Richard Benge (MNZM)
KUSMT Chair, Richard Benge, stepped down as Chair of the Trust at the 2025 AGM. He has held the position for the last seven years and was replaced, by Major Larry Keim.
Richard had great heart for the Marines’ story and first became engage with it while he was working for the Friends of Old St Paul’s. At that time, he helped raise funds for the ‘Friend in Need Exhibition’ that subsequently toured the Museum of City & Sea in Wellington and the National Army Museum in Waiouru.
Formerly the Cultural Affairs Specialist for the Embassy of the United States of America in Wellington, Richard succeeded former Mayor Jenny Rowan, as Chair in 2018. He and Jenny were both foundation members of the Trust and responsible for its original direction. Richard helped secure and establishment grant from the US Embassy.
Executive Secretary, Allie Webber, says: “Over the past seven years Richard has brought warmth, passion, and a cool head to the leadership to the Trust. He will be greatly missed. He has been an excellent spokesperson and public advocate and has also been our ceremonial guru - the ‘maestro’ behind all our successful events.
Under his leadership the Trust has up-graded its website; secured and restored WWII Norm Hatch Collection of films and photographs from the United States and made them available to the public of New Zealand; designed and built the Camp Paekākāriki Memorial and begun work on a new Marines Trailway across all three camp sites.”
Richard is the Executive Director of Arts Access Aotearoa – advocating for accessible arts in New Zealand. He was awarded an MNZM in 2024. He will remain as a voluntary consultant to the Trust for specific assignments and has been appointed a Life Member.