Gerschen is a teacher who has taught in South Africa, Netherlands and, since 2005,
has been in leadership and teaching roles at Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate.
Gerschen is passionate about identifying leadership opportunities that will develop
our tamariki. He is currently coordinating leadership opportunities at the school
offered by organisations such as the Blue Light Foundation, Rising Foundation,
Enable Trust, Spirit of Adventure Trust, Duke of Edinburgh/Hillary Award and
Outward Bound, of which Gerschen is an alumnus. Other roles have included
managing director for an overseas-based education consultancy firm that provided
students with learning experiences.

What attracted Gerschen to join the Trust was the legacy of ‘true servant’ leadership
that Sir Ed left behind. Not only did he conquer a mountain in Nepal, but Sir Ed also
committed to serve and empower a community. As a result, he provided more
people with skills, knowledge and the self-belief to dream big. In so doing, ordinary
people came to believe they could do extraordinary things.

Gerschen believes the same is true for the future of the Hillary House Leadership
Centre. With ongoing financial support and the vision of like-minded individuals, he
believes this Trust will grow and provide people from the community and throughout
New Zealand with opportunities and skills to conquer their personal Everests.

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September 2018

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