Holiday Parks NZ is 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 were 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.” Petrina & Derek Brenchley.

The 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 New Zealand’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. 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.

Applications for the 2027 scholarship will open later this year. 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://hpnz.info/hellosignup.

Congratulations again to Petrina and Derek Brenchley. We are excited to be on this journey with you.