Ray is a well-known and well-respected kiwifruit orchardist who holds several company directorships. He was the former Chairman of Directors of Eastpack Ltd. He also held the position of Chairman of Bay Trust for 7 years.

Ray is a retired Chartered Accountant having been in practice in Opotiki for 29 years, until 2004. Ray is currently a Board member of Toi-EDA, the Economic Development Agency, committed to encouraging sustainable and inclusive growth across the three districts that make up the Eastern Bay. Ray has been a key figure over many years, in charitable work with The Opotiki Old Peoples Home Society and is a Director of Peria House Ltd offering residential placement for independent seniors in Opotiki.

Along with his wife Lis, they have lived most of their lives around Opotiki, where they first worked in accountancy, farmed sheep and cattle and later established and managed kiwifruit orchards. Their four children grew up around the area and they feel a sense of responsibility and care for the district where they have built their businesses, which they see as intergenerational. The family plans to keep building opportunities, employing local people, and giving back to the community for the long term.

Ray and his family are generous benefactors to the Eastern Bay Community Foundation, having made the decision to leave a gift in their will to the local community, to be invested with the Eastern Bay Community Foundation, with the income flowing back to local community causes, forever.

Ray says, “We thought about what our life was all about and that it would be a whole lot more meaningful if we could leave something to the community. Our success has a lot more meaning and purpose if we can share our good fortune. Our children really support what we are doing and are getting behind the idea, they are all on board.”

Rays’ vision, expertise, generosity, foresight and wisdom will be greatly missed from the board table; however, he remains a passionate supporter of the sustainable giving option that the Community Foundation champions.