Jenny Giles

Occupation: Retired Child Minder

Council Role: Chair of the Information Centre committee and part of Finance, Planning, GP and HR committees.

What do you enjoy most about serving the community: What I enjoy most about serving the community is the strong sense of connection it creates. You really get to know people, from residents and local businesses to fellow councillors and that builds a genuine feeling of belonging.  It’s also incredibly rewarding to see ideas turn into real outcomes. Whether it’s a small improvement or a larger project, knowing that something positive has been achieved for the benefit of the community makes the role feel worthwhile and meaningful.

What is one issue that you would encourage residents to get involved in: One issue I’d really encourage residents to get involved in is supporting funding and improvements for our local play parks. These spaces are invaluable for families in Ashburton, providing safe places for children to play, socialise, and stay active. By getting behind these efforts, residents can help ensure these important community resources are maintained, enhanced, and protected for future generations.

A fun fact about yourself: I’m a keen gardener and love growing my own vegetables and flowers. My father designed a wonderful greenhouse for me, which my husband then built, and it’s become my little sanctuary where I spend much of my free time.