Our People

Working as a Trustee gives me a very tangible way to have a positive impact on our place and our people. I’m naturally curious and relish learning opportunities. I read widely on topics related to Trust business, connect with educators and stay informed about the latest education research to make the best evidence based decisions around the board table. I’m interested in supporting learners with additional needs, bringing art to our public spaces, funding resources for primary classrooms to deliver specialist topics like Te Reo Māori, NZ history and science, supporting PLD opportunities for educators and innovative community programmes.

I see the Trust using its stable foundation to commit to long term support for major projects while retaining the ability to fund new concepts. We can be champions of innovation for groups with big ideas that give Masterton learners unique opportunities. It’s important that the Trust considers how its funding decisions can have the greatest impact for our community while also addressing issues of inequity in our systems.

As a Trustee, I aim to represent our community by making good decisions to benefit education, arts and culture for current residents and future generations with a view to helping our town thrive and prosper. I’m passionate about supporting education, community groups, arts and culture and diversity in our community. My vision for the Trust’s future is ensuring our commercial portfolio continues to strengthen and grow to maximise the best returns for our community. This means, the ability to identify tangible outcomes and benefits to our community through each transaction.
My other current public roles include – Trustee of Masterton Community Trust, Councillor and Deputy Mayor of Masterton District Council, Director of Trust House Board.

I just love leading the Board of Masterton Trust Lands Trust and am very proud of the resources we’re able to deliver to our community. My long term commitment to the Board, and to Masterton is reflected in 19 years of service. I have a long-held interest in education, and enjoy the opportunity, as a Trustee to work and help build a better community for all. Our Arts Strategy is a great vision for the town.
I’m currently President of Masterton South Rotary Club, a Justice of the Peace, and a member of the local JP Council.

As a leader of several community organisations, community wellbeing and continuing to maintain focus on community good are key drivers for my Trustee role. I am passionate about anything that benefits people resident within our bounds. It’s important to me that we ensure the financial wellbeing of organisations and groups doing good for our community. I’m proud of what Masterton Trust Lands Trust has already achieved and what it will achieve in the future. Other public roles I hold include Mayor of Masterton, Chair of Wairarapa Community Centre, President of Masterton Bowling Club.

I wanted to be part of an historical organisation that contributed so much to the people of Masterton. I bring a lifelong experience of dealing with people within many roles that have developed a range of skills that can be applied to my Trustee role. I believe we are never too young or too old to learn. As Trustees, we recognise that not everyone starts out in life from the same place – we demonstrate equity by treating all citizens of Masterton in the same way. I’m passionate about making good decisions that impact the current citizens of Masterton and having the foresight to think and plan to provide for the next generation to come.

I stood for election to the Trust because I wanted to continue the Trust’s work, particularly enhancing the art installations in Masterton. My community development background brings funding knowledge and experience working with a range of peoples including refugee and migrant communities, and those with learning disabilities. My vision for how the Trust can help the people of Masterton in future is equity that addresses at-risk communities, increased support for not-for-profits and increased funding for our library service.