I have had a Financial corporate background for the last 40 years and 3 years ago I moved to Tairua.  I had not done any painting until then so I decided to give it a go.  

I love the challenges it gives me so I was honoured to be asked to become a Trustee and be accepted in the Art Escape as an artist. I have also been a Justice of the Peace for the past 30 years.  

My background in the corporate world was setting up new accounting systems and having large numbers of staff to work with which has been very rewarding and I am looking forward to working with artists in the MBAE in the future.

Having envied my parents moving to Whitianga in the 70's I am pleased to say that after years of holidaying here in Hahei we are now permanent residents.

I've spent my career in Art education, leading and managing secondary schools  and tertiary private training organisations both in New Zealand and Australia.

 I have also been able to continue my own art practice, exhibiting and running workshops.  Over the years I have been very impressed with the quality and creativity of the local art community and I am looking forward to being able to support and grow art and artists in the region through MBAE Trust.

After holidaying for many years on the Peninsula as a child and adult, we moved to Whitianga 6 years ago to start Coromandel’s CFM radio station, this was after leaving a career in luxury cosmetics as a Manager and Buyer.  I have been on the Mercury Bay Business Association Board for 4 years, 2 as Chair and am now looking to take some of my business and logical thinking skills to a more creative environment.  I am not an artist but I have always had an appreciation of all forms of art and look forward to supporting the Mercury Bay Art Escape team.   

We have been part of the Hahei community for 20 years. In my working life I've been a high school English teacher, worked in busy commercial libraries in London and  the last long stint was as a research librarian in the University of Auckland Business School assisting students with research and staff in creating teaching resources. I'm passionate about decisions informed by good research.  My art involvement consists of appreciation and liking artists as friends, therefore I am keen to help the MBAE flourish. 

Having spent 24 years in the finance industry, moving to Whitianga, ten years ago, gave me more time to follow my photography passion.  I have had a keen interest in Photography and the arts since my teens. In 2023 I gained the honours distinction of Associateship with the Photographic Society of New Zealand. Since moving to the Coromandel I have enjoyed visiting the Art Escape open studios, and took part myself for the first time in 2024. I'm keen to help the Mercury Bay Art Escape go from strength to strength.

I have been an artist my whole life, as a photographer, ceramicist, and painter.  We became part time residents in Hot Water Beach nearly 20 years ago, spending the rest of our time in San Diego or my native Sydney.  I am still an active artist, showing in California, Australia and NZ and have my main studio in Hot Water Beach. I have been a member of MBAE for more than 10 years, I am excited about helping MBAE move forward, our goals are to promote art and artists in the Coromandel, and to discover and nurture new artists in our area.  I think it is important for anyone who can to give back to the art community

My first memory of art was looking through The Family of Man, a photographic journal belonging to my dad. Ever since then I have been immersed in creativity, and received my first camera at the age of 14, entering the darkroom a few years later when at Art School.

I have always followed the creative whether it be art, food or music, eventually joining the corporate world of branding, marketing and events.

In 2012, I moved to the Coromandel and immediately became involved with the original Creative Mercury Bay Trust where I began marketing art and tourism to the community. 

My passion for art lies in the sharing amongst generations and the positive effect creativity has on a personal level as well as within the community

I have a love of both Coromandel, the environment, all animals, and art.

I live in Auckland but holiday at Hot Water Beach

While not a practicing artist; For many years now, I attend weekly lectures on the NZ art scene, international highlights and how art history influences artists.

I am member of Auckland Art Gallery Contemporary Benefactors – a philanthropic group which funds an artist commission at the gallery – offering NZ public the chance to gain an understanding and appreciation of Contemporary art and ideas.

I’ve joined MBAE late 2024, and hope to support this fabulous community initiative and art opportunity on our magic Peninsular.