Holiday Parks NZ has announced Petrina and Derek Brenchley as its first recipients of the "Pathway to Park Owner Scholarship".
Holiday Parks NZ said it was proud to announce the first recipients of the “Pathway to Park Owner Scholarship”, sponsored by the Vickian Family Trust, as Petrina and Derek Brenchley.
The judging panel noted several impressive entries, but was unanimous in selecting the Brenchleys as recipients, remarking that the couple already showed strong foundations for becoming successful park owners.
“We are incredibly excited about this scholarship and eager to see where this journey leads. It’s an honour to be recognised as the inaugural recipients. We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the scholarship panel and the scholarship partners for their support,” said Petrina and Derek Breanchley.
This Pathway to Park Owner Scholarship is the passion project of Ian and Vicky Smith, who have been steady and generous forces in New Zealand’s holiday park community for decades. After transforming Waihi Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park and Beachaven TOP 10 Holiday Park into much-loved destinations over nearly thirty years, they went on to bring fresh energy and vision to Ōhope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park.
Their influence has long extended beyond their own parks, with Ian serving as Chair of the TOP 10 Holiday Parks Board from 2016 to 2024 and receiving Holiday Park NZ’s Outstanding Contribution Award in 2023. Now stepping back from ownership, the Smiths continue to champion the future of the industry by supporting emerging park operators with the same commitment and heart they have shown throughout their careers.
To support the Brenchleys on their scholarship journey, several industry partners have come on board to provide specialist guidance. BDO will offer business coaching, Stufkens + Chambers will deliver a tailored consultancy package to help the couple establish strong foundations for their chosen park, Mike Dunn Creative will provide branding support, and The Vickian Family Trust has also provided a cash contribution to support further learning and development.
More news here.
