Hawke’s Bay Community Fitness Centre Trust (HBCFCT) has secured internationally experienced sport event leader Brendan Bourke to the role of General Manager.
 

Bourke’s most recent post was Head of Operations – New Zealand at FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 while he has also had roles at two Rugby World Cups and the 36^th Americas Cup in 2021. He starts in the new role in November.
 

HBCFCT Chairman Iain Taylor said Brendan brings a wealth of leadership experience gained working across many sporting codes, both in New Zealand and internationally. In his last role with FIFA he oversaw all stadium related temporary infrastructure, venue management and match day operational delivery functions.
 

The Trust is delighted to secure the services of someone of Brendan’s calibre.

“We look forward to the skills and expertise that Brendan brings to the role as the Trust moves forward with programmes, pathways and facility usage,” Iain said.

Brendan said a key focus will be to take the facilities such as the world class regional aquatic centre and sport and youth development programmes to the next level.

“I am excited about being able to help create a healthier Hawke’s Bay through utilising the world-class sport and health facilities and services provided by the HBCFCT.

“My focus will be to propel this fantastic asset, and its programmes, to the next level, for the benefit of the Hawke’s Bay region.

“After twenty years in the major event delivery field, I am thrilled by this new direction in my career and I look forward to contributing to the great work being carried out by the staff and Trustees, to enhance and take the organisation to the next level,” he said.
 

Mr Bourke brings over 20 years of global event delivery experience as well as extensive industry relationships across key stakeholders, including Central and Local Government, Sport New Zealand, National Sporting Organisations, sporting venues and event operators.

“I feel privileged to have been given this opportunity at the HBCFCT and really look forward to being able to utilise my experiences and connections over the last two decades to bring fresh eyes and ideas to the role to make a difference in the community”.
 

Born and raised in Taranaki, Mr Bourke lives in Havelock North with his wife Steffi, and 8-year-old twins George and Isabella.

About Brendan Bourke

Brendan Bourke is an experienced and accomplished General Manager with significant global major event experience across several World Cups and international events including; Rugby World Cup 2007, FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2008, Rugby World Cup 2011, ITU Triathlon World Series 2012-14, Hawkes Bay & Queenstown International Marathons, FIFA U-20 World Cup 2015, ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup 2018, 36th America’s Cup 2021 (Challenger of Record) and most recently the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™.

In addition to his professional experience, Brendan is currently on the Board of the New Zealand Rural Games Trust.