South Waikato Investment Fund Trust (SWIFT) Chair Stephen Veitch says former Chief Executive Amanda Hema’s time with the economic development Trust has been transformational. Hema resigned from SWIFT in December to take up an appointment as Head of Engagement at Waikato University.
“Through her visionary leadership and commitment to regional development, Amanda has left an enduring legacy that has positively impacted businesses, youth, and the wider South Waikato community,” says Veitch.
Hema was appointed a SWIFT trustee in May 2020 bringing with her extensive expertise in regional partnerships and public sector management. She contributed to SWIFT’s existing initiative to introduce mobile forestry simulators to train youth in remote areas and she piloted a driver licensing project to remove employment barriers for rangatahi.
Her appointment as Chief Executive in October 2021 marked the beginning of an era of significant growth for SWIFT. Under her leadership, the Trust completed the construction of the South Waikato Trades Training Centre, Pūkenga Rau. Veitch says this $14 million state-of-the-art facility, completed in 2023, now stands as a beacon of education and workforce development at the northern gateway to Tokoroa.
Hema grew SWIFT’s operations team, appointing operations manager Shannon Double, former community liaison Anita Goodman, and current community liaison Kiani Tuhua. This strengthened team has been instrumental in delivering on SWIFT’s vision and ensuring the trust’s initiatives reach and benefit the South Waikato community.
“Amanda spearheaded programmes like the Generation Programme, which empowers youth to pursue careers in forestry, and the SWIFT Scholarship Scheme, which commits $50,000 annually to support tertiary education. She also worked closely with South Waikato District Council’s 2022 delegation to Parliament to advocate for long-term co-investment in the district.
Veitch says her commitment to the community’s wellbeing and environmental stewardship was equally notable. Collaborating with the Pokaiwhenua Catchment Group, Hema supported the restoration of Whakauru Stream, leading to the planting of over 2,200 native trees near Pūkenga Rau. This initiative further underscored the power of partnerships and SWIFT’s holistic approach to development.
SWIFT received the Waikato Business Awards’ Community Contribution Award in 2023, recognition of the far-reaching impact of the SWIFT board and operations team leading up to and during Hema’s tenure.
Reflecting on her time at SWIFT, Hema says, “It’s been an honour to contribute to the South Waikato’s growth and to work alongside such dedicated partners and community members. Together, we’ve laid a strong foundation for intergenerational prosperity.”
Veitch says, “As Amanda steps away from her SWIFT role, her legacy serves as a reminder of the power of visionary leadership and collaborative action. The South Waikato community will continue to feel the positive ripple effects of her work for years to come.”
