Gwen Malden (née Nelson) was born and raised in Hawke’s Bay. She lived almost all her life in Havelock North.

After leaving school, Gwen studied painting at the Christchurch School of Art. She then travelled in Europe and England for several years painting as she went. Gwen was a caring person with a wicked sense of humour. She loved Hawke’s Bay and was an enthusiastic supporter of the arts.

Gwen Malden and her sister Ruth Nelson purchased Kereru station in 1946. After 20 years of intensive development and improvements, they transferred their ownership to two charitable trusts – the Gwen Malden Charitable Trust and the A.R Nelson Charitable Trust. The Station is still owned by the two trusts and the Gwen Malden Charitable Trust derives most of its income from the property.

Trustees

• David Sutherland
• John Lockie
• Simon Beamish
• Tessa Tylee (Chair)