The Gisborne, New Zealand, community is mourning the sudden death of Hayden Andrew Keast, a devoted husband and father whose life was closely connected with education, community leadership, golf and local organisations across Tairāwhiti.
Keast died suddenly at home on September 25, 2026, according to an obituary published by the Gisborne Herald.
He is remembered by his family, friends and the wider community as a deeply valued man whose commitment to service extended from Gisborne Central School to sporting and charitable organisations throughout the region.
Who Was Hayden Keast?
Hayden Andrew Keast was a Gisborne community member known for his involvement in education, governance, professional life and sport.
His official obituary identifies him as the cherished husband of Jess Keast and devoted father of Josie, Willow and Emily.
He was also the son of Daryl and the late Marilyn Keast and was surrounded by a large extended family of siblings, relatives, nieces and nephews.
Beyond his family life, Hayden spent years contributing his skills and time to organisations across Gisborne.
Hayden Keast Served as Gisborne Central School Board Chair
One of Hayden Keast’s most significant community roles was his service with Gisborne Central School.
The school’s official Board of Trustees page lists Keast as its Chairperson.
The board is responsible for the governance and strategic direction of the school, including decisions involving curriculum oversight, finances, property, health and safety, policies and the employment of staff.
As chairperson, Keast therefore held an important leadership position within the school community and contributed directly to decisions affecting students, families and staff.
Years of Service to Education
Public professional records show that Hayden Keast began serving on the Gisborne Central School Board of Trustees in September 2022, with his role described as presiding member.
His years on the board reflected a broader commitment to helping organisations operate effectively and supporting the people they served.
For students and families at Gisborne Central School, his death represents the loss of a community leader who invested significant time in education and school governance.
Hayden Keast’s Wider Community Leadership
Keast’s service extended beyond Gisborne Central School.
He was previously involved with YMCA Gisborne, where public records show he served on the board of trustees.
Charity records also identify him as a former treasurer of the Gisborne Y Charitable Trust.
These roles demonstrate that his community involvement was not limited to a single organisation but stretched across education, youth development and charitable governance.
A Strong Connection to Poverty Bay Golf Club
Golf was another major part of Hayden Keast’s life.
The official Poverty Bay Golf Club website lists him as Vice Chair of the Board of Management, while New Zealand sporting coverage also documented him competing successfully for the club.
In 2025, he was described as a co-captain of the Poverty Bay team in the Tairāwhiti men’s interclub pennants series.
At one point during that competition, he had won all four of his matches, highlighting both his competitiveness and his importance to the team.
Hayden Keast Represented Tairāwhiti in Golf
Keast also represented Tairāwhiti at a higher level.
In late 2025, he was part of the Tairāwhiti team competing at the national men’s interprovincial golf tournament in Palmerston North.
The tournament brought together leading regional golfers from across New Zealand and reflected the level at which Keast remained active in the sport.
His connection to golf was therefore both recreational and representative, and the sport formed an important part of his social and community life.
Hayden Keast Cause of Death
Hayden Keast’s obituary states that he died suddenly at home on September 25.
However, it does not disclose a specific medical cause of death.
No authoritative public information reviewed identifies an illness, accident or other medical event responsible for his passing.
For that reason, any more specific cause of death would be speculative unless his family chooses to release further information.
Family Mourns Hayden Keast
Hayden’s obituary places family at the centre of his life.
He is survived by his wife Jess and daughters Josie, Willow and Emily.
He was also remembered as a beloved son, son-in-law, brother, brother-in-law and uncle.
A tribute published alongside his obituary described him as fiercely loyal, gentle and compassionate, emphasizing the support and friendship he gave to those closest to him.
Gisborne Community Remembers a Dedicated Leader
Hayden’s death is being felt across several parts of the Gisborne community because of the range of organisations in which he participated.
His school governance work connected him with parents, teachers and students.
His YMCA involvement placed him within community and youth-focused leadership.
His golf activities connected him with players, club members and sporting networks throughout Tairāwhiti.
Together, these roles reflect a life marked by participation, responsibility and community service.
Hayden Keast Funeral and Celebration of Life
A celebration of Hayden Keast’s life will be held on:
Thursday, October 1, 2026
1:30 p.m.
The House of Breakthrough
Ruru Avenue, Gisborne
The service will be followed by interment at Taruheru Lawn Cemetery.
Evans Funeral Service is handling the arrangements.
The gathering will give relatives, friends, colleagues and community members an opportunity to come together and remember Hayden’s life.
Remembering Hayden Andrew Keast
Hayden Keast leaves behind a legacy rooted in family, friendship, leadership and service.
At Gisborne Central School, he helped guide the governance of an institution serving local children and families.
At Poverty Bay Golf Club, he contributed both as a competitor and board leader.
Through other organisations, including Gisborne Y, he gave his time and professional experience to community-focused causes.
Most importantly, his obituary reflects a man deeply loved by his wife, daughters, relatives and friends.
For Gisborne and the wider Tairāwhiti community, Hayden Keast will be remembered as someone who participated fully in the organisations and relationships that mattered to him, leaving a lasting impact on the people whose lives intersected with his own.