Meet our Trustees.

Chair

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 Over own the successful Lava Glass Studio, Gallery and 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. 

Deputy Chair

Debbie is 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 a strong commitment to the value of public art in the Taupō district.

She enjoys engaging with people on matters she feel strongly about, including the significant benefits that public art can bring to a community

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.

Trustee

Rachel has a strong connection to the local community. With a background in business and communications, she brings a practical, people-focused approach to the Trust and is passionate about supporting public art that enhances Taupō’s shared spaces and reflects the character of the town.

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.

Harriet Cameron is a Taupō-based architectural designer and Trustee of the Taupo Sculpture Trust. With degrees in both Architecture and Fine Arts from the University of Auckland, Harriet has a longstanding interest in the role art plays in shaping public space and enriching everyday experience.

A Taupō local who has recently returned home, Harriet is committed to supporting the Trust’s vision of bringing high-quality, enduring public art to the district. Her background in design and the visual arts informs her enthusiasm for projects that enhance the cultural fabric of the region.