Chair

Jenn has worked as a lawyer for a number of years and currently works in the philanthropic sector as the General Manager of the Wayne Francis Charitable Trust. She is also the Deputy Chair of Kilmarnock Enterprises Ltd and a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors. Jenn is a very keen ultra-distance runner, who enjoys getting out and about to explore Banks Peninsula.

Tyrone’s family has lived in Lyttelton, Banks Peninsula for generations. He was elected in 2018 to Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū Banks Peninsula Community Board and served until being elected as the Banks Peninsula Councillor in 2022. Tyrone has travelled extensively and worked in the UK as an analyst in the finance sector before retraining as a social worker. He brings these skills into local government, where he works towards the betterment of our environment, and ensuring that public facilities are kept in public hands.

Originally from the UK, Duncan moved to New Zealand in 2012 for the outdoor lifestyle that the country has to offer. As a practicing Architect, he 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 lives in Halswell, 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. She has demonstrated a commitment to understanding tikanga Māori and Mātauranga Māori, as well as to sustainable practices. Francesca has walked, hiked, biked and camped on Banks Peninsula throughout her life.

Anna lives in Mt Pleasant and has a property in Wairewa catchment that she is regenerating with her family. Anna has held several senior roles working in complex conservation projects and working 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.

Shelley has recently started as the new Trust Manager on 15 January 2024, after working for Environment Canterbury for many years, and NZ Landcare Trust before that. These roles have included facilitating council committees, supporting community groups and engaging the community. Her work has included Banks Peninsula, a community and landscape Shelley is passionate about. Shelley lives in St Martins with her family and enjoys tramping, rowing, yoga, paddleboarding, cycling and craft.

Our Hut Manager David Brailsford does a wonderful maintaing the Rod Donald Hut and the surrounding property. If you bump into him at the hut please go and say hello!

Sue Church has lived on Banks Peninsula most of her life and is active with many community organisations. Sue works as the administrator for the Trust.

Wanda, a Christchurch-based guide and former journalist/communications specialist, has spent 20 years sharing Nepal, Bhutan, and New Zealand’s wonders. Raised across continents, her passion for hiking and the mountains ignited in childhood, eventually leading her to guide trekking trips in Nepal’s remote corners and run cultural tours focusing on fair trade and community growth. An advocate for giving back, Wanda has led philanthropic projects, notably raising funds post-Nepal’s 2015 earthquake to rebuild schools, partnering with local organizations for various initiatives, including school constructions and supporting artisans.