The Make/Shift Whānau
There are many people and businesses who make Make/Shift Spaces a reality. Make/Shift Spaces employs a small team of part-time contractors who work closely with property owners and occupiers to develop and implement a programme within available resources. Make/Shift also researches and builds collaborative partnerships that can attract and pool resources to deliver bigger projects.
Make/Shift Spaces Whānau:
Anne Rush MNZM, General Manager
Anne is a well-respected Nelson-based visual artist, who has also worked across a wide range of arts and cultural development projects. Apart from creating her own exhibitions at commercial and regional galleries, Anne was researcher and project manager of the benchmark symposium, Destination New Zealand – Capturing the Cultural Tourist(1998). She has served on the APEC Prime Ministerial Advisory Group on Arts and Culture (1999), National Working Party on Cultural Tourism (2000), Queen Elizabeth II National Working Party on Community Arts (1993) and Queen Elizabeth II Central Regional Arts Council (1986-89). She held governance roles at Creative New Zealand Arts Council Toi Aotearoa and Creative New Zealand Arts Board Toi Aotearoa.
Regional projects include co-founding the Nelson Bays Arts Marketing Network (1993) and Nelson Regional Guidebook – Art in its Own Place (1994). As recipient of a Social Entrepreneur’s grant Anne developed a Cultural Mapping case study, Presenting Ourselves; Unlocking and Interpreting Cultural Landscapes, and has chaired the Nelson Heritage Advisory Group. Anne was co-founder of one of Nelson's most loved biennial events, Light Nelson/Te Ramaroa.
Tracy Allan, Administration / Fundraising
Tracy blends creativity with technical expertise. She has a Bachelors Degree in of Fine Art (Computer Art), also studying at Central St Martins College (London) and NMIT. With a background in supporting entrepreneurs, small businesses, and not-for-profits for over 20 years, her passion lies in championing creative needs. She currently holds a governance role at The Brain Injury Association Top Of The South, showcasing her commitment to community and the arts. She is the founder of ART Nelson/Tasman, dedicated to promoting visual artists in Te Tauihu.
Lee Woodman, Site Manager
Lee is contracted to Make/Shift Spaces on an ongoing basis. He is passionate about working with art installations and has experience in this field through working for Suter Art Gallery, Refinery Artspace, Nelson Provincial Museum and many private clients. Lee is a practicing artist with a trade background in joinery and building, and holds a Bachelor of Design Innovation specialising in Culture + Context and Philosophy. Lee is fully conversant and compliant with Health & Safety issues, has a current First Aid Certificate and carries his own Public Liability Insurance.
Klaasz Breukel, This Is Them, Brand Manager/Designer
Klaasz and his partner Floor van Lierop are graphic designers/art directors who moved from Amsterdam to Nelson ten years ago. Together they have run their own design studio for nearly two decades, creating colourful, clever work with strong visuals for a wide range of clients. Klaasz also works as a graphic design, animation and CGI tutor at NMIT and is involved in a number of local art initiatives www.thisisthem.com
Sarah Wilson, Communications / Media
Sarah has worked in arts communications in the UK, New Zealand and Australia, worked for leading production and performing arts organisations including Sydney Opera House, Sydney Festival, Opera Australia, Edinburgh International Festival and National Theatre of Scotland. Now based in Nelson, Sarah works for a range of arts and cultural organisations including Adam Chamber Music Festival, Dunedin Arts Festival and Nelson Classic Car Museum.
Make/Shift Spaces Committee:
Alison Margaret McAlpine QSO JP, Chairperson
Alison has held a wide variety of roles in education including Principal of Nelson College for Girls 1989-2008 and Chair of NZ Teachers Council 2010-16, a Caucus appointment. Since then she has been fulfilling statutory roles primarily assisting 'failing schools'. Her governance experience includes: NZQA Board; SPANZ; Hillary Commissioner; JP Association Executive; Chair Lotteries Distribution Committee for Nelson/Marlborough/West Coast (current); Chair Nelson/Tasman Cancer Society (current); Wellington Cancer Board member (current); Lotteries Kaikoura Earthquake Distribution Committee (current); and Giants Basketball Board (current). Alison has received numerous awards including QSO for service to Education and Community, Rotary, Paul Harris Fellow, Sir Jack Newman Award; Leadership in Education Award, and the TradeNZ Certificate of Appreciation.
Jan Rees, Treasurer
Jan brings 40+ years experience in the banking Industry, including coaching, performance management, sales, compliance, financial, customer service and negotiation skills. Jan is currently working part-time at Waimea Contract Carriers, volunteers as a community representative for Restorative Justice, and provides business and personal mentoring, giving time to utilise creative skills.
Brian Riley
Brian is an architect with 30+ years of architectural working experience and business ownership. He joined Arthouse Architecture Ltd as an Associate in 2005, four years after its establishment. He also chaired the Nelson/Marlborough branch of NZIA 2000–01 and was the inaugural chairperson and project manager of Te Ramaroa (then Light Nelson) from its inception in 2012 until March 2017.
Lucy Miller, Secretary
Lucy is a lawyer and Associate at Isherwood-Le Gros Lawyers Ltd and has gained invaluable experience in Commercial, Property and Resource Management Law under Paul Le Gros’ mentorship. She has governance experience as an Executive Member of Victoria University Wellington's branch of the international student organisation SSDP.
Jessica Ammundsen
Jessica became a board member in 2023, leveraging over ten years of expertise in communications and marketing. Presently, she holds a leadership position at Port Nelson as their Communications and Engagement Manager. Her professional journey has allowed her to collaborate with diverse clients and industries across both public and private sectors. Jessica is also a member of the Institute of Directors and the Public Relations Institute of New Zealand.
Make/Shift Spaces would like to thank the following for their invaluable support
you're all amazing!
As our Major Sponsor, Nelson City Council have been there from the start, commissioning the initial research, and funding us to get set up and on our way. Thanks NCC!
Rata Foundation are one of New Zealand's most generous funding bodies. We're eternally grateful.
The ever-generous Lion Foundation are enabling our little admin team to keep working on an amazing array of projects. Thanks Lion!
As one of Nelson’s largest Property Management Companies, Gibbons are always a pleasure to work with, and are a key to providing the actual spaces for us put things in.
NBS is New Zealand’s oldest Building Society, with an aim to make a difference in the communities in which they operate. We're incredibly priviledged to be working with them.
When the spaces need a makeshift wall or two for displays, we know we can rely on Golden Edge for all our building supplies – those walls don’t just come from nowhere!
We work closely with Speedy Signs for all our signage – they’re responsible for making our designs and signage a reality, and for installing them so beautifully in the spaces.
Make/Shift Spaces receives pro bono support from Isherwood Le Gros Law Ltd, who keep us on track with all the legal side of things. Our finances are managed by Jan Rees and our accountant is Alaina Baldwin at RWCA, Nelson.
Thanks everyone!
As Make/Shift Spaces grows, so too will this website. We’ll keep adding news and updates on projects as they reveal themselves in our smart little city.
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