Our Trustees
GEOFF MIRKIN, chair
Geoff, the managing partner at Wilkinson Rodgers Lawyers, brings nearly 40 years of expertise in asset protection, specializing in trust formation, administration, and restructuring. He is also a dedicated advocate for community and pro bono work, recognized as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his exceptional services in 2013. Currently, Geoff holds influential positions as Chair in various organizations, including The Corstorphine Baptist Community Trust, Otago Welfare Guardian Trust, Stopping Violence Dunedin, Gordon Allen Foundation Trust, Dunedin Jewish Trust, the Otago Community Hospice Complaints Committee, and the Louise Davie Charitable Trust. Throughout his career, Geoff has actively chaired numerous initiatives and committees in areas such as hospice, rehabilitation, marriage guidance, health promotion, budget advice, grief education, accommodation trust, tennis, and other health and wellbeing entities, alongside fulfilling several honorary lawyer roles.
Prof. Chris Jackson
Professor Chris Jackson is a medical oncologist and professor of oncology at the University of Otago. He treats gut cancers and melanoma patients, teaches medical students, and is involved in national and international cancer research and policy. As the former medical director of the Cancer Society of NZ, he played a vital role in the development of a national cancer plan and the establishment of Te Aho o Te Kahu, the national cancer agency. He is also a leading researcher in cancer clinical trials, working with academics and companies to develop new treatments, tests for early detection, and methods for monitoring cancer growth and response to treatment. Additionally, he collaborates with international groups to share information and improve cancer care systems in New Zealand.
Warren Alcock
Warren is the director of Halo Sport in Dunedin. He pioneered the teaching of Māori Land Law at the Otago Faculty of Law after coming to Dunedin from Mahia to study law. He worked as a lawyer and became a partner at Gallaway Cook Allan in 1995. He was one of the first lawyers to represent rugby players when the sport turned professional in 1996. He launched a career in sports law and management and now works for Halo Sport after being part of international sports company CSM. He currently serves on the board of New Zealand Māori Rugby.
Garth Gallaway
Garth, a partner at Chapman Tripp in Christchurch, specializes in insurance-based litigation and health and safety defense. With deep connections to Dunedin and the wider Otago area, he is committed to his community. As the founding Chair of the Māia Health Foundation, Garth raises funds for health-related projects in Canterbury. He has also contributed to the arts as a trustee and former Chair of the Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi and the W A Sutton Charitable Trust. Garth's involvement extends to sports as a trustee of the New Zealand Football Foundation and as President of New Zealand Football. Additionally, he serves a second term as a Board member of Creative New Zealand. Garth's professional achievements and philanthropic dedication exemplify his commitment to the betterment of both his legal practice and the community.
Eterei Stonelake
Eterei has been a Director of the Stonelake Corporation for 16 years and has worked in McDonald’s Family Restaurants for 27 years. She has held many roles on sports councils, school and fundraising committees. Eterei has helped raise more than two million dollars for RMHC (Ronald McDonald House Charities) and she sits on the committee that will help build a house in Dunedin. She is passionate about helping others and is committed to supporting research to help those in need.
Emma Hunter-Hills
Emma is a lawyer at Gallaway Cook Allan, specialising in corporate and commercial law, and is an active member of Dunedin’s business community. Emma was fortunate enough to have known Louise and has also experienced a pancreatic cancer diagnosis of someone very close to her. She distinctly recalls the desperate yet surreal feeling of receiving that cancer diagnosis and looks forward to working with the Louise Davie Charitable Trust in the hope that fewer families will have to experience that same feeling in the future.
STEVE DAVIE
Steve has had a successful 40-year career in media and event management/fundraising. He is well-known in New Zealand for his work with various charitable organisations, including the Skeggs Foundation, Otago Boys’ High School Foundation and the Otago Medical Research Foundation, where he raised more than $6.5 million over 10 years. Steve now administers and fundraises for the Louise Davie Charitable Trust at no charge after taking time off to care for his wife Louise, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in mid-2020.
Make a Donation
If you are keen and able to help us launch research, we would welcome your donation.