Brian Cadzow – Chair
Brian was a co-founder of Vista Group, which he helped list on the NZX and ASX in 2014. He held senior executive and board positions until 2021. Brian is a Trustee of the Vista Foundation, a charitable trust which supports the growth of participants in the NZ film industry. He has also contributed extensively outside the business world, including ten years
on the Board of Lynfield College, five as Chair.
Brian has been a lifelong golfer with a passion for the game and the clubs he has played at. He has been a long-serving board member and club captain at Titirangi GC and is now a life member. Now, as a Guardian of the New Zealand Open he is committed to the event and the contribution it can make to golf and the wider community.
John Hart – CNZM
John is a highly respected figure in both the business and sporting worlds, known for his leadership and strategic vision. John has a background in corporate governance and a long-standing commitment to the growth of golf. Through his role as Chairman of the New Zealand Open John has played a pivotal role in shaping the tournament’s continued success and its growing impact on the community.
John has a wealth of experience in the corporate sector, having held senior positions across multiple industries. His contributions to sport, business, and community development have earned him a reputation as a passionate advocate for both local and national causes to create positive and lasting legacies.
Liz Blackwell
Liz grew up in Matamata with a strong passion for children and helping them reach their potential. Having studied teaching at Waikato University before becoming a primary school teacher, Liz moved to Auckland with her husband Paul, to set up the Pak ‘n’ Save
supermarket in Albany. Liz & Paul owned the Breakers basketball franchise between 2005-2019, highlighted by winning four championships. They also set up the Champions Programme using basketball fundamentals to teach children aged 5-12 years goal setting, nutrition, active lifestyle and values.
Liz’s passion and commitment to helping the community now includes being a trustee on the Well Foundation and also the Tara Iti Whanau Trust. Liz is also an active golfer and is inspired by the golfing community.
Jonty Edgar
Jonty is currently Co-Head of Markets and Executive Director, Asia for Forsyth Barr based in Auckland. He brings over two decades of experience in Asian equity capital markets based in Hong Kong and London with major international firms.
Golf has been a long-standing part of Jonty’s life, with his family maintaining close ties to the game and holding memberships at Royal Auckland and Tara Iti. As a Guardian of the New Zealand Open, Jonty is a passionate advocate for the event and its growing charitable impact. Jonty comes from a family background in philanthropy and social responsibility, and he remains committed to supporting meaningful ventures that benefit both community and sport.
Sandi Young
Sandi was raised in a small town in Missouri but then carved out a successful path in corporate America, ultimately rising to the role of Vice President of Marketing at Hostess. Despite her professional achievements, Sandi felt a strong pull toward philanthropy covering local and international causes and she continues to support global charities focused on education, clean water, medical aid, nutrition, and overall wellness.
Sandi is a member at Tara Iti and a board member of the Tara Iti Whānau charity, is a Guardian of the New Zealand Open and her experience in leading employee scholarship programs and managing charitable foundations has equipped her with a strong foundation in community-focused work. Sandi brings not only leadership and compassion but also a clear vision for expanding the tournament’s positive impact beyond the course.
Frank Quattrone
Frank is Executive Chairman of Qatalyst Partners, a leading independent investment bank focused on advising technology companies on mergers and acquisitions. Prior to founding Qatalyst as its CEO in 2008, Frank led the technology investment banking groups at Morgan Stanley, Deutsche Bank and Credit Suisse. He also serves on the Advisory Board of The Quattrone Centre for the Fair Administration of Justice at Penn Law School and is Chairman Emeritus of The Tech Interactive, a family-oriented technology learning centre in San Jose.
An avid golfer, Frank is a member of Tara Iti and Monterey Peninsula CC (Pebble Beach), and has played in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Frank and his wife have loved New Zealand passionately since their first trip in 1987 and are proud NZ permanent resident visa holders. Frank first played in the New Zealand Open in 2020 and became a Guardian in 2023.
