Meet the Trustees
Meet the Trustees
Kathy Johnston, Patron
Kathy was one of the founding members of The Trust and has very recently stepped down from Chair. Kathy owns Replete Café & Store, which she established with her husband 25 years ago. Her philosophy is to give as much of herself as possible and this is shown through her strength in networking and relationships with the community, understanding of processes and meticulous attention to detail. Kathy is now Patron of the Trust.
Kim Gillies, Secretary & Treasurer
Kim, our Secretary and Treasurer, moved to Taupo 14 years ago from her hometown of Wellington, where she had gained her Bachelor of Design and worked as a creative copywriter for advertising agency Clemenger BBDO. Kim now owns and runs two busy shops in Taupo with her husband, as well as chasing their two young children. Kim has an interest in art and photography, a passion for creative problem solving and a can-do attitude that benefit the trust a number of ways.
Chris Martin, Chair
Chris has recently taken up the reins as Chair of the Trust. Eight Years ago Chris retired from his successful career in advertising as an Art Director and Creative Director of Colenso and Clemenger BBDO. Throughout his career he has won many local and international awards and travelled the world to chair several award juries. He is now a full time artist and has been a finalist in the Wallace art awards. Chris brings to the Trust his great understanding of the art world, his creative strategising skills and a talent for public speaking and captivating presentations.
Peter Jarvis
Art and sculpture has been a major part of Peter’s life since the 1960’s when he started collecting and trading in works by established NZ artists. He founded Ferner Galleries in 1980 and now has a personal art collection of over 800 works. Peter brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that is invaluable to the Trust. His passion for art now sees him travelling the world, viewing and photographing art and sculpture and bringing back new ideas and inspiration with him.
David Poppelwell
From Chairman of the Bruce Mason Centre, to curating African art exhibitions, David has broad experience in the art world - both here and internationally. With a Queen's Service Medal for Service to the Community and Arts, we're sure David's passion and dedication will prove to be invaluable to the Trust.
Christine Robb
With a Bachelor of Applied Arts degree and her deep involvement in the Taupo art community, it is clear that Christine has always been passionate about the arts. She and her husband Lynden have been owners of Lava Glass — the vibrant café, gallery, and glass-blowing studio — since 2002, later adding a glass sculpture garden. Christine’s knowledge and patience in dealing with funding and grants applications as well as her hands on approach is invaluable to the Trust.
Harriet Cameron
Harriet is one of our newest Trustees and we are very privileged to have her on the Trust. Currently finishing her architecture degree and with a fine arts degree from Elam already under her belt, it's no understatement to say Harriet is keen on the arts! A Taupo local who has recently moved back from Auckland, Harriet is especially interested in the design of public spaces.
Alicia Stewart
Alicia comes to the sculpture trust with a background in Photography and design with a keen interest in the fine art world. Originally a local, Alicia spent time abroad in London and Melbourne before settling back to vibrant little Taupō. Currently the head of content and digital for a boutique web development agency Legend, Alicia is keen to give back to her local creative community.
Debbie Hughes
Debbie is our newest trustee, a semi-retired GP with no formal arts training but a life-long passion for visual and performing arts. She brings to the trust her previous experience in governance, and enjoys engaging with people on matters she feel strongly about including the significant benefits that public art can bring to a community