Our Team
Nicole Schofield
Founder & Project Manager
Just a kid still with life lessons under my belt, I decided in my 42nd year to pursue the meaning of life, the universe and everything.
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As it turns out, it was a pretty simple answer...
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The South Star School project has chose me and I decided to go with the flow.
My background is in studio art, teaching, program design and creative fun. My aim is to be part of a place and idea that can be a creative place for everyone.
My Art practice is making in everyday life- jewellery, writing, sculpture, prints, and enjoying life by design.
Roxanne Claassens
Secretary
I moved to New Zealand from South Africa 17 years ago and have been living in the South Island for just over 2 years.
If I had to pick a label to describe myself it would be "creative".
The art I create is all made up of items and media being thrown away. I love giving items another life cycle.
Izzy Niles
Treasurer
I’m someone who treasures creativity, family, and community, and I also have a real love of numbers — hence my role as Treasurer of the South Star School.
When I was originally asked to become a Trustee, my first thought was, “Art? I can’t even draw a stick man!”
But I learned it’s so much more than that. It’s about supporting a vision and helping bring something meaningful back to the community.
My enjoyment comes from my craft work — especially knitting, which I mostly do for my family — and from playing Lawn Bowls and helping to share our beloved game with the community.
I am absolutely delighted to be part of the re-emergence of South Star School. Whenever I’m bowling at the club, I often look over and imagine the fun and laughter that must have filled the school all those years ago. Now, being part of this new chapter, I feel proud to help bring that same fun and laughter back again.
Grant Taylor
Organic Fundraiser
I was born in Kurow and not sure why it took me over 60 years to find my way back but I'm so happy to be home again and to be part of the most amazing community I've ever been in.
In my creative practice, grapes are my medium and turning them into wine is my art.
I am part of South Star School because I support the vision that will do so much good and bring benefits to our community.
I love my role because of the joy it brings in helping people achieve their vision.
Edie Pont
Trustee
A creative, enthusiastic wellness motivator, entrepreneurial nurse and grandmother of 8 grandgirls, who inspire me to prepare a place so they can pursue their dreams.
Mentoring others to go all out exploring their creativity, using massage and holistic wellness practices to promote this and pick up my paint brush, watercolour being my medium of choice.
My first introduction to art was attending an Art in the Sun weekend in Kurow in the 1980’s, where I was given the courage and confidence to explore and nurture my inner creativity.
Therefore the attraction of being a trustee of South Star School is so we can provide an inspiring venue where hundreds of others can experience a similar opportunity.
Fenella Barry
Trustee
I am the owner operator of a vineyard and recording studio Sublime, in the Waitaki Valley.
I am also an artist and have endeavoured to create and inspiring place where musicians get to express themselves in a cocoon of creativity.
I get to experience first hand the joy and empowerment of being creative and what being creative brings to others.
I am involved in the school project because I believe it will be wonderful to foster all the talent in the Valley in this historic place.
Kyla England
Tech Support & Admin
I've been chasing sunsets my whole life. Trying - and failing - to squeeze into boxes I was told were 'perfectly sized'.
I don't have a dedicated craft, but I love to create. Love watching things grow, and get excited when differences blend together to create cohesion.
'Home' wasn't something I expected to find, though I was always looking... turns out sometimes the road you bush-whack leads to paradise. And this Valley, well it's magic.
I've never been a part of anything big before, but this School feels like a chance to throw myself behind something I truly believe in.
Deborah Brown
A proud mother of 4 girls and 2 grandsons, I am also an active member of our local community society.
Early on, I saw my career path forged in creativity, fashion, colour, style and form. Influenced by discarded 80s posters from my auntie's salon.
I engaged in a hairdressing apprenticeship and as an honours student attained multiple placements competing in prestigious hair awards and had the privilege of styling the 2009 Women Firefighters Calendar!
Currently I’m on a personal journey of creative exploration in a playground of mixed media, modelling past and resin - using watercolour and automatic writing.
This fuels my passion to build the vision and philosophy behind South Star School by establishing a place to hold space for exploring, learning and shaping. The ideas of breaking down rural barriers of our community by opening doors and opportunities to participate in self-expansion and well-being which nourishes the individual and strengthens the health of the whole community.
Star Comittee
Dana Johnson
Star Comittee
A multidisciplinary artist and designer based in Kurow, working across photography, graphic design, illustration, sign painting, and large-scale murals.
Her practice is grounded in craftsmanship, storytelling, and process-driven, hands-on work.
She has joined the South Star School committee to help support its transformation into a vibrant arts hub for the community.