Holiday Parks NZ announces first Pathway to Park Owner Scholarship recipients
Holiday Parks NZ congratulated Petrina and Derek Brenchley on their selection, noting the organisation looks forward to supporting their journey into holiday park ownership.
Holiday Parks NZ has announced Petrina and Derek Brenchley as the inaugural recipients of the Pathway to Park Owner Scholarship, a new initiative designed to help emerging operators take their first steps into holiday park ownership.
The scholarship, sponsored by the Vickian Family Trust, aims to nurture the next generation of park owners by providing practical guidance, industry connections and professional support.
The judging panel reviewed several strong applications before unanimously selecting the Brenchleys, noting that the couple had already demonstrated solid foundations and a clear commitment to the sector.
“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,” Petrina and Derek Brenchley said in a joint statement. “We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the scholarship panel and the scholarship partners for their support.”
A legacy of industry leadership
The scholarship was established by long-time industry contributors Ian Smith and Vicky Smith, whose involvement in the sector spans decades.
Over nearly 30 years, the couple transformed Waihi Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park and Beachaven TOP 10 Holiday Park into well-known visitor destinations before later bringing new vision to Ōhope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park.
Their influence has extended well beyond their own properties. Ian Smith served as chair of the TOP 10 Holiday Parks board from 2016 to 2024 and received the Outstanding Contribution Award from Holiday Parks NZ in 2023 for his long-standing service to the industry.
Now stepping back from ownership, the Smiths are supporting future operators through the scholarship initiative.
Industry backing for emerging owners
As part of the program, the Brenchleys will receive guidance from several industry partners providing specialised support.
BDO will provide business coaching, while Stufkens + Chambers will deliver a tailored consultancy package aimed at helping the couple establish strong operational foundations for their future park.
Brand development will be supported by Mike Dunn Creative, and the Vickian Family Trust has also provided a cash contribution to assist with further training and professional development.
Holiday Parks NZ will also provide the recipients with passes to attend the 2026 Holiday Parks NZ Conference & Expo, giving them the opportunity to connect with industry leaders and build valuable networks within the sector.
Applications for the 2027 Pathway to Park Owner Scholarship will open later this year.
Holiday Parks NZ congratulated the Brenchleys on their selection, noting the organisation looks forward to supporting their journey into holiday park ownership.
Holiday Parks NZ, who is managing the scholarship, will also provide passes to the 2026 Holiday Parks NZ Conference & Expo for Petrina and Derek to attend.
To stay informed about the next Pathway to Park Owner Scholarship sponsored by the Vickian Family Trust, please sign up for our quarterly newsletter at https://go.tia.org.nz/e/949662/hellosignup/wg4k2m/1213780128/h/Akphznl-YlbfCKabO3oEvB0LPohLjLagcYeVvZ2jmFE.
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