How well do we know people in our Community?

Martinborough is home to many talented people, working in interesting occupations, often of which we know little. 

Kirsty Shepherd is one such example. 

Following her years at Otago University completing her law degree, Kirsty undertook a 5year graduate programme working as a Junior Solicitor for the Ministry of Economic Development. She then joined the Ministry of Justice as a Senior Solicitor in the Office of Legal Counsel working on criminal case review. 

18 years ago, she arrived in Martinborough after her husband Dave asked whether she would prefer Martinborough or Waiheke as a place to live. With Dave being a viticulturist, grape growing was naturally a priority, so Martinborough became the destination of choice.  An interlude of 8 years allowed time for caring and enjoying her children’s early years, before she returned to work Part Time as a Senior Solicitor in Health Legal at the Ministry of Health.

Currently Kirsty is working on the build of the New Dunedin Hospital. The hospital will not only be the largest building in Dunedin but also one of the most complex and challenging construction projects ever seen in New Zealand. The New Dunedin Hospital will be built on the old Cadbury Factory site, and on surrounding blocks of land. The site will encompass Dunedin’s Health education facilities as well as allowing flexibility for future development. The $1.4 billion project is scheduled to be completed by 2028 and will be the most modern and technologically sophisticated hospital in New Zealand.

The first step for Kirsty involved purchasing the land and advising on possible risks. The second stage focussed on the demolition of the site. Consideration of the heritage nature of the old Cadburys Dairy Factory building was paramount, with the outcome being that the South Eastern corner will be retained.  Detailed photographic and video recording of progress of the demolition is ongoing. This is important historically for Dunedin.

The Covid Lockdown and Response threw a curve ball on Kirsty’s workload too. The Ministry of Health had to work at lightning speed, writing the orders and advising Police, Immigration, Customs, and other organisations. Team meetings via Zoom were held every morning.

  “One of the great benefits of living so close to school, Kirsty says, is that Our children can easily walk. If I am participating in a meeting, they can pop out for a bike ride. They also loved the fact that I work for Dr.Ashley Bloomfield.  They were always delighted to see him on TV”.

“My spare time?  Well, I don’t have a lot. But I am part of a book club and play scrabble.  I’m a member of the Community Patrol and am Chair of the School Board and on the Board of Wharekaka”. “Life is busy”.

Lyle Griffiths