It’s the project to get the facilities at Akina Park, Hastings upgraded to include changing and storage rooms under a grandstand around the first and third base lines on diamond one. Plans for what was to be a $320,000 upgrade were drawn up in 2006.

“We’ve got the base of a fund. We just need to continue working with New Zealand Lotteries so we can fund the rest of the project,” Carter said.

“We haven’t got the money to pay a professional to do that and when big organisations are doing the same thing they have people who are paid to come up with the answers. When you are always taking on the big boys you are chasing all the time.”

 Carter, 59, who has been on the SHB board since 1991 and is into the fifth year of his second stint as managing director, will step down at the June annual meeting. This weekend’s national Evergreens women’s tournament at Akina Park will be his last major event as an SHB official.

“I reckon I’ve been there a term too long. Our board needs a fresh voice, someone with new ideas and a fresh look. I’m pretty staid in my thinking,” former CEO Carter said.

“I’m always a phone call away. I’m prepared to help all sports in Hawke’s Bay if somebody needs a hand. I thought about that when I received my Service to Sport award at the Hawke’s Bay Sports Awards function in 2015.

The 2001 and 2008 winner of the administrator of the year award at the Hawke’s Bay Sports Awards, Carter, was quick to reply when asked about his highlights during his time on the SHB board.

“Every year is a highlight when junior teams achieve. No matter what the code is there is nowhere better than Hawke’s Bay in our country for junior talent.   Click here to continue reading in the New Zealand Herald and to view photo.