Candidate Statement

My principal place of residence is in the Braided Rivers Community Trust area.

I’ve proudly called Mt Somers home for 20 years, where my husband Sean and I have raised our three daughters. All attended local schools - Mt Somers Springburn Primary and Mt Hutt College - deepening our connection to the Mid Canterbury community.

We own and operate Stronechrubie Restaurant and Accommodation, as well as Catering Co., which has allowed me to engage with a wide range of people and support many local community events.

Community involvement is close to my heart. I’ve served as Chairperson of the Mt Somers Springburn School Board, am currently Treasurer of the Mt Somers Rugby Club, and co-founded I Nuinui Fiji, a New Zealand-registered charity supporting communities in Fiji.

I’m passionate about building strong, connected communities.

That’s why I’m standing for election to the Braided Rivers Community Trust. I believe in listening, collaboration, and supporting initiatives that make a real and lasting difference in our region.

Candidate details

Phone: 021 185 3573
Email: info@stronechrubie.co.nz

Candidate Statement

My principal place of residence is in the Braided Rivers Community Trust area.

I have been a proud resident of Mid-Canterbury for 15 years. I am a senior lawyer at RMF Silva, specialising in commercial, property and
agribusiness. I am married to Jeremy, have two children aged 13 and 10 and live on a lifestyle block on the outskirts of Ashburton.

In both my professional life and my role as a parent I have seen and benefitted from the great work that the Trust does in supporting our community by providing grants to many different organisations. If elected, I will bring the benefit of my professional experience and commercial acumen to the management of the Trust’s assets along with my enthusiasm for supporting the many different community organisations that make up the fabric of our community.

Candidate details

Phone: 021 230 8423
Email: Christina.Clarke@rmfsilva.co.nz

Candidate Statement

My principal place of residence is in the Braided Rivers Community Trust area.

I moved to Ashburton 28 years ago with my wife, Carolyn, for what was going to be a temporary stay. We soon realised that the Ashburton district was a great place to live and raise a family.

As a family we have been involved with numerous sporting and cultural organisations that have benefited from the generosity
of the Braided Rivers Community Trust. I would ensure that generosity continues into the future for the benefit of more people in our community.

I’ve worked in Finance and Banking for 37 years with the past 18 years as a Financial Advisor specialising in Investment Portfolio Management and Planning.

With the Trust growing its asset base and increasing the allocation into a diversified investment portfolio, I would be a Trustee with experience, knowledge and relevant industry qualifications to help manage, grow and protect the Trust assets for the benefit of our future generations.

Candidate details

Phone: 027 204 1030
Email: kerry.clough@anz.com

Candidate Statement

My principal place of residence is in the Braided Rivers Community Trust area.

As a local Mid-Cantabrian I am excited at the potential to be elected to the Braided Rivers Community Trust.

Having been a part of both local sporting and community groups I have been fortunate to see first hand the impact that the trust has been able to make in our region.

Being mindful of the trusts long term goals of maximising the return to our community and taking a long term approach to investments I would consider it a privilege to be included in the decision making process.Alongside my wife Jayne we have been involved in our local
business for nearly 20 years, and we look forward to continuing to do so for many more.

I have two adult children and away from work enjoy spending time golfing with friends and family.

Cheers
Mark (Roasty) Douglas

Candidate details

Phone: 027 276 2789
Email: markjayne@xtra.co.nz

Candidate Statement

My principal place of residence is in the Braided Rivers Community Trust area.

Wendy and I moved to Ashburton in 2017 from Northland to be with family. We consider that is one of the best decisions we have made in life. Ashburton is a great area to live and grow.

Until retirement this year I worked with Anglican Advocacy as social justice advocate supporting all vulnerable people in the community in some of their most complex moments.

My passions are Social Justice and good Governance, in thatorder.

Previous Governance roles are, Board Member on the National Board of Equestrian Sports NZ, Chair of Endurance NZ, Chair of Caninspire Charitable trust and current board member for The Ashburton Learning Center.

I am an Associate member of The Arbitrators and Mediators Institute NZ.

I am standing because I believe this role can play a part in making a positive difference for the Ashburton Community. I can help the trust identify need in the Community.

Candidate details

Phone: 021 705 043
Email: warrenjames1854@gmail.com

Candidate Statement

My principal place of residence is in the Braided Rivers Community Trust area.

I am seeking re-election to the Braided Rivers Community Trust Board, where I have served since 2019. I am committed to continuing the Trust's valuable work for our community.

Growing up here, I am honoured to contribute to our community. My ongoing governance education with the IOD continuously enhances my effectiveness. Upholding Ethical standards & best practices will ensure the long-term sustainability of how we continue to support our people.

During my tenure, I have enjoyed collaborating with the team to support our community through grants. I am especially proud of our contributions to organizations like Riding for the Disabled & Ashburton Society of Arts.

Ashburton is a wonderful town, thanks to its volunteers & groups. As a local business owner and a mother to an Ashburton College teenager, I am dedicated to making decisions that prioritize our next generation's best interests.

Thank you for your consideration.

Candidate details

Phone: 027 356 1212
Email: chantelle@twentyfourcatering.co.nz

Candidate Statement

My principal place of residence is in the Braided Rivers Community Trust area.

I am Gerard Rushton: Having served on the Braided Rivers Trust for three years, I’m deeply connected across Mid Canterbury, positioning me to effectively support our community’s needs.

My roots in the region give me firsthand insight into the challenges faced by local groups. I bring strong governance and financial skills honed through extensive business experience and over 40 years in sports administration. In 2011 I joined the MCRU Board, becoming Chair in 2015 and serving until 2025. Nationally, I served on the NZR Appointments and Remuneration Committee. I currently chair the Meningitis Foundation Aotearoa NZ and have recently been appointed to the Pharmac Consumer Group.

My strong ties throughout Mid Canterbury demonstrate my commitment to the community. With proven leadership, business acumen, and governance expertise, I am dedicated to preserving and growing the Trust’s legacy.

It would be an honour to continue serving on the Braided Rivers Trust.

Candidate details

Phone: 027 433 9065
Email: ged@agconsulting.co.nz

Candidate Statement

My principal place of residence is in the Braided Rivers Community Trust area.

I am a partner at RMF Silva. I live within the BRCT area. I specialise in property, agribusiness, commercial law and succession. Apart from five years in London I have lived in Mid Canterbury since 1996. I have twin boys aged 15.

I became a BRCT Trustee in 2017. My entry coincided with extensive strategic planning and policy formulation for the Trust. The overriding goal for the Trust is to support our community for generations to come. We need to ensure that the Trust is in a position to consistently grant meaningful assistance to the community, while inflation-proofing the Trust’s capital.

If elected, I can continue to add value from my experience with BRCT, as a lawyer and from other governance roles. With a number of longstanding Trustees retiring, I can offer continuity and stability into the next term and beyond.

Thanks for your support!

Candidate details

Phone: 021 505 137
Email: tim.silva@rmfsilva.co.nz

Candidate Statement

My principal place of residence is in the Braided Rivers Community Trust area.

I am a proud local with over two decades in the banking sector and a deep commitment to the wellbeing and growth of our community.

Alongside my professional role, I volunteer with a local not-for-profit organisation, which has strengthened my understanding of grassroots needs and the importance of inclusive support. These experiences have shaped my perspective on sustainable development and the value of empowering local initiatives. I bring robust financial and governance skills, a collaborative mindset, and a deep
appreciation for the unique strengths of our region.

My passion lies in helping communities thrive, and I believe the Braided Rivers Community Trust board offers a meaningful platform to contribute to that mission.

Candidate details

Phone: 027 272 3010
Email: tarshwilson@xtra.co.nz