Andrew Siddles - ChairpersonAndrew has had a 30 year career in digital and corporate leadership roles across the local government, education and private sectors. Andrew also has 12 years of previous governance experience in roles as a trustee, board chair, company director and board advisor. Andrew joined Earth Gardens in late 2022, and took on the Chairperson role in 2024. Andrew was drawn to Earth Gardens as it combines his love for gardening with his passion to support others to grow their skills, confidence and connections.
Our People
We are governed by a committed volunteer Board of Trustees, with operations led by a General Manager and a passionate team of facilitators who work alongside our participants each day. Our growing volunteer whānau also plays an important role, bringing skills, energy, and connection into our community.
Together, we create a welcoming environment where our people can build confidence, learn practical skills, and experience a sense of purpose and belonging.
Andrea Stevenson - SecretaryAndrea joined Earth Gardens in 2024 as a trustee and became board secretary more recently. She has Masters in Social Science and has worked in the Org. Psych. field for over 25 years with a range of private and public sector organisations including not for profits. She has a particular interest in HR, leadership development and team dynamics and team performance. Andrea is a keen garden and has a personal interest in health and wellbeing, so she fully understands the positive impacts of our mahi from garden to plate. She is also a Director with Baker Tilly Hawkes Bay and volunteers with Panui Mai Read to Me.
Could this be you? We are currently looking for a person to join our governance team and take on the role of treasurer. To find out more, contact Robin our General Manager: manager@earthgardens.org.nz
Sheena Revington - TrusteeSheena is an accomplished and driven not-for-profit leader, with nearly 20 years of experience in strategy, fundraising, communications, marketing, and community engagement. With an impressive track record that includes raising more than $30 million for capital and operational projects in NZ and the UK, she is passionate about making meaningful change through her work. She has dedicated her career to date to ensuring charitable organisations are sustainable and have the tools equipped to meet the needs of their communities and have the most impact possible. Sheena believes that everyone deserves to live their own best lives, and community places and spaces such as Earth Gardens provide opportunities for people of all abilities to participate and thrive.
Charmaine Robinson - TrusteeHe kākano ahau i tiria i Whakapūnake, whakairohia ngā wai ora o Hangaroa me Ruakituri, i ngā kōrero tuku iho o Ngāti Hine Hika. Charmaine is a Māori health professional with expertise in strategic leadership, service transformation, and culturally grounded practice. She has led operational management, equity strategies, and key projects across the health sector, always championing Te Ao Māori to uplift whānau wellbeing. Charmaine is deeply connected to community through her long-standing support of grassroots and regional sports teams. Earth Gardens matters to her because it strengthens connection to whenua, enhances community wellbeing, and supports sustainable, intergenerational growth. Guided by “Poipoia te kākano, kia puāwai.”
Alby Hailes - Trustee Alby is a Senior Psychiatry Registrar (mental health doctor) working to better the hinengaro of the Hawke’s Bay community. He brings valuable mental health sector expertise to the Earth Gardens team. Alby is also a published food writer whose kai philosophy focuses on how connecting to whenua, whānau, and self through wholesome kai promotes mental wellbeing - values that align strongly with Earth Gardens. Alby is particularly passionate about supporting rangatahi to gain skills and knowledge that empower them to a lifetime of eating well. Alby sees Earth Gardens as a vital community organisation, providing a uniquely nurturing environment for hauora and personal growth.
Robin Wilson - General ManagerRobin brings a mix of business leadership and people-centred practice to her role as General Manager at Earth Gardens. With a background spanning banking, the not-for-profit sector, coaching and health and wellbeing, she has led teams through change and supported people to grow and thrive. Robin is passionate about creating environments where people feel a sense of purpose, belonging, and possibility especially when life has been challenging. As a keen gardener who loves cooking with her own produce, and with a background in holistic wellbeing, she values the connection between people, food, and the land, and the role this can play in supporting wellbeing and everyday life. She is a Professional Member of Health Coaches Australia New Zealand (HCANZ) and an ACC with the International Coaching Federation (ICF).