The Geraldine Sculpture Trail is a community project, which sits under the umbrella of Geraldine.nz (an incorporated society), and is governed by representatives from key local organisations:
Governance Group Board Members
Independant Chair – Nicky Donkers
Geraldine Ward Councillor – Gavin Oliver
Aigantighe Gallery – Cara Fitzgerald
Geraldine Community Board – Janene Adams
Landscape Consultant – Steve Sullivan
TDC Representative Project Guidance – Annette Houston
Operations Group
This group sits below the Project Governance Group and makes the day-to-day decisions that keep the project moving.
This group consists of: Nicky Donkers, Gavin Oliver, Steve Sullivan, Annette Houston, Rosie Woods.
About our Governance Group Board Members
Janene Adams
Geraldine Community Board (GCB) appointed representative to the Geraldine Sculpture Trail.
Janene’s role is to maintain a close relationship between the project and the elected members for Geraldine. In addition to her position on the GCB, Janene previously held the role of project coordinator for the GST and has been delighted to continue her connection as the project has progressed and become a reality.
Janene has lived in Geraldine for around fifteen years and has enjoyed being involved in many groups and organisations along the way. She sees her contribution as a way to give back to the community that she feels she has benefited from in so many ways.
Away from volunteering and community projects, Janene is an HR and Operations Manager by day and mum to two busy teenagers round the clock. One of her favourite activities, during her limited leisure time, is walking the trails and watching the seasons change.
Nicky Donkers
Chair of the Geraldine Sculpture Trail
Nicky was born in Geraldine and grew up on a farm at Geraldine Flat, so knows the Geraldine area/community well. After a period at university (Food and Sport Science) and working away, she returned in 1995 and worked/consulted for Barker Fruit Processors (Barker’s) for 29 years.
She is a serving board member of the Bidwill Hospital Trust, Geraldine.nz (ex-Chair), Peel Forest Outdoor Pursuits Trust (Chair), Tennis South Canterbury, the Geraldine Licensing Trust (Chair), Aorangi Veterinary Services (Advisory Chair) and an independent director of the NZ Dairy Dessert Company. She is also a member of the NZ Institute of Directors.
Nicky hopes that this free and accessible open-air gallery will showcase high-quality art/sculpture set in Geraldine’s riverside woodlands, Rhododendron Dell, expansive Domain, and ancient podocarp forest will create another special destination cementing Geraldine as a great place to live and visit.
Gavin Oliver
Ward Councillor for Geraldine
Having lived in Geraldine for the majority of his life, Gavin has been heavily involved in the Geraldine community. He loves Geraldine because it is safe, has an incredible community spirit and it punches well above its weight compared to other towns of similar size.
When a suggestion was made to start a sculpture trail within Geraldine, he was instantly excited and wondered how the community could make this happen. He has been overwhelmed by the calibre of the committee involved and appreciates all of the input into this project from the project managers, contractors and stakeholders. They have been fully invested in making this a world-acclaimed visitor attraction.
Rosie Woods
Coordinating Project Manager
Rosie’s involvement in the Geraldine community has grown over the past 16 years and now includes a portfolio of community work which keeps her busy and challenged. She was elected to the Geraldine Community Board in 2022 and has thrived on gaining knowledge, experience and education in the local government arena.
In her GCB capacity, Rosie acts as the board liaison with the Geraldine District Development and Promotions Assoc (Geraldine.nz), giving her insight into the marketing of the town as a visitor destination.
As a second term elected member of the Geraldine Licensing Trust and, Rosie and her fellow trustees are responsible for the effective management of community assets and distribution of any surpluses.
She is also the Project Co-ordinator for the Geraldine Sculpture Trail, a project about which Rosie is passionate and dedicated. She describes the role as both complex and rewarding, in that it requires a diverse range of skills and sees her connecting and managing relationships with donors, stakeholders, funders, artists and the community.
In her spare time Rosie enjoys the ambience of the outdoors walking her two poodles and time spent with her partner Ross.
Cara Fitzgerald
Aigantighe Art Gallery
Cara Fitzgerald is the Manager of the Timaru District’s Aigantighe Art Gallery and a member of the Geraldine Sculpture Trail (GST) Governance Committee. As gallery manager, she oversees daily operations, advises on art collection management, and ensures the gallery upholds high exhibition standards and community engagement.
Bringing a wealth of experience in the art field to the project, Cara also contributes as a member of the Art Advisory Group, ensuring the sculptures selected are of the highest quality and artistic integrity.
Cara resides in Geraldine with her husband and three young children and her role on the GST team allows her to combine her passion for art with her love of Geraldine.
Steve Sullivan
Landscape Consultant
Steve has a lengthy background in landscape development and a keen interest in art.
Initially his engagement on this project included managing the trail implementation work which included: design liaison, establishing specifications, project scoping and programming, managing contractors, liaising with stakeholders, preparing maintenance programmes and coordinating the various components of the project work.
His role now, as part of the governance team, is essentially to provide advice and guidance on landscape management over the sculpture trail areas.
Steve has found this a rewarding project so far and it will be without doubt a true asset to the community.