Richard retired in 2017 after 29 years work for the Department of Conservation. For seven of those years as Manager of the North Canterbury area (including Banks Peninsula) and more recently as a National Business Development Manager, forging relationships with corporate partners such as Fonterra. He lives in Diamond Harbour and is a member of the Pest Free Banks Peninsula Management Group and the Canterbury Aoraki Conservation Board.

Co-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.

Maureen stepped up to the role of Chair in July 2019, having served the previous year as Deputy Chair. Maureen has recently retired from her role as the Corporate Services Manager of YHA New Zealand and serving its Board as National Secretary, giving her more time to dedicate to the Trust and her passion for the outdoors. YHA New Zealand began with a network of hostels on Banks Peninsula and shares with the Trust goals to get more young people active in the outdoors.

Paul has recently retired as the Chief Executive of Red Bus and previously worked as National Facilities Services Manager for City Care. He brings to the Board his skills in corporate and financial management and a good understanding of tourism. Paul owns a holiday home in Akaroa and spends time in the community there.

Bob lives in Charteris Bay and recently retired from Manaaki Whenua. He remains a climate change and environment researcher. Having worked in the carbon space for many years he brings strength to the Trust’s knowledge in this area. He has governance skills and experience and is a passionate outdoors person and keen tramper.

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.

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.

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!

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.