Elected as Chairman of the Board in 1977 succeeding his late father, Lou Fisher, Stephen is a well-known business and community leader, with interests in retail, farming, tourism and property as well as the arts, yachting and the environment.

Jeff is a lawyer with over 30 years experience, serving as trustee on a number of trusts. He has been on the Spirit Trust Board since 2008. Jeff is also a sometime recreational sailor and keen ‘runabout’ fisherman.

Catherine began her career as a cadet with the Trust then went on to work as a deck officer on container ships and qualify as a master mariner. After coming ashore to start a family, Catherine completed a law degree and was admitted to the New Zealand bar. She is a keen recreational sailor and racer and joined the Trust board in 2018.

Executive Director of companies in property, medical devices and general investment. He is a mentor to several start-up companies through Find Invest Grow. and is also a keen recreational sailor.

Jerry joined the Trust Board in 2015 and with him brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from the education sector. His key role is assisting the Spirit with regard to building its strategy through a cultural lens.

Chris is an engineer and finance Executive with the past 20 years in the energy sector. Chris’s current challenge is in making a significant contribution to the global decarbonisation agenda by rolling out grid-scale solar electricity across New Zealand. Chris is married to Leigh, has three children (one who has just done a voyage) and is keen on many ocean and land sports. Chris has long wanted to contribute to the Trust after a life changing Spirit of Adventure voyage in 1991.

Ngaire is Principal of Auckland Girls’ Grammar School having previously held the position of Principal of Tangaroa College. Ngaire is a committed educationalist passionate about developing quality young teachers to give the students across all communities the opportunities to be challenged, grow and develop. Ngaire is a keen sports women including on and in the water.

Matthew is a passionate sailor and has been sailing since he was 5. He has been involved in many sailing adventures in NZ, Australia and as far away as Sweden, the Mediterranean, Greenland and Antarctica. He has had a long career as a Maritime Lawyer both in London and Auckland, and is currently a consultant with McElroys lawyers in Auckland. He teaches Maritime Law at Auckland University. He volunteers as a community Lawyer at the Glen Innes Citizens Advice Bureau, been a member of several charitable Trust Boards and committees and spends time each year as a volunteer at refugee settlements in Africa and Europe. Matthew has done several trips volunteering on Spirit of New Zealand and not only enjoys the 6.30am swim, but thoroughly enjoys being part of the amazing experience the young people have on the voyages.