Hello, Thank you for the interest in my site.

My name is Karen Summerhays and am based in Te Puke, in the wonderful Bay of Plenty, Aotearoa New Zealand. As I am presently employed as a Senior Community Development Advisor for the Whakatane District Council, I am not seeking freelance contract opportunities.

People + Place will continue to operate but will now mostly concentrate on my research, speaking engagements and the charitable projects I am undertaking.

My interests lie in assisting agencies to implement place-shaping/placemaking and planning for social infrastructure as a way of working. I have a particular interest in the positive role that representational panels can play in consultation processes and have a passion for projects that promote intercultural dialogue and resilience.

Kind regards, Karen 

About Karen

Karen is experienced and adept in the matters of Local Government and the Not for Profit sector. She has the ability to design, and develop, environmental programmes that address local environmental issues and education for sustainability.
As well as being a creative thinker; able to see the big picture and apply lateral thinking to problem solving, Karen is an experienced public speaker and a multi level communicator. 
She is culturally aware and has a particular interest in intercultural dialogue and environmental programmes.

Previously Karen has been: a founding Trustee of the Tauranga Environment Centre,  a Bay of Plenty Regional Councillor,  RMA Commissioner, environmental programme advisor, creator of the Hydrohub  project.

Presently she is the Chairperson of the Te Puke Community Centre Charitable Trust , Director of Te Puke Centre Ltd, and a Founding Trustee of the Sustainable Endeavours Charitable Trust. 

For a more detailed biography please visit Karen's LinkedIn Profile

You are very welcome to follow People + Place on Facebook 

People and Place is the trading name of TKT Trust, Tauranga, NZ