Gerry Paul

General Manager

Gerry has recently moved to Te Tai Tokerau from Pōneke Wellington where he was Festival Director of CubaDupa, which in 2021 was touted as the largest post-lockdown festival in the world! He has also programmed the music for many of Wellington’s favourite events including Beers at the Basin, Beervana and Wellington Wine & Food. As a touring musician, Gerry has played music at over 500 festivals in over thirty countries with some of the biggest names in folk music.

Gerry comes to Kerikeri with his wife and daughter and as well as having a love for all things arts and entertainment – he is a keen spearfisherman and can be spotted chasing snapper and kingfish around the Cavalli Islands at the weekends.

Ginny Pearson

Event Coordinator

Originally from the UK, Ginny spent her early career as a private chef aboard luxury superyachts that took her around the world & back again. Since settling in New Zealand, her career as progressed to event management which fulfils her love of organising & attention to detail.

She is a busy mother to 2 nearly teenage girls and when time permits, she loves exercising, exploring the outdoors, cooking, entertaining & anything arty.

Iris Klapwijk

Operations & Systems Coordinator – On Maternity Leave

Iris makes sure all aspects of the business run smoothly. She sets up the ticketing for events, liaises with hirers about our Health and Safety requirements and she makes sure all our systems and departments work together.

Originally from the Netherlands, she’s been based in Kerikeri for a while now. In her free time you can find her camping around Northland, going for a swim after work or having dinner with friends.

Tom Doig

Operations & Systems Coordinator

Tom is covering for Iris while she is on maternity leave. Tom recently moved to the region from Raglan after growing up in Pōneke Wellington. His background includes design, manufacturing and coaching. Tom spends his free time surfing, gardening and playing music. He is looking forward to exploring all Te Tai Tokerau has to offer, including some exciting upcoming events at the Turner Centre.

Carol White

Chair

Carol currently works part time for Continence NZ and spent the last nine years working in the not for profit sector as Trust Manager of the Wilson Home Trust and Executive Director of the Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre. Prior to moving into the not for profit sector, Carol worked in management, marketing and finance roles in the television and internet industries.

Carol and her husband moved from Auckland to Kerikeri in February 2021, having spent many years boating in the Bay of Islands and Whangaroa Harbour. Carol enjoys the theatre and live performance and has been a volunteer ticket scanner at the Turner Centre since she arrived. She is delighted to now be able to use more of her skills and experience to help the Turner Centre in the next stage of its growth.

Joanne Roberts

Trustee

Joanne has lived in Kerikeri for the last few years with her husband and three sons, having moved up from the North Waikato where she lived all her life. Joanne has been an accountant for 16 years, working in public practice and is a chartered accountant with BDO Kerikeri. Joanne has a passion for the arts, and if she didn’t become an accountant was going to be an arts teacher. Joanne has been involved with community art organisations in the North Waikato, and the running of a ski lodge on Mount Ruapehu.

Joanne is excited to be a board member, and share her skills with the Turner Centre.

Mariao Tehuranga Hohaia

Trustee

Mariao graduated in 1992 from Northland Polytechnic Applied Arts Drama course working in NZ, and the UK, in writing, directing, acting, and theatre production.

Returning to Kerikeri in 2005, Mariao has worked for Te Runanga a Iwi o Ngapuhi for nearly a decade in both youth development and hapu development. He also serves on the Bay of Islands Arts Festival Trust (Upsurge).

Mariao is currently the Executive Manager of Tapuaetahi Incorporation and with him brings  manawhenua representation to the board on behalf of his hapu, Ngati Rehia.

Cara Pinny

Trustee

Cara has a real enthusiasm and dedication to helping businesses’ create great teams and get the most out of their people and has a Bachelor’s degree in Business majoring HR. She works fulltime as an Employment Relations and Health and Safety Consultant and Advisor and is looking forward to bringing these skills and experience to the Turner Centre.

Being a keen runner you will no doubt see her running around some of our great tracks in the Far North.

Kylie Mooney

Trustee

Kylie has worked in the professional services industry for most of her career with her last role as CEO for law firm Meredith Connell.

Kylie and her husband moved to Kerikeri in 2022 where they are enjoying boating, gardening and learning to play golf.  While they initially got involved with the Turner Centre volunteering behind the bar, Kylie is pleased to now be able to help the Turner Centre using her other skills and experience.

Babe Kapa

FNDC Council Observer

Babe’s experience extends; Stationmaster Railway Kaikohe, pioneering BOT member Green Park school Tauranga, qualified primary trained teacher, Principal, Special Education Facilitator/MOE Advisor, HOD Tikanga & Reo Mäori TV and currently Team Leader Attendance Services for Ngäpuhi Iwi Social Services Te Taitokerau.

Babe  is excited to be a part of the transformational opportunities that are on the horizon for the Turner Centre, especially in the ways that our wider communities can access, contribute to, and benefit from its potential.