For Roselyn, volunteering has been a way to learn, connect, build friendships and help shape the place she loves. A sixth-generation Timaruvian on her father’s side, Roselyn grew up in Timaru, attended Waimataitai School and Timaru Girls’ High School, and now raises her own family here with her husband Chris and their two daughters. With family roots stretching back to the 1860s, and a mother who came to New Zealand from the Netherlands, Roselyn grew up with a strong sense that stories, cultures and traditions help people feel they belong.
That sense of belonging has guided much of her community involvement. Roselyn was first invited into volunteering in her early 20s through the Friends of Aigantighe. What began as a chance to support the art gallery became more than two decades of contribution and learning. Through the Friends, she helped support artists, exhibitions and access to art, while also gaining practical skills in meetings, governance, organising and teamwork. The experience showed her that volunteering opens doors: not only to helping others, but to learning from people of different ages, backgrounds and perspectives.
Roselyn’s passion for free, meaningful family fun led to Timaru Rocks, a simple idea and activity that quickly grew into a community of thousands. Rock painting events brought people together and reinforced that many families were looking for low-cost ways to enjoy the district. From there, Roselyn, Chris and her father Geoff created WuHoo Timaru, a voluntary project helping people discover free things to see and do across the district. As the project grew, Roselyn began researching local places and stories, making everyday outings richer by connecting people with the history around them.
One of Roselyn’s most visible contributions has been her involvement with CPlay at Caroline Bay. As part of a small volunteer committee, she helped champion a new playground that raised $3 million and, when it opened, was one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. Drawing on what she had learned through volunteering, Roselyn helped ensure the play space was fun, accessible, challenging and meaningful. The playground’s themes celebrate local stories, helping children play while also learning about where they come from. She also created resources for educators to support school visits and connect play with local learning.
Her contribution extends across the arts, heritage and civic life of the district. Through the Friends of Aigantighe and the Timaru Civic Trust, Roselyn has supported causes that reflect her love of art, history, buildings and local stories. For her, these things matter because they help people feel part of something larger than themselves. She believes old buildings, artworks, museums, libraries, sports fields and public spaces all help create communities around them.
Timaru, Roselyn says, is small enough for people to make a genuine difference, yet rich with opportunities. From the library, Aigantighe Art Gallery and South Canterbury Museum to playgrounds, sports facilities, theatres, gardens, beaches and nearby lakes and trails, she sees a district where people can discover what matters to them and find their own way to contribute. Her own family spends time together, often exploring, making, noticing and uncovering local stories together.
She encourages others get involved in volunteering “you do not need to be an expert, and you do not need to do everything. You simply bring what you can. Whether it is time, creativity, practical skills, curiosity or encouragement, every contribution matters.”Roselyn’s involvement shows how volunteering can open doors, strengthen connections and help make Timaru a great place to live, visit and belong.
“I want people to feel seen, included and able to participate. I want children to have opportunities to discover what they enjoy and where they belong. I want people to understand that their ideas, skills and experiences have value.” says Roselyn Fauth
