New Mahara Board member’s skills invaluable to Gallery redevelopment project

Mahara Gallery Media release 6 April, 2018

The Mahara Gallery Charitable Trust Board says the appointment of Tonchi Begovich to the Mahara Board adds valuable skills at an important time in the Gallery’s evolution.

Mr Begovich is a Registered Quantity Surveyor, a member of the Waikanae Community Board and currently Development Manager for the Ngarara property development project at Waikanae Beach.

Mahara Board Chairman Professor Les Holborow says Mr Begovich’s skills will be invaluable as the Board works towards the redevelopment of the Gallery building to lift it to a standard that would enable it to house and display the nationally-significant Field Collection of art works.

“We have been impressed with Tonchi’s energy and passion for the development of Waikanae and the Kāpiti Coast,” he said. “We also recognize the value of having a Board member who has knowledge and experience of building planning and design phases, value engineering, construction and overall project cost control.”

Mr Begovich has more than 25 years’ experience in the construction and building services industry. Apart from his current role in the Ngarara development, he managed the development of the Ferndale eco hamlet in Waikanae and had a long association with aged care developer and operator Summerset Group where he held positions as Developments Manager, and Group Senior Construction Manager working in all areas of land acquisition and RMA process, design, procurement and construction.

“While Tonchi will be a Mahara Board member in a private capacity, we consider his role as a member of the Waikanae Community Board will be of benefit to ourselves and the Community Board,” said Professor Holborow.

Mr Begovich has endorsed the gallery’s importance to the fabric of Waikanae town centre and sees the gallery as a town centre lynchpin - being a local and visitor draw card. He has indicated he is excited at the prospect of adding value to the gallery’s redevelopment and enhancement.

“His membership of Kāpiti Coast District Council’s Operations & Finance Committee will also provide us with a useful link to an important council committee.”

Professor Holborow said the Board’s first priority for 2018 is to work with Kāpiti Coast District Council to appoint an architectural firm that will design the Gallery building upgrade. In addition, the Board will continue working on fundraising, consultation and promotion of the project within its immediate and wider community, philanthropic and potential Crown sources of support. Mahara Gallery is the District Public Gallery for the Kāpiti Coast.

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Issued by Mahara Gallery
Media contact:
Kevin Ramshaw, Secretary, Mahara Gallery Trust Board, phone 0274 507 420.
kevinramshaw1@gmail.com