Board Nominees for 2024
Board Elections 2024
The following members have been nominated for election or re-election.
Nominee 1: Peter Hillary
Nominee Statement - Peter Hillary
Peter's current 3 year term as Chair and Trustee of the Himalayan Trust Board has reached an end and he seeks to stand for re-election
As Sir Ed’s son, Peter grew up with the Himalayan Trust and the people of the organisation both in New Zealand and in Nepal. He is honoured to serve as board chair, working to continue to deliver support to our programmes in Nepal.
Peter brings a wealth of experience in governance and philanthropy to the Trust, as well as important connections with INGOs across the world.
Peter has strong connections in Nepal that enable the Himalayan Trust significant support in our programme work.
Peter has also brought on several major donors to support the work of the Trust during his time as Chair of the board.
Proposer Statement - David Simmons
Peter's current term as Chair and Trustee of the Himalayan Trust Board has reached an end.
As Sir Ed’s son, Peter has spent much of his life living and working with the residents and visitors of the Everest region. This connection brings with it a strong network of engagement with local communities and their leaders, and their development needs and priorities. These strong connections enable the Himalayan Trust significant support in our programme work.
He is a well-known leader of, and advocate for, the work of the Himalayan Trust both in New Zealand and in kindred and supporting organisations across the world.
Peter is an excellent advocate, speaker, and enthusiast for the work of the Trust.
I have every confidence that the Trust is better for his insight, leadership and enthusiasm and hereby nominate him for a subsequent term as Trustee.
Seconder Statement - Kirsten Nicholson
Nominee 2: Michael Gill
Nominee Statement - Michael Gill
Mike Gill is a founding member of the Himalayan Trust. Mike was a close friend of Sir Ed and accompanied him on many of his adventures.
He has written a biography of Ed, as well as the book Himalayan Hospitals about the Khunde hospital and its volunteer doctors.
Mike brings to the board his vast experience of the Solukhumbu region and its people. He also bring a wealth of historical knowledge about the Himalayan Trust and its long-term impact.
Mike is the chair of the Finance committee and has run this very productively throughout recent years of market instability. His input and efforts towards financial sustainability have been critical.
Proposer Statement - Kirsten Nicholson
Seconder Statement - Bruce Arroll
Nominee 3: Georgia Cervin
Nominee Statement - Georgia Cervin
I’ve been a member of the Himalayan Trust since 2012, when I first visited Nepal and saw the Trust's transformative work in education, forestry, and medicine throughout the Solukhumbu region. Since then, I have returned twice, most recently in November 2023, deepening my connection to the communities and the Trust’s mission. Witnessing the Trust’s profound impact has inspired me to contribute more directly.
Joining the board would allow me to give back to the communities that have touched me, while bringing fresh perspectives and applying my governance and strategic leadership skills to further the Trust’s positive impact. My professional background offers skills and knowledge in the areas of strategic leadership, educational expertise, and financial acumen that align well with the Himalayan Trust's current needs.
In my governance experience across both sport-related charities and the public sector, I’ve led organisations through complex challenges, always focusing on equity, sustainability, and making a real difference. As a senior manager in public service, I’ve overseen multi-million-dollar budgets and led performance monitoring for a Crown company, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with legislative requirements—skills that will be key as the Trust continues to expand its vital programmes. I’ve also served as Treasurer for the New Zealand Historical Association, where I managed its finances and reporting.
As a researcher, I secured grants exceeding $100,000, demonstrating fundraising experience that will be important as a member of the board. I have a background in adult education, developing workshops for public servants and teaching in universities—experiences that will help me contribute to the Trust’s educational initiatives, especially in teacher training and community engagement. My experience leading policy development teams in government has required strategic thinking and a deep understanding of the interplay between organisational goals and community needs. My experience in negotiating Treaty Settlements and collaborating with ministers and iwi has strengthened my ability to manage relationships and drive outcomes—essential skills for working with the Trust’s diverse stakeholders. My international experience as a Commonwealth Games athlete reflects my commitment to excellence and dedication, qualities I’m eager to bring to the Himalayan Trust to help achieve its strategic goals and support sustainable development in the Solukhumbu region.
Proposer Statement - Emma Heydon
I have known Georgia for over a decade and in that time I have always been extremely impressed by the commitment she displays in all of her endeavours, whether academically, at work or in her extracurricular activities. This is a quality that she has demonstrated since an early age as shown by her background as an international athlete.
Georgia would be a huge asset to the current Himalayan Trust board, bringing a passion for Nepal coupled with a wealth of experience in governance, leadership, financial management, negotiation and education.
Seconder Statement - Richard McKenna
I first met Georgia in 2011 while studying in Dunedin and have been her friend since. She has remarkable qualities which would an asset to the Trust Board. She has a wide range of knowledge, experience and skills from her time in professional gymnastics, academic research, travel and career in government. These would be an asset to the Trust Board.
Georgia competed in international gymnastics and has carried this passion into her doctoral studies and involvement in gymnastics governance. Her commitment and perseverance in continuing to stick to and follow her passion is admirable.
Her professional policy, research and leadership skills are in good use at Te Arawhiti: Office for Māori Crown Relations. Georgia is personable, diplomatic and is experienced in building relationships, illustrated by her work in Māori Crown relations.
She is widely travelled and has made several trips to the Solukhumbu, including a trip I was part of in late 2012. Georgia would be a great asset to the Trust.
Nominee 4: Miranda Cahn
Nominee Statement - Miranda Cahn
Over 30 years of experience working in international development in the Pacific and Asia, in senior positions for NZ government and non-government organisations, and as an independent consultant.
International Programme Director at Save the Children NZ (SCNZ) (2013-2017); Senior Evaluation Advisor at MFAT (2008-2012); Lecturer/Tutor at Lincoln University in agri-business/horticulture, and international development (1981-2006). Independent Consultant 2006-2008, 2012-2013, and 2017 to present.
Experience in policy and strategy development, leadership, and working in SCNZ Senior Management Team and alongside SCNZ Board.
International development experience has included assignments in, and team leadership of projects/programmes in tertiary education, training, gender equity and inclusive development, livelihoods and agriculture, climate change adaption, and community development (including water, sanitation and health (WASH). Considerable experience in project design, monitoring and evaluation (M&E). Supervision of education sector projects whilst working in SCNZ. Interaction with local government and NZ High Commissions in Asia and Pacific.
Knowledge of and experience in Nepal:
Co-designed, and co-managed (with Save the Children Nepal staff), a ‘Livelihoods and Social Protection’ project in Udayapur, Nepal (2013-2017). Project was funded by SCNZ and MFAT. Based in NZ, with frequent remote interaction with local staff. Annual visits to Nepal: visiting project sites and communities, interacting with stakeholders and government staff, and mentoring local Save the Children Nepal staff in Kathmandu and Gaighat, Udayapur. Hosted and billeted Save the Children Nepal project staff members during their visit to NZ.
Alignment with the values and purpose of the Himalayan Trust:
International development work, and values, align with the HT vision and mission i.e. to empower local partners and communities, and build sustainable communities. All international development work is in partnership with local organisations and communities, and conducted in a respectful, participatory and inclusive way. Project design and management is consistently outcomes focussed with monitoring, evaluation and learning as key elements. The SCNZ Nepal project (extended to last 7 years due to its success) was a highlight, with strong and lasting friendships being formed with SCNZ Nepal staff.
Proposer Statement - David Simmons
I have known Miranda since 1997 when she was working at Lincoln University. At that time she undertook a number of projects in international development, education and governance.
Miranda is a highly experienced independent consultant, with a demonstrated history of working in international development (government, non-government and academic) - now seeking board appointment. She would bring to the Trust skills in leadership, policy development and analysis, programme design, evaluation and monitoring. She has also visited and worked in Nepal, and to the present offered advice on our QEPS programme and refunding bid.
She would be an asset to the Board and Education and Governance committees.
Seconder Statement - Michael Gill