About

Women in Leadership - Knowledge Cafe Series

Jane Ellis - Director, Earth Sea and Sky

After completing a degree in Agricultural Science Jane anticipated a pathway that was orientated around farming. Meeting a South Island mountaineer changed that course. The rural base was traded for South Island city life where partner David’s family business, Arthur Ellis and Co, was located. The takeover of the family company by an overseas firm resulted in the need to move on.

David had noted a gap in the market for outdoor clothing that performed but was stylish enough for streetwear. The result was the formation, in 1990, of Earth Sea Sky.

The demands of raising three boys were the primary focus of Jane for the first 11 years of the company’s life. A strong interest in education saw her take on leadership roles in Parents Centre, kindergarten and primary schools.

Challenges experienced with the educational opportunities available for her own boys resulted in a role on the Learning Discovery Trust. Jane was chair of Unlimited Paenga Tawhiti for its first seven years and remains on the Board as a Trust representative.

This year she represented the Trust at an OECD meeting in Paris in a project being run internationally on ‘Innovation in Education.’

For the last nine years Jane has worked full time at Earth Sea Sky. Commitment to 100% New Zealand made, quality design and materials, make the company unique and the role as operational director greatly varied and satisfying.