Our Trustees
Raoul Stuart - I have have been coming to the island with my wife and four children since 1997. My wife and I both retired from medical practice in 2021 and have lived here since. We have actively engaged in community activities on the motu since then. For me that was first with OME in Medlands as chairperson of the group and, since last year, also as coopted chairperson of the AAHV Trust. I have been a lifelong supporter of the arts and have followed and supported the artists exhibiting in the Art Gallery since its inception. The “village” is a vital part of the island’s culture and a major tourist attraction which will function best with strong community engagement and support.
Prue Smith - After 25 summers on the island, Andy and I moved out here permanently five years ago, to our slice of heaven. I have been volunteering at the gallery since then, and three years ago joined the Trust. I have a mixed professional background including 20 years in publishing as an art director and journalist, followed by 20-some years in the charity sector. In amongst all that were a couple of years in management at the Auckland Art Gallery. Having reported to a board of Trustees in the past, and now as a Trustee, I understand the Trust’s governance role and I really want to play my part in helping the AAHV village thrive. It’s such a vibrant addition to our community. What’s more it has me back dabbling with paint and ink.
Hilde Hoven - I am an artist/maker. I have a degree in hospitality and marketing and I've been involved with the Barrier community over 25 years, initially through PlayCentre and the Mulberry Grove School Board and during the last decade through the now dissolved Destination Great Barrier Island and more recently the GBI Garden Tour. I host visitors to the island and am a stargazing guide. I would like to offer this combination of skills and experience to contribute to the GBI art community and to make it flourish even more than it already is.
Lexy Derby-Ngawaka - Having married one of the many handsome men of the local iwi, Ngati Rehua, and having lived here with our family for seven years in the 90s, I continue to have strong links with the motu. With two of my four daughters living here, I return time and time again. It is on the island that I really started weaving, adding to my interest in photography, painting, singing, and performing music – leading to a Bachelor in Maori Visual Arts. Over the years I have been an active member in different roles on two School Board Trusts, local and regional Maori Women’s Welfare Leagues as well as other smaller committees. As a Trustee for Aotea Arts and History Village for the past three years, I value being a part of the vision for innovation and creativity. For me, the Village is an integral part of the island’s sanity, for people to express their Te Whare Tapa Whā (House of Holistic Being).
Lorelle Bobsien - My family and I have had many happy holidays on Aotea over the last 20 years. Retirement and and permanent living was an easy transition for my husband and I three years ago. We have immersed ourselves in the beauty of Island life, also renovating and regenerating the property and its land in Kaitoke. I have volunteered regularly at the Art gallery and believe the Aotea Art Gallery and History Village to be a dynamic and pivotal part of Island life, welcoming and supporting the development of its artists, people and the tourists population. My career background has been in Nursing to include the role of a senior nurse supporting and growing the new nurse in a rapidly changing health sector. I have always had a strong sense of community and been part of volunteer groups to improve and streamline activities involving children, young peoples and adults. These attributes are transferable and I would love the opportunity to continue to expand the creativity and vitality of the arts and the environment of the Aotea Arts & History village.
He uri nō Ngāti Rehua, Te Arawa, Ngāti Porou me Hāmoa ahau. Ko Lady Saifiti ahau.
My connection to Aotea comes through my grandfather, Erin Ngawaka, and our whānau homestead tucked away in a special bay north of the motu. I feel fortunate to now call Aotea home.
I bring more than a decade of leadership experience across cultural tourism, operations and commercial development within iwi, Trust and community environments. My expertise includes financial oversight, strategy and business improvement, supported by national and international industry relationships.
I joined the Aotea Arts and History Village Trust Board in June 2026. I see Aotea as a place of creativity, connection and restoration for tāngata whenua, the wider community and visiting artists alike. As a Trustee, I hope to strengthen the arts, heritage and tourism across the motu, advancing Aotea as a recognised creative destination within Aotearoa.