A Trust which helps create public access for walking and cycling and supports conservation initiatives has appointed its youngest ever Trustee. Piper Pengelly, a 21 year old law and economics student with leadership experience on several youth organisations, is one of four new Trustees appointed to the Rod Donald Banks Peninsula Trust.
She is joined by an architect, a veterinarian, and a conservationist who have also been appointed, along with a journalist who will be a Special Trust Advisor.
The Rod Donald Banks Peninsula Trust is delighted to announce the appointment of four new Trustees and a Special Trust Advisor. New Trustees are Duncan Bright, Francesca Brown, Anna Cameron and Piper Pengelly. Our Special Trust Advisor is Kamala Hayman. Our existing Trustees, Richard Suggate, Jenn Chowaniec, Maureen McCloy, Paul McNoe and Tyrone Fields are excited to see their team doubling in number and are looking forward to the experience and capability these new members bring to our mahi on Banks Peninsula.
Kamala will become a Trustee from 31 December 2024, when current Trustee and Co-chair Richard Suggate plans to retire from his role.
Duncan works as an architect and has participated in the Christchurch rebuild and delivered a number of complex infrastructure projects. Having made Governors Bay his home, Duncan enjoys tramping, mountain biking, and sea kayaking on Banks Peninsula and across the wider South Island. He is passionate about the environment and has volunteered for a range of local recreation and conservation groups.
Francesca is a veterinarian working as a senior leader in tertiary education. She is also an active researcher and has experience in governance, often as the Chair, through national roles supporting the development of education pathways and professional pathways for animal health professionals. Francesca has walked, hiked, biked and camped on Banks Peninsula throughout her life.
Anna has a property in Wairewa catchment which she is regenerating with her family. Anna has held several senior roles working in complex conservation projects and also with Treaty partners. She is experienced in governance and has worked alongside several voluntary recreational and conservation organisations. Anna enjoys spending time in nature on Banks Peninsula recreating with her young family.
Kamala lives in Huntsbury and is the Editor at The Press, with 30 years experience as a journalist. Kamala has communication skills and the ability to understand and reach target audiences. She was involved in The Press’s support for the campaign to buy Te Ahu Pātiki. Kamala is a keen trail runner, walker and cyclist.
Piper is currently studying law and economics. She is a Trustee for Styx Living Laboratory Trust and an ambassador for Takahē restoration with the Sir Peter Blake Trust. Piper has had strategic and leadership roles in several youth organisations including Youth Voice Canterbury and the Ministry of Youth Development. Piper has worked in the climate change sector at the Ministry for the Environment on the Emissions Trading Scheme. Piper enjoys recreation on Banks Peninsula and is an avid tramper and trail runner.
We look forward to continuing with our many walking and biking access, biodiversity, knowledge and partnership activities and projects with our expanded team of Trustees.
Left to right: Jenn Chowaniec (Co-Chair), Maureen McCloy, Kamala Hayman (Special Trust Advisor), Duncan Bright, Piper Pengelly, Anna Cameron, Francesca Brown, Richard Suggate (Co-Chair), Tyrone Fields and Paul McNoe.