Ryman residents were delighted to see the late Shona McFarlane honoured at a wonderful portrait unveiling held at their village, which is named after the famous Kiwi artist and broadcaster.  

Yesterday, at the special event, residents and visitors learned about Shona’s amazing life where she was a painter, journalist, broadcaster, art teacher, and later, a resident of the Lower Hutt village named after her. 

After Village Manager Megan Gouveneur welcomed everyone, Ryman New Zealand Chief Executive Cheyne Chalmers opened the speeches by thanking the residents and village team members, saying: “What a stunning village you have. I always enjoy visiting our Ryman communities, and it’s such a privilege to meet the lovely people who make up our vibrant villages."

      Ryman New Zealand Chief Executive Cheyne Chalmers with the painting.

Cheyne highlighted Shona’s remarkable achievements, including her role as the women’s editor of Dunedin’s Evening Star from 1960 to 1974 and her groundbreaking position as the first woman on the Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council. Shona also led the Otago Art Society and contributed to various arts committees. She became widely known in the 1970s as a panellist on ‘Beauty and The Beast’ with Selwyn Toogood. She was honoured as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire, and her works are celebrated in galleries and collections worldwide.

Cheyne then introduced Milly Mitchell-Anyon, Curator of the Dowse Art Museum in Lower Hutt, to talk about Shona’s artistic accomplishments.  Milly is an art historian and curator originally from Whanganui, where Ryman Healthcare also has a village, named after aviator Jane Winstone.

Milly described Shona’s style as 'bright, joyous, and bursting with colour,' and noted that the Dowse holds several of her works in their collection. She shared how Shona McFarlane’s art was shaped by her experiences as a writer and teacher.

With a smile, she even mentioned how Shona once captured an Otago Art Society AGM in one of her paintings, much to the crowd's amusement. Hutt City Councillor Glenda Barratt, who attended in place of Mayor Campbell Barry, highlighted Shona McFarlane’s significance to the local area and spoke about the village’s importance in the community.  

This was followed by a speech from village resident and former village manager Hazel Herbert. "I feel privileged to have contributed to the success of the village. It was special back when I worked there around its opening in 2000, and it remains special now that I’m a resident, enjoying the beautiful gardens and the warm community atmosphere," Hazel said.  

Hutt City Councillor Glenda Barratt with resident Hazel Herbert.

Notably, Hazel mentioned that Shona McFarlane spent her final days living at the village.  She also spoke warmly about having worked alongside Ryman co-founder Kevin Hickman, who very sadly passed away the week before. Hazel expressed how honoured she felt to have crossed paths with both of them. 

Finally, it was time to unveil the portrait, and Hazel had the honour of assisting Cheyne in removing the cloth. The crowd was immediately struck with the vivid colour palette and references to some of Shona’s own art works.  

The portrait, by renowned artist Craig Primrose, features colours reminiscent of Shona McFarlane's still life works and reflects the fact that much of her life was spent in the harbour cities of Dunedin and Wellington.

After the main proceedings, everyone gathered for morning tea, with many taking the opportunity to admire the portrait up close. Resident and team members enjoyed chatting with Cheyne, along with Rob Woodgate, Group Chief Financial Officer, and Stephen Lester, GM Sales and Customer Experience NZ, who also attended the event.

 Stephen Lester and Megan Gouveneur.