Shirley Calvert

Shirley Calvert has been involved with the Cromwell & Districts Community Trust since its very beginning, contributing in a wide range of roles over the years. Her long involvement reflects her deep commitment to Cromwell’s people, places, and future.

Since returning to her birthplace of Cromwell in 2003, Shirley has been a steady force in community life - active in governance, hands-on environmental work, and local advocacy. As Cromwell has rapidly grown and changed, she has remained one of its strongest champions for protecting and enhancing the green spaces, natural corridors, and outdoor experiences that make our town unique.

Shirley’s passion for the environment runs deep. Childhood holidays meant tramping boots, sleeping bags, and time spent exploring Aotearoa’s wild places - experiences that shaped her lifelong love for the outdoors. That passion later led her to qualifications in Exercise Science, and Parks, Recreation and Tourism, giving her both practical and academic grounding in how to build healthy, thriving communities connected to their landscapes.

These days, Shirley brings strong governance experience, environmental insight, and a long-term view to the Trust’s mahi. She is a clear advocate for the values our community continually stands behind - big skies, greenways, native biodiversity, and places that support active, healthy living. And although much of her contribution is now strategy and advocacy, she still loves rolling up her sleeves to plant natives and do her bit on the ground.

Shirley’s deep roots in Cromwell, paired with her environmental expertise and decades of service, make her an invaluable part of achieving the Trust’s vision for a connected, sustainable, healthy and future-focused community.