambridge community, serving on both sporting and community organisations. Kevin has been a judge at the Waipa and Waikato Secondary Sports awards for 15 years and is a passionate supporter of rugby, rowing, netball, cricket and lately, cycling. He has also mentored/sponsored numerous athletes over the years. Kevin is also a partner of Inside Running, a sports management company.
Trustee
Merv brings to the trust his knowledge and experience gained as a past registered business appraiser and successful business owner. He is currently a mentor and advisor to businesses and sporting clubs.
Trustee
Sharon was born and raised in the Waikato and now lives in Cambridge. An accountant with personality, Sharon's current business interests are in Early Childhood Education Centers. Sharon is passionate about NZ and community and is an experienced board member having served on several community and charitable boards.
Trustee
Married with 3 Adult Children, Tony has been a Cambridge resident for 32 years. Tony has spent 22 Years in the Pharmaceutical Industry and is a National Sales & Business Development Manager. A passionate football supporter, administrator, coach and player, Tony has represented Waikato as a Senior Player and Junior Coach. He has been involved in the Cambridge Football Club for 30 Years and is the founder of the Cambridge Legends.
Trustee
Eric is a Double Olympic gold medallist and NZ representative in rowing for 18 years. Eric and his rowing partner Hamish Bond were unbeaten in the coxless pair where they won 6 consecutive world titles. Now retired Eric is keen to help and support other athletes who have an ambition to achieve on the world stage.
Trustee
Founder and CEO of The Waterboy, Thomas's life has been shaped by sport and the beautiful town of Cambridge. Thomas is passionate about giving people the opportunity to be the best they can be, one of the many motivations for his involvement in Perago Trust.
Trustee
Graham is a Fellow Chartered Accountant who grew up in Cambridge and has run his own accounting practice in town for over 20 years. The firm files tax returns for Olympians, professional rugby players and young athletes on the way up. Graham can provide specialist knowledge on tax residency, expense tax-deductibility, ACC levies and all other accounting related questions including sponsorship proposals. Graham has played rugby on 4 continents and dabbled in Coast-to-coast, ultra-running, rowing and martial arts.
Trustee
Cherry moved to Cambridge in 1987 to take the position as NZ manager for Logan's Insurance and now runs the renowned Trelawney Stud with her husband Brent as well as manages her own insurance company CN Taylor Consulting. Cherry has been involved in numerous fundraising ventures and charities and is enthusiastic about what Perago can do for young athletes in the Cambridge area.
